5 Common Printing Design Mistakes To Avoid[a]

Designing for print is a completely different ball game compared to designing for digital media. While it is possible to make changes to digital media after publication, print is for keeps. This implies that everything needs to be carefully planned and implemented before sending a design for printing.

Failure to do so will mean that mistakes will be costly in the end. Whether you are creating brochures, flyers, business cards, or packaging designs, precision is a key factor in creating professional designs.

Additionally, it is worth noting that designing for prints is not just about creating a visually appealing design. There is a need to understand the technical aspects and formatting.

Most designers tend to underestimate the importance of these aspects, which has led to several mistakes in the end. This is where being aware of common mistakes will come in handy.

This article will highlight five common mistakes to avoid when creating print designs and how to prevent them to create a professional design.

Ignoring Advanced Printing Techniques

To start, one of the main mistakes a designer can make is to focus only on basic printing techniques and ignore advanced ones.

One such advanced printing technique is lenticular design. This is a printing technique that creates the illusion of movement, depth, or changes in the images being printed.

Notably, it is a great option for making printed content far more interesting and memorable, especially in marketing and promotional materials. However, the main mistake a designer makes is either ignoring this option or using it in a way that is not fully understood.

The result is misaligned printed content. To avoid such a situation, it is essential for a designer first to understand the basic concepts of how this printing technique works. Furthermore, it is always beneficial for a designer to consult a printer to ensure printing is done correctly.

Using the Wrong Colour Mode

Another common error designers make is using the wrong colour mode for their designs. For instance, most software has a default RGB setting that’s perfect for screens but not for print. When it comes to print, one uses CMYK.

The difference between these two modes determines the final result. For instance, if one uses bright, vibrant colours in a print, it may be dull and slightly different from what appears on the screen.

So, to avoid such errors, one should always make sure their document is set to CMYK from the start. This will help them better understand what is expected for print. Also, it is very important to have a printout of your document to help you avoid potential errors.

Using Low-Resolution Images

Another important issue, aside from colour, is image quality, which affects the output of your print design. One common pitfall is using low-resolution images.

Ideally, these images look perfectly fine on the computer screen, but when printed, they appear blurry and pixelated. This will not only make your design look bad but will also reflect poorly on you as a designer.

To avoid this, it is always recommended that you use images with a resolution of 300 DPI or higher. This will ensure that your prints look clear and crisp.

It is also important that you avoid resizing your images, as this will only make them look worse. It is always recommended that you use high-quality images for your designs.

Forgetting Bleed and Safe Margins

Another factor of equal importance is ensuring proper settings on your design layout, especially on the bleed and margins.

Bleed, as defined, is the extra space around your design that extends beyond the edge after trimming. If not applied, a minor movement during trimming may cause unwanted white space around your design. Also, insufficient margins may lead to cutting some of your essential design elements.

To avoid these issues, always include a bleed around your design and keep your essential design elements at a safe distance from the edge. Also, always double-check your document settings before exporting your final document.

Overcrowding the Design

Lastly, one of the biggest blunders in print design is cramming too much information into a limited space. A design with too much text, images, or fonts can be difficult to focus on.

In a way, it becomes a blunder because instead of communicating a clear message to your audience, it becomes too much to take in. When communicating a message to your audience, your design becomes too cluttered and confusing.

In resolving this blunder, it is imperative to prioritise simplicity and clarity. It becomes essential to limit the number of fonts used in your design.

It is also vital to consider white space in your design because it helps ensure your design is clear to your audience. A simple design not only becomes more attractive but also becomes more effective in communicating your message to your audience.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, it is vital to avoid common printing design mistakes to achieve high-quality, impactful prints. Whether it is choosing the right colour mode or ensuring the images are at the right resolution, it is all about making your prints a success.

Besides, advanced techniques, simplicity, and technical aspects can greatly influence your design outcomes. In conclusion, quality and impactful prints are all about planning and attention to detail. By avoiding common printing mistakes, you can ensure prints that are not only impactful but also high-quality and professional.

Jenna Walter