Top Design Blunders to Dodge for Flawless Printing

When creating graphic designs intended for print, careful planning and attention to detail are essential. A stunning design can lose its impact if certain common pitfalls are not avoided. At Printing Peach, we’re committed to helping you achieve the best possible results. Here are some critical mistakes to watch out for to ensure your print project turns out perfectly.

Ignoring Print Dimensions and Bleed

The dimensions of your digital design might look perfect on screen, but if they don’t match the specifications for print, you could end up with unwanted results. Always ensure:

Correct sizing: Double-check the dimensions of the final print product before starting your design.
Bleed settings: Extend your design slightly beyond the page borders to prevent unprinted edges due to slight shifts in the printing process.

Choosing Inappropriate Colors

Colors that look vibrant on your monitor may not print the same way. This discrepancy often stems from the difference between RGB (Red, Green, Blue) used for digital displays and CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) used for printing. To avoid muted or unexpected colors:

Design in CMYK mode to get a more accurate preview of how your colors will look when printed.

Using Low-Resolution Images

High-quality print work requires high-resolution images. Images that look fine on your screen at 72 dpi (dots per inch) will appear pixelated and blurry when printed at a higher resolution necessary for a crisp print. For a sharp, clear print:

Ensure all images are at least 300 dpi.
Check the quality of the image at the size it will be printed.

Overlooking Font and Typography Issues

The choice of font can make or break a design. Here are a few typography pitfalls to avoid:

Font licensing: Ensure you have the right to use the font for commercial purposes.
Readability: Avoid overly decorative fonts for body text to ensure readability.
Embedding fonts: Always embed or outline fonts before sending your design to print to avoid any font substitutions.

Need Expert Advice?

If you’re unsure about any aspect of your print design, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our experts at Printing Peach are here to help you navigate the complexities of print design to ensure your project turns out just as you envision. Call us today at 1-888-587-2383 for any print marketing needs!