~ by Vern Bergen, think4D Systems & Development Manager and Albert Sta. Maria, think4D Prepress Operator
Ensuring your artwork is print-ready is essential for achieving the best possible results for your packaging. Follow these steps to prepare your artwork effectively:
1. Color Profile: Set your color profile to CMYK rather than RGB to ensure accurate color representation in print.
2. Black Text/Thin Lines: Set black text and thin lines to 100% black rather than a mix of CMYK colors to maintain sharpness and clarity.
3. Color Swatches: Include a color swatches bar to indicate the colors used in your artwork, aiding in consistency and reproduction.
4. Unused Colors: Delete any unused colors to streamline your artwork and prevent unnecessary complexity.
5. White Layers: Add white layers for artwork intended for transparent materials to maintain opacity and vibrancy.
6. Gradients: Be cautious with gradients, as they may produce unexpected results in print. Simplify or rasterize gradients if necessary.
7. Bleed: Include bleed in your artwork to ensure that images extend beyond the trim edge, preventing white edges after trimming.
8. Trim Marks: Add trim marks to indicate where the artwork should be cut after printing, ensuring accuracy.
9. SSL Considerations: For materials requiring SSL (Special Security Layer), ensure text and images are clear of overlap areas to avoid distortion.
10. High Resolution Imagery: Ensure all imagery within the artwork is high resolution, with a minimum of 300dpi, to maintain crispness and detail in print.
11. Fonts: Package and embed fonts or convert them to vector paths to avoid font substitution issues.
12. Font Sizes: Follow recommended font sizes for optimal readability, considering factors such as serif vs. sans-serif text and positive vs. reverse printing.
13. File Format: Save your artwork as a layered Adobe Illustrator or PDF file to preserve editing capabilities and maintain compatibility with printing software.
14. Proofreading: Proofread and double-check your artwork thoroughly to catch any errors or inconsistencies before sending it to print.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your artwork is well-prepared for print, resulting in professional-quality printed materials that accurately reflect your artistic vision.
Have a project that needs the think4D touch? We’d love to hear about it.
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