Printing tips!

[donna_80]

Hello,

I've been designing graphics for some time now, but haven't really printed out any of my work, lest it might come out messed up or something. Mainly, because my information of printing requirements is quite limited.

I only know that the file should be either in PSD, or EPG format. And it should be set at CMYK for all the colors to be shown in print. But I have no idea about the ideal printing sizes, and colors. I heard about color adjustments, and separation. And that there are different shades of black, and perhaps red to be used in print items.

So, could someone please kindly enlighten me on this crucial subject? I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks a lot in advance.

[Lukas Engqvist]

It is very hard to in a mail just give you the overview and possible pitfalls in a whole industry, some of us have been active learners for the past 20 years, and still fint there are situations popping up that are new.

Also what program you are using and what kind of products you are designing to put out on what process on what substrate (paper)? Many of these variables are interdependant.

You would do well to look at the basic print process and basic colour management (the two go a little hand in hand). I would reccomend a visit to a local printer, things can get a little abstract.

When you have more specific questions I'd be happy to answer ;)

[Pointyhat]

What's an EPG file? Do you mean EPS?

[donna_80]

It is very hard to in a mail just give you the overview and possible pitfalls in a whole industry, some of us have been active learners for the past 20 years, and still fint there are situations popping up that are new.

Also what program you are using and what kind of products you are designing to put out on what process on what substrate (paper)? Many of these variables are interdependant.

You would do well to look at the basic print process and basic colour management (the two go a little hand in hand). I would reccomend a visit to a local printer, things can get a little abstract.

When you have more specific questions I'd be happy to answer ;)

I apologize for not being more specific. But like I said, I'm not, probably at all, familiar with printing and its concepts. However, what I meant was, how do I set up my file ready for printing? I guess that's my main concern.

I've been designing for ages now, but I'm still scared to take it to the next level. And apply for a professional designing job. I'm quite skillful with Photoshop, Illustrator, and Indesign. But my work is now set for viewing purposes only. So, I'm mainly wondering how to set up my work for print, so that that when I apply for a designing job, I'd know what I'm doing. Unless designing jobs don't necessarily require printing capabilities, in which case, I should be ready now. :)

Hope this was more clear for you. I really appreciate your help. As I'm desperately seeking a job, and I feel that graphic design is my way to go. :)

Thanks again.

[kialua]

http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Pal-Graphic-Production-Handbook/dp/0883623382

The Printing industry is a very involved and consuming education for a post. Try this book above for starters. I'm just curious if you did not learn about printing in your design school?

Most Printers have their own preferred methods of receiving jobs, so it is best to deal with them. But basically for printing you need to have 300 dpi in Photoshop for all photos and use CMYK mode, (yes I know Lukas disagrees with me and prefers RGB) For InDesign use to make the pages, again in CMYK mode, place the photos from Photoshop, and when you are finished there is an option for sending a PDF for the printer to print from.
File>
Adobe PDF Presets>
then choose which pdf you need according to your printers wishes.

[kialua]

I only know that the file should be either in PSD, or EPG format.
See my other post. This book will also answer all the below questions

And it should be set at CMYK for all the colors to be shown in print.
Choose cmyk color palettes when picking colors

But I have no idea about the ideal printing sizes, and colors.
The standard US print sizes are
8.5 x 11
11x17
and from there it is client dictated by their needs

I heard about color adjustments, and separation.
This is very involved again and you need to take some classes or online tutorials like Lynda.com

And that there are different shades of black, and perhaps red to be used in print items.
Again, tutorials like Lynda.com. You should buy a Pantone ink swatch book, FORMULA GUIDE coated, uncoated, matte .
http://www.pantone.com/pages/pant

[donna_80]

http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Pal-Graphic-Production-Handbook/dp/0883623382

The Printing industry is a very involved and consuming education for a post. Try this book above for starters. I'm just curious if you did not learn about printing in your design school?

Most Printers have their own preferred methods of receiving jobs, so it is best to deal with them. But basically for printing you need to have 300 dpi in Photoshop for all photos and use CMYK mode, (yes I know Lukas disagrees with me and prefers RGB) For InDesign use to make the pages, again in CMYK mode, place the photos from Photoshop, and when you are finished there is an option for sending a PDF for the printer to print from.
File>
Adobe PDF Presets>
then choose which pdf you need according to your printers wishes.

Wow, thanks a lot for the links and the guides. This is very helpful. :)

And to answer your question, I didn't learn graphics in school. I'm an Economics major actually. I learned photoshop and all that jazz, by myself, from online tutorials and such. I just have always been artistic, so I thought starting out like this would be helpful. All my learning resources are strictly from online, because I can't afford real classes at the moment.

One final question: Could my ignorance in printing be a hindrance in professionally working as, say, a junior graphics designer?

Thanks again for your help. :)

[kialua]

Yes absolutely it will be a huge hinderance. Part of the skill of being a professional is to understand the profession. So start learning and take some classes.