Checklist for Offset Printing

If you’re planning an offset printing job, here’s a short checklist…

Before you even begin, make sure that your printer can handle the files you plan to use. This isn’t an issue when you use the industy standard Adobe products or Quark Xpress, but if you’re designing in any other format, ask first! Also make sure that you’re using a version that your printer has. Most printers accept PDF files, so if your software can create correct PDF files, you’ll be in good shape.

When placing graphics elements into your page layout software, DON’T cut and paste, place!

Ink selections are more important with offset printing. Remember that each spot color equals one printing plate, one special ink mix, one press make-ready/setup, one “run” through the press. So, if you’re specifiying for example Pantone 186, make sure there is only one Pantone 186 in your swatch pallette. Having different versions of the same color in your pallette will result in each of those colors generating a separate printing plate. At best, your printer will correct the problem, but at worst, the files will be referred back to you for corrections and you’ll lose time.

If you’re printing in process colors, it’s not so critical. Spot colors can be converted to process colors by simply setting the ink color as a process color from your page layout program. Bear in mind that the closest CMYK equivalent to many spot colors can look very different.

Make sure that your spot colors match when placing graphics into your page layout. While newer versions of page layout software are getting pretty good at realizing that PANTONE 186 C and PANTONE 186 U are exactly the same on a press, it’s not the case if you’re printing PANTONE 186 C in your page layout, and the linked graphic specifies “Red”. You’ll end up with two red plates, one for “Red” and another for “PANTONE 186 C”.

Linked graphics: Repeat after me: “NO RGB, NO RGB, NO RGB!” Almost all digital cameras and scanners default to images captured in RGB mode. If your project will print in full CMYK color, convert the graphic to CMYK mode. RGB black will have a cyan, yellow and magenta component as well as black. Printing an RGB element’s black separation will ignore the cyan, magenta and yellow components. RGB black translates to about a 90% black for offset printing. If you’re printing a black and white photo, it will result in a duller, washed out photo. If you’re printing in color, only the black separation will print and you’ll end up with a dull, washed out black and white photo instead of color. Most printers will make the conversions for you if you only have a few photos, but large projects with many linked graphics will start costing you $$ if you don’t do it right in the first place. Furthermore, you’ll have no control over the conversion if you don’t do it yourself, and you may not like the results.

Bleeds: If you project prints to the edge of the sheet, extend your layout at least 1/8″ past the edge of your sheet. This is especially important if you’re providing print ready PDF files to your printer. The printer would have to edit your files to accommodate the bleed, or trim the job a bit smaller.

Many of these issues can be corrected by your offset printer if you’re providing the original files, linked graphics and fonts. Depending on the complexity of the corrections, you may incur extra charges. However, if you’re providing a print-ready PDF, it’s vitally important to make sure the PDF if correctly made.

Design your project with the final outcome in mind. For example, will there be a fold? Try not to place elements where the sheet will fold. If you’re designing using spot colors, try to minimize two light colors from having to trap to each other. It will result in “halos” where the two colors come together. If you’re pushing an unreasonable deadline, avoid heavy ink coverage that may take extra time to produce. The more complex the job, the longer it will take to produce, and will usually cost more.

Above all, stay in touch with your printer during the design process, don’t worry about asking questions… Your printer will appreciate that you’re making the effort to ensure a smooth process.

For more information on offset printing, click here.