Designing for print is a crucial aspect of graphic design. With the rise of digital media, it is easy to forget about print design. Nonetheless, print design still plays a crucial role in marketing and branding strategies. In this article, we will cover the considerations and best practices for designing for print.
Considerations
Before starting your print design project, there are several considerations that you should have in mind. Here are some of the most important ones:
1. Color Mode – Always work in CMYK mode when designing for print. This mode ensures that the colors on your print will match the colors on your computer screen.
2. Bleed – Ensure that your design has a bleed area of at least 0.125 inches. Bleed is the area outside your design that will be trimmed off. Printing without a bleed will leave a small white border around your design, which is unprofessional.
3. Resolution – Your design should have a resolution of at least 300dpi. This ensures that the print will be crisp and sharp.
4. Fonts – Use only fonts that are licensed for commercial use. Avoid using free fonts, as they may not be of high quality. Ensure that your fonts are legible and easy to read.
5. File Format – Use PDF or EPS file formats when submitting your design for print. These formats ensure that your design is of high quality and does not lose any of its detail.
Best Practices
Here are some of the best practices for designing for print:
1. Grids – Use a grid system to align the elements of your design. This ensures that your design is well-balanced and visually appealing.
2. Branding – Ensure that your design follows the brand guidelines. Use the correct colors, fonts, and logos of the brand.
3. Contrast – Use contrast to make your design stand out. Contrast can be achieved by using different colors, font sizes, and font styles.
4. Hierarchy – Use hierarchy to guide the viewer’s eye through your design. This means that you should prioritize the most important information and make it more prominent.
5. White Space – Use white space to give your design a clean and professional look. White space gives the elements of your design room to breathe and makes it easier to read.
6. Mockups – Use mockups to visualize how your design will look in real life. This is especially helpful when designing for packaging or products.
7. Test Prints – Always print a test copy of your design before submitting it for final printing. This ensures that the color and resolution of the print match your design.
In conclusion, designing for print requires a different approach from designing for digital media. Considerations such as color mode, bleed, resolution, fonts, and file format are crucial. Follow best practices such as using grids, branding, contrast, hierarchy, white space, mockups, and test prints for a successful print design project. Happy designing!
