Sending a file to the printing house does not end with saving the design as PDF. Finished size, paper, printing and finishing decisions affect how the file is prepared. This guide provides an initial check for printed work such as catalogs and brochures, allowing the designer and manufacturer to describe the same job.
As Graphic Designer Selçuk Aker, I recommend evaluating design and print preparation in the same production plan. A work prepared without obtaining the manufacturer's technical specifications may have to be moved to a different size or folding order at the final stage.
Do not describe the order with quantity and size only
Separate the finished measurement from the open measurement. The hand-held size of a folded brochure differs from its open surface before printing. If different materials are considered for the inner page and cover, specify this separately. Page count, binding method, and delivery date should also be included in the design decision.
A sample order summary; It includes the purpose of the product, open and closed size, number of pages, paper selection, print sides, finishing and proofing request. Do not assume that the prices quoted cover the same job until this information is clarified.
Most confusing printing terms
- Cutting size: This is the size that will remain when the product is completed.
- Bleed: It is the extension of the color or image beyond the cutting line, which continues until the cut. The manufacturer determines the amount.
- Safe area: This is the area where important text and logos are kept away from the risk of cutting or folding.
- Crimea: It is the preparation of the folding area; Do not confuse which line is the cut and which is the fold in the file.
- Cellophane and lacquer: These are surface finishing processes. They should be discussed at the beginning as they can affect the appearance and production order.
- Rehearsal: It is a sample used to evaluate the result before production. Digital screen confirmation is not the same as a physical proof.
Separate PDF control from content control
The file may be opening; however, it may contain the wrong phone number, outdated product photo, or an overflowing headline. Obtain text and product information approval from the content controller. The designer should check the page order, layout, images and output settings.
Verify that fonts are displayed as expected within the PDF, linked images are complete, and the manufacturer's intended color profile is used. Instead of automatically selecting the same PDF preset for every job, learn the requirements for the printing method. CMYK and RGB guide explains the differences in color conversion.
Collect approval package in one place
The production file, a readable approval preview and brief technical note can be shared together. When multiple versions are submitted, clearly mark which one will be printed. Use date and version number instead of “latest”, “latest2” and “latest”.
Adding these control and delivery responsibilities up front to catalog design and brochure design reduces uncertainty on the last day of production.
Frequently asked questions
Is the bleed margin the same for every print?
No. Product, cut and manufacturer conditions may vary. Use the value given in the template or technical specification.
Will the color that looks correct on the screen look the same in print?
Screen, material and printing conditions are different. Critical colors require the appropriate profile and proofing process.
Does the printing house also check design texts?
Don't assume this automatically. Whoever controls the text, product information and technical file must be specified in the order.
