There's a golden rule in the world of graphic design: "What looks good on screen doesn't always look good on paper."
A design that looks brilliant on a computer screen might appear dull, pixelated, or misaligned when it goes to print. This isn't due to machine error, but because the file wasn't prepared according to print standards (Pre-Press).
At Otiket, we've compiled the technical details you need to check before uploading your file to ensure your design is printed exactly as you envisioned.
1. File Format: Why PDF?
When sending us your design, you should preferably use the Print-Ready PDF (High Quality Print) format, rather than compressed formats like JPEG or PNG.
- PDF locks all elements in your design (text, images, vectors) and prevents them from being corrupted.
- If you are sending Adobe Illustrator (.ai) or Photoshop (.psd) files, remember to embed the images in the file.
2. Color Mode: CMYK, Not RGB
This is the most common mistake. Computer screens work with light and use the RGB (Red-Green-Blue) mode. Printing presses work with ink and use the CMYK (Cyan-Magenta-Yellow-Black) mode.
Warning: If you send your file in RGB mode, your colors will look dull and "muddy" in print. Be sure to set the color mode to CMYK before starting your design or when saving it.
3. Resolution: At Least 300 DPI
72 DPI is sufficient for websites, but in the printing world, this quality will appear "blurry". For your label to look clear, sharp, and vibrant, your images must have a resolution of at least 300 DPI (Dots Per Inch).
Tip: Small images you find online (from Google Images) are generally not suitable for print.
4. Text (Fonts): Convert to Outlines
The great font installed on your computer might not be installed on ours. When we open the file, the font character might change or disappear.
To prevent this, after completing the design, select all text and perform the "Convert to Outlines" (Create Outlines / Convert to Curves) operation. This way, the text will no longer be "Text" but a "Shape" and will never be corrupted.
5. Special Processes: Varnish and Foil Layers
If your label will have Spot Varnish (Gloss) or Gold/Silver Foil, the machine needs to recognize these areas.
- Do not leave these areas on top of the design.
- Create a separate layer or a separate page, and color only the areas to be varnished/foiled as 100% Black (Spot Color).
- Add descriptive notes to the file name, such as "Design_Varnish_Layer.pdf".
Conclusion: Quality is Hidden in the Details
A great design, combined with correct technical preparation, transforms into a work of art. Files you send adhering to the above points will be printed as quickly as possible and with the highest quality.
