What Is Digital Printing and How Does It Work?

28 November 2024

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, the demand for quick, high-quality, and cost-effective printing solutions has never been greater. Enter a digital printing company in London, digital printing is a revolutionary printing technology that has transformed the printing industry. Whether you're running a business, working on a marketing campaign, or simply looking to print personalised products, understanding digital printing is essential. This article will dive into the basics of digital printing, how it works, its advantages, and how it can be applied to various business and personal needs. We’ll also take a look at First Colour, a trusted provider of digital printing services that can help businesses of all sizes meet their printing needs.

Checklist for Print File Preparation

If you're preparing a print file for a digital print job, ensuring the file is correctly set up will make a significant difference in the final product. Here’s a simple checklist to help you get started:

File Format and Settings - Verify that your file is in PDF, TIFF, EPS, or AI format, set to 300 DPI resolution, and uses CMYK colour mode.

Bleeds and Crop Marks - Include a 3mm bleed around all edges, with crop marks for precise trimming.

Fonts - Outline or embed all fonts to prevent any unexpected changes.

Overprint and Trim Settings - Double-check overprint and trim options to ensure accurate colours and cuts.

Folds, Scores, and Page Order - For multi-page files, confirm that folds, scores, and page order are correctly arranged.

Quick Summary of Print-Ready Artwork Requirements

When preparing your artwork for printing, there are a few essential things to remember:

  • CMYK colour mode: This ensures accurate colour reproduction.
  • 3mm bleed and crop marks: These help ensure the print’s edges are precise.
  • 300 DPI resolution: For sharp, crisp images and text.
  • File format: PDF, TIFF, EPS, or AI are ideal for professional printing.

Quick Guide to Print File Preparation

Colours

Using CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) for professional printing is essential because it closely matches the inks used by most printing presses, resulting in accurate colour reproduction. Designs created in RGB (Red, Green, Blue) may appear vibrant on screens but can look different in print, as the two colour models handle light and pigment differently. To ensure consistent output, set your document colour mode to CMYK in design software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign.

  • Common Mistake to Avoid: One of the most frequent errors in print preparation is forgetting to switch from RGB to CMYK, leading to unexpected colour shifts. Always double-check the colour mode before finalising your file.

Bleed and Crop Marks

Bleed is the extra margin (usually 3-5 mm) around your design that extends beyond the final cut edge. It ensures that your artwork reaches the edge of the page with no white borders if there are slight cutting misalignments. Crop marks indicate where the final cut should be made and are essential for printers to accurately trim the document to size.

  • Setting Up Bleed and Crop Marks
    • In Adobe InDesign or Illustrator, select your document settings and add a bleed margin (typically 3 mm).
    • Enable crop marks when exporting or in the print dialog.

These elements guarantee a seamless finish and professional appearance.

Resolution

For sharp, high-quality print results, set your file resolution to 300 DPI (dots per inch), which ensures crisp details and vibrant colours in most standard-sized prints. However, for large-format digital art prints (like banners), 150 DPI can suffice since viewers typically see these at a distance.

File Formats

The best file formats for printing include PDF, TIFF, EPS, and AI. These formats support high resolution, preserve colour accuracy, and often include features like layers, transparency, and vector paths that maintain quality in print.

  • PDF: Universal and highly compatible, preserving layout and quality.
  • TIFF: Ideal for images, as it retains detail without compression.
  • EPS/AI: Great for vector files, ensuring scalable and sharp graphics.

Important Note

Avoid sending editable files (like PSD or INDD) unless they’re converted to print-ready formats, this is typically how digital printing works. Editable files may contain elements that could alter unexpectedly in transit or on different systems, risking final output accuracy.

For more detailed information on artwork preparation, check out our print-ready artwork guide.

Common Artwork Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced designers can make mistakes. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:

  • Misaligned text or graphics: Always double-check alignment and margins to ensure everything is in place.
  • Incorrect overprint settings: This can lead to unwanted colour overlap or issues with printing. Be sure to review your file’s overprint settings.
  • Low-resolution images: These can cause pixelation and poor-quality prints. Ensure your images are at least 300 DPI for standard prints.

How Fast Do You Need a Print Job?

Key Benefits:

  • Speed: From order to delivery, often within a single day.
  • Flexibility: Perfect for time-sensitive projects like marketing materials or last-minute presentations.
  • Sustainability: Environmentally conscious delivery options to minimise impact.

How Digital Printing Makes It Possible:

  • Digital printing’s streamlined process enables rapid completion without sacrificing quality.
  • By eliminating traditional plate-making, digital printing saves valuable time and makes same day printing possible.

How to Get Started with Digital Printing

If you’re new to digital printing, it’s important to choose the right printer for your needs. Look for a reliable printing company in London like First Colour, known for its high-quality, quick-turnaround digital printing services. Be sure to prepare your files correctly and consult with printing professionals to ensure the best results. At First Colour, we offer expert advice and services, including file checking, editing, and custom design solutions.

Ready to Print?

In summary, digital printing offers businesses and individuals a modern, efficient, and cost-effective way to produce high-quality prints with fast turnarounds. It eliminates the complexities of traditional methods and provides a versatile solution for a wide range of applications. Whether you’re creating marketing materials, custom gifts, or corporate stationery, digital printing is a powerful tool.

At First Colour, we’re committed to providing you with the best digital printing services. We carefully check all files and offer editing services to ensure your prints are of the highest quality. If you need help with file preparation or are unsure where to start, our expert team is here to assist you. Get in touch with us today to ask about eco friendly printing options or to begin your digital printing project.