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How to Prepare Artwork for Printing
When you prepare artwork for printing, following the right steps is essential to ensure that your final product meets your expectations. At Digital Ceramics, we are here to help you achieve the high-quality ceramic decals you envision. Here’s a straightforward guide to make your artwork preparation process seamless.
File Formats
First, consider the file formats. We accept a variety of options, but we prefer JPEGs or PDFs for the best results. When you save your PDF files, remember to embed the colour profile. This crucial step ensures that the colours in your artwork are accurately represented in the final print.
We accept any file format from Adobe Photoshop and similar software solutions.
Tiff, Jpg, Eps, Pdf, PSD, AI are the most common.
If you’re uncertain about which format is best for your project, feel free to reach out—we're here to assist you!
Image Resolution
Next, focus on image resolution. This factor plays a vital role in the quality of your printed materials. We recommend a minimum resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch) for optimal reproduction quality. Higher-resolution images lead to sharper, clearer prints, while lower-resolution images may appear pixelated or blurry. Always double-check your resolution settings before you finalise your artwork.
Artwork Size
Understanding the correct dimensions is critical when you prepare artwork. The actual sheet size is 32 × 45 cm, The maximum print area we can accommodate is 30 × 43 cm. It’s advisable to set up your layout at this size and fill it with as many designs as you wish.
Colour Matching
Another essential aspect of preparing your artwork is colour matching. If you have specific colour requirements, please let us know! We can use our in-house profiles to match your artwork as closely as possible and ensure your colours are accurately represented in the final product. A Pantone colour guide, or similar, can be beneficial, as it provides standardised references to maintain consistency across different prints.
Please remember the Ceramic colour space is smaller than the standard colour space you would find with standard printers. Our profiles will always try to match as closely as possible, but some colours may not be possible.
Additional Tips for Successful Artwork Preparation
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Proofing Your Artwork: Before sending your final files, always proofread your artwork for any spelling or design errors. A fresh set of eyes can catch mistakes you might have overlooked.
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Bleed and Safety Margins: If your design extends to the edge of the paper, include a bleed area of at least 3mm. Additionally, ensure that important elements are within the safe margin (30cm x 43cm) to prevent them from being cut off.
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File Naming: Use clear and descriptive file names when you send your artwork. This practice will help both you and the us keep track of versions and projects.
By following these guidelines for artwork preparation, you can ensure a smoother printing process and achieve stunning results that reflect your vision.
If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us via email at info@digitalceramics.co.uk or by phone at 01782 512843. We’re here to help you every step of the way!
