We require all submitted files to have a resolution of at least 300 DPI (dots per inch). If you print a design under 300 DPI, it will turn out fuzzy and almost unreadable.
Interpolation: Most images taken from web pages are 72 DPI, when enlarged using graphics software it will "interpolate" and resemble the left side of the image. Interpolation is adding pixels by sampling the color of surrounding pixels.
Trim Line: The trim line is the actual size of the final product. When your design is printed, the trim line will become the edge of your piece.
Layout Area: Your layout area starts 1/8" inside the trim line. The layout area is the space where it is "safe" to put your design, content and type.
Bleed Area: For each print job, 1/8" on all sides of the design will be trimmed off. This is called the bleed. Make sure you do not have any important text in this area.
Most businesses have both print and digital needs. You might want to use the logo from your website on a t-shirt or print a new product brochure. RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) is the color mode used in television, scanners, digital cameras, and computer monitors. Commercial printing presses print in CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and K for black). When you are moving from one realm to the other, it is important to convert your color model. RGB colors will not come out true when converted for print because CMYK printing cannot produce the same range of colors.
If its going to stay on your computer, tv, or website, it needs to be in RGB. If its going to print, it needs to be CMYK. Bright and vibrant colors that you see in RGB, simply cannot be replicated with standard CMYK inks. When selecting colors for your print project, it is best to use CMYK color builds to avoid potential RGB conversion issues.
By always choosing the correct color model for each application, you can make sure that your graphics look great on paper and on the screen.
Common issue: Programs translate bright blue in RGB into a purple color in CMYK.
