Getting a project from your screen to a physical page can be tricky, but following these key tips will ensure a professional result:
Resolution is King. To avoid blurry or "pixelated" results, ensure all images are at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) at their final printed size. Web images are typically only 72 DPI and will look poor when printed.
Mind the Bleed and Margins. If your design reaches the very edge of the paper, you must include a "bleed"—usually an extra 3mm of artwork extending past the trim line. This prevents white gaps if the paper shifts slightly during cutting. Keep important text at least 3mm-5mm away from the edge (the "safe zone") to avoid it being cut off.
Check Your Colors. Screens use RGB (Red, Green, Blue) light, but printers use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) ink. Convert your files to CMYK before sending them to the printer to ensure the colors you see on screen match the final product.
Font and File Setup. Always embed your fonts or convert text to outlines to ensure the printer doesn't replace your chosen typeface with a default one. Exporting your final design as a high-quality PDF is the industry standard for maintaining layout integrity.
Proofread Everything. Beyond typos, double-check phone numbers, dates, and contact info. It is much cheaper to fix a mistake on a screen than to reprint a thousand physical copies.
If you'd like, I can:
Explain the difference between paper weights (like GSM)
Provide a pre-flight checklist for specific software like Canva or InDesign
Offer advice for 3D printing or large-format banners