Online printing lets you have high quality prints for your marketing needs. With basic know how, you can get the stress free service that can get your printing transactions done in minutes, and your delivery in several days.

But if you want to avoid delays, you have to follow the guidelines set for printing your files. These are often found in the websites themselves but are often neglected.

Printing Files, Errors, and Tips and Tricks

Remember that with printing, it will only process an output based on your input. Make sure you get your files ready for printing to avoid undue delays, unwanted errors and such. Here’s a short checklist for both veterans and newbies.

1)Sizes

•The last thing you need is to find out last minute that your design has a different size from the available sizes. There are different sizes for different templates. As a rule, standard sizes cost less than custom sizes even when they have the same area.

•When you want to find out standard sizes for your print, look it up in the printing company’s website. It will give you the list of choices with the corresponding prices.

•Aside from being cheaper, it’s useful to stick with standard sizes because they fit in standard envelopes, display areas, and fit postal services specifications.

2) Bleeds and Allowances

•Bleeds are the allowance you provide to make sure the prints are cut nicely. There is a .25 inch extension in the perimeter of the image. The prints are cut in large stacks so bleeds are your assurance that even if the paper slides the important elements remain intact.

•Apart from the .25 bleed, there is a standard margin called the safe zone where all your important texts and images are secured within. Make sure all the details necessary for your prints are within this to avoid undue errors in cutting or finishing.

3)Files

•Flatten your .pdf files. Also, do not forget to send in the original artworks, pictures or images you used in the design along with your print design. Also, include the fonts you used and embed them.

4)Proofs

•When the printing company sends you a digital proof, it is your last chance to check for corrections. Check for missed letters and wrong spelling. The printing company will print your files as you send them.

•If you want to waive your right to have a digital proof to make things easier for you, be sure that everything is in order.

5)Resolution

•The smaller the print the higher the resolution is required. Your business card for example needs at least 300 DPI to be considered high quality, while 11x17 posters need at least 200 DPI, and larger ones such as the large format prints as little as 150 DPI.

•Minimize data loss from compressing your files. If saving with JPEG, save only ones and with high compression. There are also file transfer protocols that can help you send large files. Ask the technical support staff of the printing company to help you with this.

When you’ve checked everything on the list, you’re ready for printing. Go to an online printing website and follow the step-by-step instructions for payment, uploading, proofing, etc. You can get everything done in minutes, and you can just sit back, relax and wait for the prints to be delivered to your doorstep. It IS that easy.