Your business’s signs are an integral component of its image; don’t skimp on quality for fear that customers might perceive that you also cut corners elsewhere.
Signs should be easily read, so fonts large enough for legibility should be utilized. Furthermore, be certain that font kerning is correct to ensure maximum clarity and readability.
1. Use High-Resolution Images
Digital printing enables businesses to print photos, messages and images directly onto various materials at cost-effective rates. However, its quality ultimately depends on several factors, including image resolution.
To ensure that your printed piece looks just as crisp and clear as its counterpart on your computer screen, utilize high-resolution images whenever possible. This will give it that professional touch that sets it apart from its competition.
To determine an image’s resolution, locate its “Image Size” box or equivalent field within your software program and take note of its Pixels Per Inch value – 300 PPI is ideal to ensure sharp prints.
2. Convert Images to CMYK
Professional printers can advise you which technology would best suit your sign project, including information regarding image resolution, bleeds and margins.
To ensure that your images print accurately, they should first be converted to CMYK color space before sending them off for printing. The CMYK model uses four primary hues (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) as building blocks in creating hues which then visually blend to form color images on printed pages.
Converting RGB files to CMYK can be done easily using photo editing or vector graphics software; usually with just a few clicks. Some tools even offer free conversion services.
3. Create Print-Ready Files
Create print-ready files is essential in ensuring a smooth printing experience and can help reduce mistakes and save time. Taking this step will reduce errors while saving both money and time.
Make sure your design files are suitable for high resolution printing if you want professional-looking printed products.
Be certain to utilize the appropriate color model when creating artwork. Most computer monitors display colors using an RGB model while printers typically rely on the CMYK model.
Outlining any text in your file can also help avoid problems when printing; this simple step can be accomplished in most software programs.
4. Include Bleeds and Margin
Bleeds and margins are essential elements for print-ready files because they ensure that the end result matches what was imagined in your design. When designing a document from scratch, you can adjust these settings within Document Setup menu – we suggest setting standard bleed sizes of 1/8 inch on all sides to create a red guideline to indicate where your trim edge lies.
Bleed margins are essential when designing products with images or background colors that extend to the edges. Failure to include one may lead to an unsightly white border around its edges and less professional results. Furthermore, adding one also prevents images or background colors from accidentally being cut off when trimming the final product.
5. Proof Your Design Before Printing
No matter how carefully and thoughtfully you approach designing, mistakes will still happen. When you rush or fail to proof, errors will often slip through and become your responsibility and cost to rectify – making proofing so essential.
Proofing your work allows you to ensure that the colors in your file reflect how they will look once printed, as well as identify typos or any errors you might have missed in earlier steps. It may also reveal any mistakes that have slipped by unnoticed.
When proofing, it’s advisable to use a meter or light booth. This allows you to visually inspect your digital proof and make sure its colors match what’s in your file. In addition, ask your printer to produce a hard copy so you can hold it in your hand, examine different lighting conditions and play around with it directly.