How to create Proper Printing File
In today’s world, technology has made it easier for many people to design their own products and packaging using design software. However, when it comes time to hand over designs to manufacturers or printers, problems can arise, such as:
- The design file not being suitable for printing.
- Incorrect sizing or layout.
- The final printed result not matching the design mockup.
These issues usually happen because certain details are overlooked. By paying attention to these details, you can avoid these problems:
- Always send the actual product packaging to the manufacturer or printing factory for verification.
- Use millimeters (mm) for your measurements, as most printing factories work with this unit of measurement.
- Make sure to learn about different product finishing options online, as different print quantities may require different finishing techniques.
The ideal solution is to compare your design file with the original packaging design to ensure they match before sending it to the manufacturer. Additionally, it is recommended to add 3mm extra space (bleed) and a safety margin to your design. This ensures that your design won’t get misaligned during printing, as every printed sheet will shift by 1-3mm during the process. By adding bleed, the final die-cut won’t affect your design.
As a graphic designer preparing artwork for printing, it’s essential to include proper bleed, safety margins, and use the correct file formats to avoid errors during the production process.
Interesting facts
“Bleed” is a term used in the printing industry, referring to the area of a design that extends beyond the final trim size. During the printing process, slight shifts may occur due to machine precision. To avoid white borders when cutting, designers include a bleed area, typically 3mm, at the edges of the design. This ensures that even if there is a slight misalignment during trimming, the edges of the image will not have unwanted white borders, resulting in a flawless final print.