Posts

Printers Kelowna BC Discuss Common Mistakes

Many people expect their print projects to look exactly like what they see on a screen. The truth is that small errors in setup can cause major problems once the job reaches production. Files that arrive with wrong colours, missing bleeds, or low resolution can slow down the process and affect the final result. Knowing the most common errors will help you avoid them in your next project. Follow along below to learn more about what to look out for the next time you send a file to a print shop!

Common Problems Printers Kelowna BC See Every Day

One of the most frequent mistakes is sending files in RGB instead of CMYK. Screens use light, while printers use ink. RGB colours appear bright on a device but shift once converted. Printers Kelowna BC teams often adjust files before production, but starting in CMYK gives better control. Customers should check colour settings before exporting their work.

Another issue is low resolution. Images saved at 72 DPI may look sharp on a computer, but print shops need 300 DPI for clear output. Low resolution leads to blurry photos and soft edges. It also limits how large an image can appear without losing clarity. Proper resolution should be checked early in the design stage.

Missing bleeds also create problems. A bleed allows artwork to extend past the trim edge. Without it, thin white lines appear around the final print. A standard bleed is small but essential for clean trimming. Printers see this mistake with brochures, posters, and business cards.

Incorrect sizing is another concern. Files sometimes arrive in the wrong dimensions or with pages set in random orientations. This slows production as the shop must correct the layout. Accurate page setup helps avoid delays.

Font issues also cause errors. When fonts are not embedded or outlined, computers may replace them with defaults. This changes the design. Keeping fonts packaged with the file prevents unwanted substitutions.

Contact Printers Kelowna BC!

Good print work depends on careful planning. Printers Kelowna BC professionals help clients avoid common errors by reviewing files and offering guidance. Simple steps like checking colour mode, resolution, and bleeds create better outcomes. Contact us today for help with your next project!

FAQ

Why do my printed colours look different from my screen?

Screens use RGB, while printers use CMYK. This causes colour shifts if the file is not set up correctly.

How do I avoid blurry prints?

Use images at 300 DPI. Lower resolution will look soft or pixelated once printed.

What is a bleed, and why does it matter?

A bleed lets artwork extend past the trim edge. It prevents white borders from appearing after cutting.

/by

Prepping Your File for Kelowna Printers

You’ve designed your business cards, flyers, or banners and now it’s time to send them to print. But before you do so, you’ll want to make sure it’s ready for Kelowna printers. File preparation is one of the most common reasons for delays in the printing process. Getting it right can save you time, money, and frustration.

Things to Double-Check Before Sending Your File to Kelowna Printers

Choosing the right file format is your first step. Print-friendly formats like PDF, TIFF, EPS, AI, or INDD are preferred because they preserve layout and quality. These formats ensure your design looks the same on screen and paper. The format you choose should reflect your design software and the type of printing you need.

Colour management is also something to pay attention to. Most commercial printers use CMYK, not RGB. Make sure your colours are converted to CMYK to avoid dull or inaccurate tones. If your project relies on specific brand colours, Pantones can offer better accuracy. 

Image resolution plays a huge role in the quality of your final product. Anything below 300 DPI (dots per inch) can look blurry or pixelated when printed. Make sure your images are the correct size and resolution before placing them in your layout! 

Moreover, make sure you’ve chosen an appropriate typeface for your design. Clean, legible fonts work best, and pay attention to spacing. You should also avoid cluttering your design with too many font styles. Also, to prevent font-related issues when you send your file to print, it’s best to either embed your fonts or convert them to outlines. This step ensures that your text will print exactly as intended, even if your fonts aren’t available on our system.

Next, you’ll want to set your bleed and crop marks to help guide the trimming process and ensure your design prints edge-to-edge. A bleed typically extends 1/8 inch beyond the trim line, and crop marks let the printer know where to cut the paper.

Finally, before you hit send, take time for a full proofread. Spelling errors, misplaced elements, and colour mismatches are easier to fix beforehand. Once it’s printed, there’s no going back!

Contact us for Help With File Prep!

Not everyone has experience preparing files for print, and that’s okay. If you’re unsure about any of the steps above, our team is happy to take a look at your file and offer feedback before printing. We can also help adjust your file so it meets the necessary requirements. Contact us today for help with all things print-related! We look forward to helping you!

FAQ

  1. What happens if I don’t include a bleed in my file?

If there’s no bleed, your printed design may have white edges or uneven trimming. Including a bleed ensures a clean, professional result.

  1. Can you fix my file if I send it in the wrong format?

In many cases, yes. We can often adjust file types or settings, but it’s best to check with us first..

  1. I don’t have design software. Can you still print for me?

Absolutely. We can work with you to prep your file properly or offer design support if needed. Just give us a call or stop by the shop.

/by