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<\/p>\nWhether the project involves printed films, large-format graphics, or standard printed materials, clean print data is the foundation for high-quality results and a smooth production process. In practice, we regularly encounter obstacles\u2014both minor and major\u2014many of which are easily avoided if you know what to look out for.<\/p>\n
With this article, we aim to provide guidance and a practical reference\u2014compact and easy to understand. The following tips help you avoid common pitfalls when preparing print files, ensuring that design and production work together seamlessly and your project is executed as efficiently as possible.<\/p>\n
A common mistake that is easily avoided is the omission of bleed. Many print products require a bleed of at least 5 mm on all sides. If this is not included, visible white edges may appear during final trimming\u2014especially with full-bleed areas or background colors.<\/p>\n
Equally important: maintain a safety margin. Ideally, text, logos, or other important content should be positioned at least 3 mm away from the edge to ensure a clean result.<\/p>\n
An image resolution that is too low directly affects print quality\u2014especially for large-format designs. To ensure images appear sharp and clear from the intended viewing distance, we recommend the following guidelines for resolution at actual size:<\/p>\n
150 dpi for close viewing (less than 50 cm)<\/p>\n
120 dpi for viewing distances up to 1 m<\/p>\n
100 dpi for viewing distances up to 2 m<\/p>\n
70 dpi from a distance of 2 m<\/p>\n
These specifications serve as a guide; the appropriate resolution may vary slightly depending on the subject matter and material. We would be happy to provide individual advice on the optimal preparation.<\/p>\n
A common reason for unexpected color results in printing is the use of the wrong color mode. While screens operate using the extensive RGB color space, professional printing relies on the significantly more limited CMYK color space. Colors that appear bold and vibrant in RGB cannot always be reproduced exactly in print.<\/p>\n
For reliable color reproduction, we therefore recommend creating print files exclusively in CMYK mode\u2014ideally using the ISO Coated v2 color profile. This effectively prevents color deviations later on.<\/p>\n
For free-form cutouts\u2014such as stickers, labels, or special shapes\u2014a clearly defined cut contour is essential. This should be created as a closed path in 100% magenta (1 pt)\u2014ideally as a spot color named \"CutContour\"\u2014and placed on the file's top layer.<\/p>\n
Important: Please do not enable transparency or overprint effects, as this can lead to incorrect cut data. As always, it is better to ask one question too many than one too few\u2014we are happy to assist with any queries at any time.<\/p>\n
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Special applications such as white ink, varnish, or primer require specific technical preparation to ensure they are correctly executed during printing. The crucial factor here is:<\/p>\n
Create each application as a separate layer.<\/p>\n
Use a solid color with a clear designation.<\/p>\n
Set to \"Overprint\"<\/p>\n
Example naming and color values \u200b\u200bfor our production:<\/p>\n
White: Solid color \u201cwhite\u201d, 99% cyan<\/p>\n
Lacquer: solid color \u201clack\u201d, 99% yellow<\/p>\n
Primer: solid color \u201cprimer\u201d, 50% yellow<\/p>\n
We know this sounds technical at first glance\u2014but we are, of course, happy to assist with any questions and help prepare the file correctly.<\/p>\n
To ensure the data can be processed further without issues, we require a technically sound file structure. The ideal format is:
\nPDF\/X-3 (Version 1.3) \u2013 without transparencies, crop marks, or registration marks.<\/p>\n
Please do not send:<\/p>\n
Open layout files (e.g., InDesign, Word)<\/p>\n
Exotic or archival formats such as PDF\/A or JPEG 2000<\/p>\n
If you are unsure, it is best to simply ask\u2014we would be happy to check in advance whether the format is suitable for production.<\/p>\n
The more intricate the design, the more precise the planning needs to be. Plotters and materials have technical limitations that should be taken into account:<\/p>\n
Printed films with laminate: Minimum line thickness of 5 mm<\/p>\n
Plotter films (e.g., Oracal 751C): Minimum line width of 1 mm<\/p>\n
Finer lines may tear during weeding or peel off later. We are happy to advise on the design implementation to ensure the final result remains attractive and durable in the long term.<\/p>\n
Maintaining sufficient distance from the design is crucial\u2014especially for folds, routings, or drill holes\u2014to preserve readability and the visual design. Our recommendations:<\/p>\n
Minimum clearance of 5 mm from milled edges<\/p>\n
Minimum clearance of 3 mm between drill holes (smallest diameter)<\/p>\n
Here, too, the rule applies: the more complex the product, the more advisable it is to coordinate beforehand.<\/p>\n
Comments or requests such as \"please add more margin on the left\" included within the actual print file can easily lead to printing errors\u2014especially in automated production processes. Please always communicate production instructions separately, for example via email or in a clearly named accompanying file.<\/p>\n
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A clear file structure helps ensure a smooth process. Please note:<\/p>\n
Name files unambiguously, e.g., Motif_A_Front.pdf<\/p>\n
Send only one file per design.<\/p>\n
Clearly mark preview files as such.<\/p>\n
This makes assignment easier \u2013 especially with multiple products or variants.<\/p>\n
Large-format prints often need to be divided into individual segments. It is important to note that slight, technically unavoidable misalignments at the joining edges cannot be completely eliminated. Therefore, avoid the following:<\/p>\n
Placing fine details or text over panel joints<\/p>\n
Placing important elements directly at segment boundaries<\/p>\n
We would be happy to assist with the appropriate layout or handle it directly for you if required.<\/p>\n
Please note that we do not check the content of your data. Text, design, and layout are your responsibility.
\nShould you wish to have the content reviewed or corrected, we are happy to offer this service upon request and for an additional fee.<\/p>\n
This overview aims to help avoid common pitfalls when preparing print data\u2014not as a criticism, but as practical support for smooth collaboration. After all, we share a common goal: a technically flawless, high-quality result.<\/p>\n
If you are unsure about specific points or have individual questions, please feel free to contact us at an early stage\u2014we would be happy to provide personal, solution-oriented advice.<\/p>\n