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
How should I prepare my files for color-critical print projects?
Answer
For color-critical work, do not trust your monitor. Screens display in RGB light and printing happens in CMYK ink, so the two never match perfectly, and brightness or calibration can push a screen even further off.
To prepare a color-critical file:
- Build and check your file in CMYK color mode
- Set your intended CMYK values deliberately rather than letting a conversion decide them
- Order a hard copy proof to see the design on the actual stock before committing to the full run
A physical proof is the only reliable way to confirm color, since it shows how the ink truly reproduces on the paper you have chosen.
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