Litho printing is a widely used print method for high-volume print work like brochures, posters, packaging, and marketing materials. It produces high-quality results that are precise. However, small errors in your artwork can lead to delays and additional costs. In this blog, we will discuss how you can easily avoid issues through correct preparation.
What is Litho Printing
Litho printing is a print process that involves transferring your design onto metal plates, with each plate representing a colour. Most print jobs use four colours:
• Cyan
• Magenta
• Yellow
• Black
These combine (CMYK) to create the full range of printed colours.
This process is highly accurate, so your artwork needs to be properly prepared before it reaches the press. Essentially, what you supply to your printing partner must be final and correct.
Start with the Correct Setup
Good print results begin before you even start designing. Before starting, you should:
• Use the correct size – always design at the final print size; you can’t always resize later, as this can affect quality and layout.
• Include bleed – ‘bleed’ refers to the small extra area around your design that extends beyond the final cut edge. It ensures there are no white edges after trimming.
• Keep important information away from the edges – text, logos, and key information shouldn’t sit too close to the edge.
Colour Setup
Colour is one of the most common areas for mistakes. That’s why you should always:
• Design in CMYK colour mode – always use CMYK colour mode, not RGB, as RGB is used for screens.
• Be aware that colour changes are common – some colours may look slightly different in print compared to screen. This is normal in litho printing.
• Use solid black for text – for small text, it’s recommended to use plain black rather than mixed colours to help keep text easy to read.
Image Preparation
Images need to be sharp and clear when printed. To do this, you should:
• Use high-resolution images – all images should be at least 300 DPI at the size they will appear in the final print.
• Avoid stretching images – don’t enlarge small images as this can cause them to look blurry.
• Use the right format – logos and graphics should be created as vector files where possible, and photos should be high-quality.
Typography and Fonts
Text needs to be clear and consistent throughout your product. You should:
• Make sure fonts are included – when exporting your file, ensure your fonts are embedded so they display correctly for your print partner.
• Check readability – avoid thin or decorative fonts as these can be difficult to read when printed.
Check Layout Before Exporting
Before sending your artwork for print, it’s crucial to review the layout carefully.
• Watch the edges – ensure there are no important elements too close to the trim edge.
• Check alignment – make sure everything is properly aligned.
• Avoid unwanted overlaps – keep text and images clear of each other (unless it is a design choice).
Export File for Print
The most common format for litho printing is a PDF. Here are the recommended export settings:
• PDF format (print-ready)
• CMYK colour mode
• 300 DPI images
• Bleed included
• Fonts embedded or outlined
It’s important to avoid sending Word, PowerPoint, or low-quality image files to your printer.
Looking for an Outsourced Print Partner?
Preparing artwork for litho printing doesn’t need to be complicated, and most issues can be avoided. At SOS Systems, we offer professional, high-quality litho printing services with a team of printing experts who are on hand to ensure your print files are properly prepared and handled safely. Contact us today for more information or to get started on your litho printing project.
