Print workflow tips for Web Designers - got any?
neilio (8 points) | Fri, 2006-06-23 16:21I'm a somewhat accomplished web / interactive designer that has been working online for about six years. Occasionally I get a request from a client or employer to do print work. Design-wise I feel fairly confident (design principles are design principles, after all) but the technical minutiae of print design (separations, full bleed, etc.) is a bit daunting to someone used to working on the RGB side of the fence.
So I'm putting this out there to all of the print ninjas on the site - what kind of tips or resources would you pass on to someone designing for print?
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You're right, most of the design principles are the same, but there are a couple of things you should double check. First, no 72dpi images. Your dpi (for rater images) should be at least twice the line screen the job will be printed at. If you can, make all of your image files 300 dpi and you won't have any problems.
For raster images: If your project will be printed in 4 color process, save your images in CMYK mode. If you will be using spot colors, you will need to have grayscale images with the PMS color applied in InDesign or Quark for single color images, or use Spot color channels for multiple color images.
For EPS images: Make sure your document color space is CMYK and anything printing in black is 100K with no CMY components. Also, 'Document Raster Effects' should be set to 300 dpi.
InD / Quark: Make sure you add bleeds to your document where necessary and try to keep your fonts at least 6pt. When you submit your project to the printer, use the Package command in InDesign, or Collect for Output in Quark and send the document, images, and fonts. That should take care of most of it.
Good luck...
For EPS images: Make sure your document color space is CMYK and anything printing in black is 100K with no CMY components.
100% black is good for text and lines, but for large flat areas of black you should use a Rich Black - anything from 30% C, 5% M, 100% K, up to 50% C, 50% M, 25% Y, 100% K, depending on stock and what your printer may recommend. 100% black in large flat areas can look just like a dark grey.
You get bitch slapped if you use 100K at most places. We use a 30/20/20/100 for our workflow.
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What I meant about 100K is for use in spot color work. For color work I use 50/40/40/100. Sorry for not making myself clear.
Early in your print project, try and make a decision about what printer to use and use them as a resource. They're the ones producing print work daily and can really help out with the finished piece. This has saved me immeasurably on many of my print projects.
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