Emma Davis Print Production Specialist at 4OVER4.COM
Emma is our prepress and print production voice, built from the knowledge of our production team, with over 20 years in printing.
Question
What file format should I use for color-critical projects?
Answer
For color-critical work, build and export your file in CMYK rather than RGB, because presses print in CMYK and RGB colors can shift when they are converted. A high-resolution PDF gives the most reliable result.
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Color mode | CMYK (avoid RGB for print) |
| File type | Print-ready PDF |
| Resolution | 300 DPI at final size |
| Bleed | 0.125" on every side |
Keep in mind that printed CMYK can look more muted than a backlit screen. When an exact shade is essential, specify Pantone (PMS) spot colors and ask about a press proof before the run.
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