Errors in print design are a reoccurring event. Some happen because we forget about it or sometimes they happen because we didn’t even know it was a mistake. Here are 10 of the most common errors seen in print design!
10. Font Type
Choosing a font for your design can be tough because there are so many! The font you choose can completely change the context of the message as well. The font should match the theme or mood of wherever the print will be seen. This error will cause your design to seem off. If you have a more serious tone in the design, but you use a curly font, more than likely the tone has been ruined.
9. Amount of Text
Sometimes we are tempted to put as much information as we can on a design, but this makes the design too busy. Make sure that your design has the information it needs with the least amount of words. Less is best!
8. Safety, Trim, and Bleed
The trim, bleed, and safety zones are easy to forget. Extend the background color or artwork to the bleed line to avoid any white edges from the trimming process. The cut line is where we aim to trim the product. The actual line can vary due to the trimming process. Keep all the text and important imagery within this line to ensure it does not get cut off during trimming.
7. Art Board Size
Before you start your design, make your artboard the right size. It might be easier to start a design by just choosing a random artboard size, but then you will have to resize it all at the end. When you have your artboard the same size as your design this makes it easier for your printer as well!
6. File Type
When you are exporting your artwork, make sure that you save it as a PDF! You can also send Adobe InDesign Files. The best way to know what file type you need is to get with your printer. For printers, make sure that your customers know what file type to send you. Communication is key in print!
5. Embedded Fonts
Have you heard someone tell you that you need to redo your design and to outline your fonts? What does this mean? We shared a tutorial on our social media so that you can see it, but basically it is exactly what it sounds like! In Illustrator and InDesign there is an option at the top to create an outline! All fonts are not downloaded on every computer, so this prevents from your design messing up on computers that do not have the font on it.
4. Screen Color vs. Printed Color
This topic might have caused a fight between you and your customer or between you and your printer. Why? Colors do not look the same on the computer as it does on print. Colors on a screen are created by light, while colors on print are created through ink. While the design you created is in lime green, the printed color might look a little less bright. Maybe you created a pastel color on the computer, but then your designs came out as a richer color. Make sure that you and your customers or you and your printer are looking at the same Pantone Swatch book and communicate about the colors of the design! If you have a question about the color, then just ask your printer before anything is finalized.
3. RGB vs. CMYK
RGB are the colors for digital design. CMYK are the colors for print. When creating a design for print, make sure that your design colors are set to CMYK. If you don’t do this before, then you will have to adjust the colors afterwards which can take more work, but it could also change how your design looks.
2. Resolution
Check with your printer to see what exactly your dpi needs to be set at, but we would recommend having it set to 300 dpi. If your resolution isn’t right, then your print will not come out as clear as you need it.
1. Spelling Errors
Always check for spelling errors. This might seem small, but it happens all the time. Sometimes a design might be checked by 4 people, but somehow there is small text and a word is misspelled. Don’t take it for granted that everything is spelled right when handed a design for proof, because this is one of the top print design errors that occurs.
Are you designing something for print or designed something for print? Do you want to show off your design? Let us know! We would love to feature your design on our #shoutoutSaturday posts on social media! Wes-Tex Printing is a wholesale printing company. Our company is instilled with family values that we extend to our customers. We have always been about quality, service, and trust. Our commitment to customer service begins with providing simple and effective ways to communicate with us. If you are unable to find the information you need on our website, please contact us. To become a Print Re-seller with Wes-Tex Printing, please register with a new account using our wholesale print reseller form.
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