What a proper graphic for print should look like
In order to supply you with branded items that match your ideas, we need high-quality graphic materials. What should such documents look like?
Curves (vector) or bitmap (raster)?
The basis of everything is a vector (curve)
A vector is a quantity that has direction as well as magnitude and is always sharp and smooth at any magnification. In contrast, a bitmap (raster) is made up of a regular grid of points and will blur the image when enlarged. In 95% of cases we need vectors. The exceptions are digital printing, sublimation and printed materials, where we only need bitmaps at the correct resolution.
Vector formats and its advantages
The most common vector formats are .ai, .cdr, .eps. Variants are also .svg and .pdf files - but these can also contain bitmaps. Vectors are never in these formats: .jpg, .psd, .tiff, .gif, .png or .bmp.
The advantage of vectors is not just the result itself, but the ease of preparing visualizations. We don't have to deal with resolution, we can change the colour (e.g. replace black with white for printing on a dark background) or work with transparent backgrounds.
What are vectors needed for?
Vector substrates are needed for branding with the following technologies: pad printing, screen printing, screen transfer, laser engraving, embroidery, embossing, firing and sandblasting.
When is it appropriate to use a bitmap?
A bitmap image (raster) is made up of a regular grid of dots, with each dot assigned a specific colour. The quality of the image is then determined by the resolution (dpi). Bitmaps can be used in digital printing, sublimation or the production of printed materials. However, the supplied materials (usually photographs) must be of high quality, only then will you be satisfied with the result.
What does a good print quality photo look like?
For photos, the dpi value is an important characteristic. This indicates how many dots (pixels) can fit on a length of one inch (2.54 cm). To give you an idea: an image that is 300 × 300 px and has a resolution of 300 dpi will print as a 2.54 × 2.54 cm square on paper. 300 dpi is the point at which the human eye stops perceiving points and starts perceiving area. Therefore, 300 dpi is the recommended resolution as a basis for well printed photographs.
If you don't have a photo in print resolution, but there is no way to replace the unique photo? No problem, we can print from the supplied data, but we will warn you that the photo will not be printed in good quality. We recommend that you print the photo in real size on a conventional printer beforehand. Our printing will not be inferior.
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Example: if you want to print a high quality photo in A4 size, you need a bitmap (photo) resolution of 2480 x 3500 px at 300 dpi. |
Even colours are important
# Pantone
In the case of embroidery or printing with direct colours (screen printing or pad printing), the colours must be defined according to the Pantone colour chart. This allows us to mix the exact shade or find the right thread.
We use the Pantone Formula Guide Solid. Colours are determined by a numerical code and the letter U (matt) or C (gloss).
# CMYK
The usual colour model for digital printing or offset is CMYK. It is an abbreviation of the four printing colours: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow a blacK.
CMYK is not as accurate as Pantone printing has a fine raster. Therefore, it is used for printing photographs and colour transitions.
# RGB
Never use the RGB model when preparing data for printing (red, green,a blue).
This model is used to define colours for e.g. web images, works on the opposite principle of colour mixing than CMYK and is very unsuitable for printing.
Tell us what colours you want
If you have your logo prepared by a graphic design studio or have a CI manual that defines the colour scheme of your logo in both spot colours and CMYK, be sure to give us this information. We will then supply you with the products in the colours you need. If you don't have a defined colour scheme, that's okay, we can handle that too. We can convert the supplied data into Pantone colours.
Instructions on how to prepare graphic documents
Would you like to prepare and deliver the finished graphic documents yourself?
We have prepared a detailed manual for you - a DTP manual, in which you will find everything you need.
Let us handle this. We'll sort it all out.
Don't have suitable graphic materials and want to have them modified or make completely new ones? Don't worry, our specialists will be happy to prepare them for you. Include in your order all the materials you have available and our graphic designers will prepare them for printing. In this case, however, you must take into account that the order will be more time-consuming and costly.
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Are you stuck? Contact one of our specialists who can help you out with your purchase.
