3.12. Printing

 

3.12. Printing

Printing is a crucial step in the design process, and understanding how to set up your documents and prepare your artwork can make a significant difference in the final output. This guide will cover the essential aspects of printing in Adobe Illustrator.

3.12.1. Setting Up Documents for Printing

1. Document Size and Bleed:

• Choose the Right Size: Start by selecting the correct document size based on your final print dimensions. Use the "New Document" dialog box to set the width and height.
• Add Bleed: If your design extends to the edge of the paper, add a bleed area (usually 0.125 inches or 3mm) to prevent white edges. In the New Document dialog, set the bleed values in the Bleed section.

2. Color Mode:

• Use CMYK Color Mode: For print, switch your document color mode from RGB to CMYK. Go to File > Document Color Mode > CMYK Color. This ensures that colors are accurately represented in print.

3. Resolution:

• Set the Right Resolution: For raster images, ensure they are at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) for high-quality prints. You can check the resolution by selecting the image and looking at the Info panel.

4. Save as Print-Ready File:

• File Format: Save your document in a print-ready format such as PDF. Go to File > Save As, choose Adobe PDF, and select the appropriate preset (e.g., High Quality Print).

3.12.2. Preparing Artwork for Printing

1. Check for Overlapping Objects:

• Use the Layers Panel: Ensure that overlapping objects are correctly arranged. Use the Layers panel to manage and organize your artwork.

2. Convert Text to Outlines:

• Avoid Font Issues: To prevent font substitution issues, convert text to outlines. Select the text, then go to Type > Create Outlines.

3. Embed Images:

• Embed Linked Images: If your artwork includes linked images, embed them to ensure they are included in the final file. Select the image and go to Window > Links, then click the "Embed" button.

4. Use Spot Colors:

• Define Spot Colors: If you are using specific colors (like Pantone), define them as spot colors in the Swatches panel. This ensures accurate color reproduction.

5. Check for Transparency:

• Flatten Transparency: If your artwork contains transparency effects, flatten them to avoid printing issues. Go to Object > Flatten Transparency and adjust the settings as needed.

3.12.3. Printing Transparent Artwork

1. Understanding Transparency:

• Transparency Effects: Be aware that some printers may not handle transparency well. Always check with your print service provider about their capabilities.

2. Flattening Transparency:

• Prepare for Print: Before printing, flatten any transparency effects. Go to Object > Flatten Transparency and choose the appropriate settings to ensure a smooth print.

3. Use a PDF for Printing:

• Export as PDF: When printing transparent artwork, export your file as a PDF. Go to File > Save As, select Adobe PDF, and choose a preset that supports transparency (e.g., PDF/X-1a).

3.12.4. Overprinting, Trapping, and Presets

1. Overprinting:

• Understanding Overprinting: Overprinting allows one color to print over another without knocking out the background color. This is useful for creating rich colors and avoiding registration issues.
• Set Overprint Options: Select the object, then go to the Attributes panel and check the "Overprint Fill" or "Overprint Stroke" options.

2. Trapping:

• What is Trapping? Trapping is the technique of creating a slight overlap between colors to prevent gaps in printing. This is especially important for colors that are adjacent to each other.
• Manual Trapping: While Illustrator does not have a built-in trapping feature, you can manually create traps by adjusting the size and position of objects.

3. Using Presets:

• Print Presets: Use print presets to save your settings for future projects. Go to File > Print, adjust your settings, and click "Save Preset" to create a custom print preset.

Conclusion

Understanding the printing process in Adobe Illustrator is essential for producing high-quality printed materials. By following these guidelines for setting up documents, preparing artwork, and managing transparency and overprinting, you can ensure that your designs look their best in print. Always communicate with your print service provider to confirm their specific requirements and capabilities. Happy printing!