Avoiding Common Print Pitfalls: What to Do (and What to Avoid) with Printed Materials

When it comes to printed materials, quality is key. From business cards to banners, every detail matters in making a strong impression. But even small mistakes can lead to disappointing results, costing time and money to fix. Here, we’ll guide you through common print pitfalls, sharing what to do—and what to avoid—to ensure your materials are professional, impactful, and long-lasting.

 

1. DO: Use High-Resolution Images

Low-resolution images may look fine on screens but often appear blurry or pixelated in print. For crisp, clear prints, ensure your images are at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) at their final printed size.

• AVOID: Submitting images at screen resolution (typically 72 DPI) or enlarging small images. This leads to poor quality and unprofessional results.

2. DO: Choose the Right Color Profile

Print uses the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color model, while screens display in RGB (red, green, blue). Converting your design to CMYK before sending it to print helps prevent unexpected color shifts.

• AVOID: Sending files in RGB format, as this can result in colors appearing duller or different than expected. Always convert files to CMYK for accurate color reproduction.

3. DO: Add Bleed and Safe Zones

Bleed refers to the extra space around the edges of your design that allows for clean trimming, while the safe zone is the area where all important elements (like text) should be kept away from the edge. This prevents accidental cropping and uneven borders.

• AVOID: Placing important details too close to the edge or neglecting bleed altogether. This can lead to critical elements being cut off or unsightly white edges around your design.

4. DO: Proof Your Content

Misspellings, layout issues, and other mistakes can ruin an otherwise perfect print job. Proofing your work thoroughly—or better yet, having a fresh set of eyes review it—helps catch errors before printing.

• AVOID: Skipping the proofing stage. Even a single typo or misplaced image can undermine the professionalism of your print materials.

5. DO: Select the Right Paper Stock and Finish

The choice of paper impacts both the feel and durability of your print. Heavier, quality stock can add a premium touch, while finishes like matte, gloss, or soft-touch lamination enhance the appearance.

• AVOID: Choosing a thin, low-quality stock to save on costs. This can make your materials look cheap and less durable, diminishing the impression your brand makes.

6. DO: Consider Readability and Font Choices

Font size and style significantly impact readability, especially for smaller items like business cards. Use simple, legible fonts and ensure text is large enough to read comfortably.

• AVOID: Using overly intricate or small fonts that can be difficult to read in print, especially for critical information like contact details or product descriptions.

7. DO: Handle Prints with Care

Proper handling of printed materials ensures they remain in pristine condition. Store prints flat and away from moisture, direct sunlight, or excessive heat to avoid fading or warping.

• AVOID: Stacking prints without protection, storing them in damp or sun-exposed areas, or mishandling them during transport, as this can cause damage and reduce their lifespan.

8. DO: Account for the Viewing Environment

Colors and contrast can look different depending on lighting. If your printed materials will be viewed in specific lighting conditions (e.g., outdoors, under fluorescent lights), adjust colors accordingly for maximum impact.

• AVOID: Ignoring the intended display environment, which can lead to colors appearing too dark or washed out.

9. DO: Understand Print File Formats

For optimal quality, submit files in high-resolution PDF format whenever possible. PDFs retain fonts, images, and vectors without compression loss, making them ideal for printing.

• AVOID: Using formats like JPEG or PNG for final print files unless they’re very high resolution. These formats can cause compression artifacts that lower print quality.

10. DO: Communicate with Your Print Provider

Each print job is unique, and your provider can offer valuable advice on preparing your files, selecting materials, and achieving the best results. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about color accuracy, finishes, or turnaround times.

• AVOID: Going through the process without guidance. Misunderstandings can lead to costly reprints, so communicate openly to ensure your project meets expectations.