By Tuyen Lam
Have you ever had to pay the “stupid tax” for a printing mistake? Raise your hand—I’ve been there, and I know I’m not alone.
To save you (and your wallet) from those painful moments, I’ve put together a printing checklist based on personal experience and tips from my amazing tutor, Catherine. Whether you're preparing for your final design project or regularly working with print vendors, this list will help you avoid costly mistakes and wasted time.
Let’s dive in:
✅ 1. Double-Check File Size
Make sure your file matches the correct dimensions required for print. One small error here can lead to stretched, cropped, or unusable prints.
✅ 2. Count the Number of Pages
Check that the number of pages in your file matches what you expect to print. Missing or extra pages can throw off the entire print run—especially in booklets or multi-page documents.
✅ 3. Leave Space for Trimming
Add bleed and crop marks if needed, and make sure to leave a margin for trimming. This prevents important content from being accidentally cut off during finishing.
✅ 4. Verify All Information
Double-check all important content—especially contact details like phone numbers, addresses, names, and page numbers. A tiny typo here can ruin an otherwise perfect design.
✅ 5. Proofread (Yes, Again)
Spelling mistakes are sneaky. Check once. Then check again. You’ll thank yourself later.
✅ 6. Check Alignment
Make sure everything is properly aligned. Turn on the grid or use guides to spot inconsistencies in text blocks, images, and columns.
✅ 7. Create Outlines for Fonts
To avoid missing font issues, convert all text to outlines.
Alternatively, package the file with fonts included if you or the printer might need to make edits.
Alternatively, package the file with fonts included if you or the printer might need to make edits.
✅ 8. Embed All Images
Don’t leave your images linked externally. If the printer opens your file and images are missing, your design could print with blank boxes—and that's not the future we want.
✅ 9. Check Color Mode
Ensure your file is in CMYK color mode, not RGB. RGB is for screens; CMYK is for print. Mixing them up will cause inaccurate colors.
✅ 10. Use Rich Black for Backgrounds
If you want a deep, solid black background, don’t just use 100% K (black).
Instead, set it to CMYK: 20% C, 20% M, 20% Y, 100% K.
This formula gives you a richer, deeper black on print. Just be cautious with text—thick black backgrounds can cause legibility issues if the font is too thin.
Instead, set it to CMYK: 20% C, 20% M, 20% Y, 100% K.
This formula gives you a richer, deeper black on print. Just be cautious with text—thick black backgrounds can cause legibility issues if the font is too thin.
✅ 11. Separate Layers for Special Effects
If you're printing with special finishes like foiling, embossing, debossing, or spot UV, make sure to:
Create separate labeled layers
Provide clear instructions
Outline which parts get the treatment
The more precise you are, the better the final product.
✅ 12. Mark Folding, Cutting, or Die-Cuts
Clearly mark fold lines, trim lines, and die-cut shapes. This helps the print shop prepare properly and avoids production errors.
✅ 13. Provide a Color Reference
Colors can vary from screen to paper. If you have a printed sample or swatch of the color you want, bring it to the printer. A visual reference ensures better color accuracy—especially for branding work.