How can you adapt print production workflows to different media?

1 Assess your media requirements

Before you start designing or producing your print project, you need to assess your media requirements. This means identifying the purpose, audience, format, size, resolution, color mode, and distribution method of your project. For example, if you are creating a flyer for a local event, you need to consider how many copies you need, what paper size and quality you will use, how you will print and fold them, and how you will distribute them. On the other hand, if you are creating a web banner for an online campaign, you need to consider the dimensions, file format, file size, and animation options of your banner, as well as the web platform and browser compatibility.

2 Choose the right tools and software

Once you have assessed your media requirements, you need to choose the right tools and software for your print production workflow. Depending on your project, you may need different types of software, such as graphic design, layout, photo editing, illustration, animation, or web development. For example, if you are creating a brochure, you may use Adobe InDesign for layout, Adobe Photoshop for photo editing, and Adobe Illustrator for illustration. However, if you are creating a mobile app, you may use Adobe XD for prototyping, Adobe Animate for animation, and Adobe Dreamweaver for coding. You also need to choose the right tools for your output, such as printers, scanners, or web servers.

3 Optimize your files and assets

After you have chosen the right tools and software for your print production workflow, you need to optimize your files and assets for your media. This means ensuring that your files and assets are compatible, organized, and ready for output. For example, if you are creating a print project, you need to make sure that your files and assets are in CMYK color mode, have the correct resolution and bleed settings, and are saved in the appropriate file format, such as PDF or EPS. On the other hand, if you are creating a web project, you need to make sure that your files and assets are in RGB color mode, have the optimal file size and compression, and are saved in the appropriate file format, such as JPG, PNG, or GIF.

4 Test and proofread your project

Before you finalize your print production workflow, you need to test and proofread your project for your media. This means checking your project for any errors, inconsistencies, or issues that may affect the quality or functionality of your output. For example, if you are creating a print project, you need to test and proofread your project for spelling, grammar, typography, alignment, color accuracy, and print quality. You may also need to create a mock-up or a proof copy of your project to see how it looks and feels in real life. On the other hand, if you are creating a web project, you need to test and proofread your project for usability, accessibility, responsiveness, interactivity, and performance. You may also need to test your project on different devices, browsers, and platforms to see how it works and displays online.

5 Deliver and distribute your project

After you have tested and proofread your project for your media, you need to deliver and distribute your project to your target audience. This means choosing the best way to send or share your project with your clients, customers, or users. For example, if you are creating a print project, you need to deliver and distribute your project by mail, courier, or hand. You may also need to consider the packaging, labeling, and tracking of your project. On the other hand, if you are creating a web project, you need to deliver and distribute your project by uploading, hosting, or embedding. You may also need to consider the security, analytics, and maintenance of your project.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?