What are the most common mistakes in print production workflow?

3 Improper bleed and crop marks

Another common mistake in print production workflow is using improper bleed and crop marks for your graphics. Bleed refers to the extra space around the edges of your graphics that extends beyond the trim or final size of your print. Bleed ensures that your graphics cover the entire print area and prevent any white gaps or borders. Crop marks refer to the lines that indicate where your graphics should be cut or trimmed to the final size. Crop marks ensure that your graphics are aligned and centered on print. For print, you should always use a bleed of at least 0.125 inches (3 mm) and crop marks of at least 0.25 inches (6 mm) for your graphics. To avoid this mistake, always check your bleed and crop marks settings before exporting your graphics for print and adjust them if necessary.

4 Missing fonts and images

Another common mistake in print production workflow is missing fonts and images for your graphics. Fonts and images are the elements that make up your graphics and give them style and meaning. For print, you should always embed or outline your fonts and images in your graphics files. Embedding or outlining means that you include or convert your fonts and images into your graphics files, so that they are not dependent on external sources or links. If you do not embed or outline your fonts and images, you may end up with missing or corrupted fonts and images on print. To avoid this mistake, always check your fonts and images settings before exporting your graphics for print and embed or outline them if necessary.

5 Incompatible file formats

Another common mistake in print production workflow is using incompatible file formats for your graphics. File formats refer to the way your graphics are saved and stored in your computer or device. For print, you should always use file formats that are compatible with your printer or printing service. Some of the most common file formats for print are PDF, EPS, TIFF, and JPEG. PDF is the preferred file format for print, as it preserves the quality and layout of your graphics and supports CMYK color mode, high resolution, bleed and crop marks, and embedded or outlined fonts and images. EPS, TIFF, and JPEG are also acceptable file formats for print, as long as they meet the same criteria. To avoid this mistake, always check your file format settings before exporting your graphics for print and choose the most compatible one for your printer or printing service.

6 Lack of proofing and testing

Another common mistake in print production workflow is lack of proofing and testing for your graphics. Proofing and testing refer to the process of checking and verifying your graphics for any errors or issues before printing them. For print, you should always proof and test your graphics before printing them, as printing can be costly and time-consuming. Proofing and testing can include checking your color mode, resolution, bleed and crop marks, fonts and images, file format, and layout for any inconsistencies or mistakes. You can also print a sample or a proof of your graphics on a similar paper or material as your final print to see how they will look and feel on print. To avoid this mistake, always proof and test your graphics before printing them and make any necessary corrections or adjustments.