5 Common Printing Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Printing with a professional service can save time and ensure high-quality results, but mistakes in the ordering process can lead to delays, unexpected costs, or disappointing prints. Here are five common mistakes people make when using a printing service and how you can avoid them for the best results.

1. Supplying Low-Resolution Images:
Many images appears fine on a phone screen, but look pixelated when printed at a larger size. To ensure crisp, clear prints, always check the image resolution before submitting an order. AI image upscale tools such as imgupscaler.com can help with improving the quality of images.

2. Not Specifying the Right Paper Type:
Choosing the wrong paper can affect the final look and feel of your print. Glossy paper works well for vibrant posters and photos, while matte or textured paper is better suited for invitations and bespoke prints. Tear resistant paper is a good option if the print will be used outdoors.

3. Overlooking Bleed and Safe Margins:
If your design extends to the edge of the page, it needs a bleed area to prevent unwanted white borders. Likewise, important text or design elements should be kept within a safe margin to avoid being cut off. Although we do our best to calibrate our printers and trim prints with accuracy, the is always a small margin of error of approximately 1 – 2mm.

4. Sending files that are too large:
Designs will often be created without considering file size. However, if the file is too large, it may be beyond the processing capability of the printer. This can lead to delays and frustration. To prevent this, try to keep files below 100mb and ensure that PDF files are flattened before placing an order. Online tools such as ilovepdf.com make it easy to compress and organise your files.

5. Not Printing Samples Before Placing a Large Order
Although we do our best to understand the needs of our clients, mistakes and misunderstandings do happen. This is why we usually try to provide samples before starting a large order. We have a philosophy that spending more time at the beginning of the process to get things right is more cost effective than fixing mistakes afterwards.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure a smooth printing process and receive high-quality prints every time. Working closely with a reliable print shop and double-checking your files will save you time, money, and frustration!