Prnt.the in’s and out’s of

Content.

ColourRGB, CMYK, Multitone, Pantone and spot colour

Print processesoffset Litho, Flexography, digital, screen print, gravature and pad printing

Stockcoated, uncoated, wove and bond.

Paper sizesISO A series, B series and gsm

File FormatTIFF, PDF, JPEG

7YVVÄUNWYVVÄUNZ��ISLLKZ��JYVW�marks and sign off

-PUPZOPUNEmbossing, Foil blocking, debossing, spot varnished and die-cutting

*VZ[PUNZPUR��WYPU[�HUK�ÄUPZOPUN�costs

1. 5.

6.

7.

8.

2.

3.

4.

colour.Understanding colour systems is essential knowledge for control over design for print. 1.

RGB.

Digital cameras, scanners and computer monitors create images using combinations of three colours; Red, Green and Blue (RGB). These are the primary colours of visible light, it is how your computer screen displays images. RGB colours appear brighter and more vivid.

RGB is only used for digital formats and the colours will not look the same when printed.

RGB addictive

CMYK.

The CMYK colour model (otherwise known as the process colour or four colour system) is a subtractive colour model, used in commercial printing.

CMYK is an abbreviation of the four inks used in this process; cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black).

Everything you see in print is usually comprised of these four colours.

CMYK subtractive

Spot colour.

Spot colours is the use of one colour ink. Graphic designers use spot colours to ensure that a particular colour in a design will print. This may be necessary if the colour is outside the range (gamut) of the CMYK printing process, or because there is a need MVY�H�ZWLJPÄJ�JVSV\Y�Z\JO�as for a company or corporate logo. Spot colours have greater

intensity and vibrancy as they print as a solid colour rather than composed of half-tone dots.

Spot colour single ink

158 U

229 U

227 U

138 U

Pantone.

The Pantone colour system has been developed to include a wide range of different colours, including special solid, hexachrome, metallic and pastel colours.

The Pantone system has a unique reference number to each hue and shade to allow communication between designers and printers.

U- UncoatedC- CoatedEC- Euro CoatedM- Matte

Pantonepremixed

363 U

Multitone.

Multitone is a process of composing an image with ether one, two or three inks. This process requires that the printing press is set up with special inks, usually Pantone colours, instead of the standard CMYK inks. Using one, two or three colour inks that are not CMYK may reduce the cost of printing. There are 3 techniques within the Multitone techniques.

Monotone- Single inkDuotone- Two inksTritone- Three inks

Multitone1, 2 or 3 inks

Black variations.

There are many variations of black which differs when printed, however looks the same on screen. This is because there is only one way to represent 100% black- absent of light. Standard- C0,M0,Y0,K 100Rich- C68,M52,Y51,K100Cool- C60,M0,Y0,K100Warm- C0,M60,Y30,K100Registration- C100,M100,Y100,K100

The Standard black creates a more duller black (dark grey). To create a rich black you will have to set CMYK settings as shown.

Black black variations

Standard Black

Registration Black

2.

process.The key ways industry apply ink onto printable substrates.

Offset Litho.

Offset lithography is a process used for printing VU�H�ÅH[�Z\YMHJL��\ZPUN�printing plates.

An image is transferred to a printing plate, which can be made of a variety of materials such as metal or paper. The plate is then chemically treated so that only image areas (such as type, colors, shapes etc.) will accept ink.

)LULÄ[Z!1. Versatile2. Flexible3. Range of inks and stocks

Offset Lithoprinting plates

Water

Ink

Feed

Impression

Blanket

Plate

Rotogravure.

Rotogravure involves engraving the image onto an image carrier.

In gravure printing, the image is engraved onto a cylinder because it uses a rotary printing press. The rotogravure process is used for commercial printing of magazines, postcards, and corrugated (cardboard) product packaging.

)LULÄ[Z!1. High volume and durable2. Mass printing3. Detail prints

Rotogravurecylinder plate

ink tray

form cylinder

Printing cylinder

blade

Flexography.

Flexography is a form of printing process which \[PSPZLZ�H�ÅL_PISL�YLSPLM�plate.

This can be used for printing on almost any type of substrate, including plastic, metallic ÄSTZ��JLSSVWOHUL��HUK�paper. It is widely used for printing on substrates required for various types of food packaging.

)LULÄ[Z!1. Prints large areas of solid colour.2. Good quality prints3. Any type of stock

Flexography ÅL_PISL�WSH[L

Ink

PlatePlate

Cylinder

Substrate

Screen print.

Screen printing is a printing technique that uses a woven mesh to support an ink blocking stencil. The attached stencil forms open areas of mesh that transfers ink, which is pressed through the mesh to create an image onto a substrate. A squeegee is moved across the screen, pressing ink into the mesh.

)LULÄ[Z!1. Not as expensive2. shorter runs3. achieves high quality prints

Screen Printingwoven mesh

Squeezy

Ink

Screen

Digital.

Digital printing refers to methods of printing from a digital based image directly to a variety of media. Digital printing is for small run jobs from desktop publishing. Digital printing has a higher cost per page than more traditional offset printing methods, however avoiding all the technical steps needed for printing plates.

)LULÄ[Z!1. Short runs2. Specialise Printing 3. No offset or plate needed

Digitalstandard Print

Stock

Pad Printing.

Pad printing is a printing process that can transfer a 2D image onto a 3D object. This is accomplished using an indirect offset (gravure) printing process that involves an image being transferred from a silicone pad onto a substrate. Pad printing is used for printing on otherwise impossible products.

)LULÄ[Z!1.Transfers onto 2D and 3D objects2. Any surface printing3. Easy application

Pad Printing3D objects

Pad

component

3.

stock.Designers can chose from a wide range of stocks to add quality to their work.

Coated.

Coated stock is fairly smooth to feel and appears better quality.

coated paper does not absorb the inks printed as much as uncoated stock will. The inks will stay on the top of the coating surface. Inks appear glossy to the eye. Examples of Coated stock are Photographs and high quality brochures.

Coatedcoated surface

Uncoated.

Uncoated stocks are JSHZZPÄLK�HZ�IVUKZ��offsets, card and newsprint.

Uncoated papers soak much more larger quantities of ink, based on the surface area of the \UL]LU�ÄUPZO�VM�[OL�uncoated stock.Uncoated stocks are ideal for quick and less precise printing. Uncoated

none coated surface

Wove.

Wove paper is made on a closely woven wire roller and has a faint mesh pattern.

Wove paper is a writing paper that has a uniform surface. It is also used for stationary and book publishing, this is a premium quality paper.

Wove hand made

Bond.

Bond paper is an economic, uncoated paper.

Bond paper is a high quality durable writing paper. It is commonly used for letterheads and stationery. Widely used for graphic work involving pencil, pen and felt tip marker. This is a stronger tougher paper then wove paper. Bond

economic paper

4.

size.Understand paper sizes and how to use size.

ISO series.

ISO International Standards ensure that products and services are safe, reliable and of good quality. They are strategic tools that reduce costs by minimising waste and errors and increasing productivity. International standard (ISO) paper sizes are used in most countries in the world today.

;OL�Z[HUKHYK�KLÄULZ�[OL�"A" and "B" series of paper sizes.

ISO international sizes

A series.

The A series of paper is the most commonly used worldwide, with A4 the most frequently used paper size in this series.

A0 1189 x 841mmA1 841 x 594 mmA2 594 x 420 mmA3 420 x 297 mmA4 297 x 210 mmA5 210 x 148 mmA6 148 x 105 mmA7 105 x 74 mmA8 74 x 52 mmA9 52 x 37 mmA10 37 x 26 mm

A series common sizes

B series.

B series paper is less common than the A series, and is most often used for posters, books, envelopes and passports.

B0 1414 x1000mmB1 1000 x 707mmB2 707 x 500 mmB3 500 x 353 mmB4 353 x 250 mmB5 250 x 176 mmB6 176 x 125 mmB7 125 x 88 mmB8 88 x 62 mmB9 62 x 44 mmB10 44 x 31 mm

B series less common

gsm.

GSM is the weight of paper, mass per unit area. Paper board is expressed in terms of grams per square meter

;OL�\UVMÄJPHS�\UP[�Z`TIVS�is "gsm" instead of the standard is widely encountered in English speaking countries.

gsm paper weight

5.

file types.Helps transfer your design from the computer to the printer.

File types.

Most File types are made [V�OHUKSL�H�ZWLJPÄJ�RPUK�of artwork, typically ether vector (Illustrator) or raster art (Photoshop).

A designer will typically \ZL�Q\Z[�[^V�ÄSL�MVYTH[Z�JPEG for when working with images that are to be used on screen and TIFF for work to be printed. There are also V[OLY�ÄSL�[`WLZ�[OH[�JHU�be used with saving

graphic content, these ÄSL�[`WLZ�OV^L]LY�HYL�UV[�used very often within the industry of graphic design.

-PSL�;̀ WLZ!

1.TIFF2.PDF3.JPEG

File types ÄSL�MVYTH[Z

TIFF.

(U�0UK\Z[Y`�Z[HUKHYK�ÄSL�format, designed for the handling of raster or bitmap images.

TIFF- (Tagged image File -VYTH[��[OPZ�PZ�H�ÄSL�format commonly used for lossless compression of images for print.

TIFF printing format

TIFF

JPEG.

JPEG-(Joint Photographic Experts Group) A commonly \ZLK�ÄSL�MVYTH[�MVY�SVZZ`�compression images that are to be used for web images.

JPEG screen based

JPEG

PDF.

PDF-(Portable Document format) a portable format used for ZLUKPUN�ÄSLZ�MYVT�[OL�designer to the client used for checking and the printer for printing.

A PDF embeds all the necessary fonts and NYHWOPJ�ÄSLZ�MVY�[OL�design.

PDFWYVVÄUN�MVYTH[

PDF

6.

proofing.Helps to ensure accurate reproduction of your design.

Proofing.

(�7YL�ÅPNO[�JOLJR�PZ�VUL�way of noticing problem areas within the document. This checks that all used images and fonts can be found in its location area. It also checks if the colours are in the correct mode for printing. This can be accessed by going to ÄSL%WYL�ÅPNO[��0U�[OL�dialogue window, a small warning icon will indicate a problem.

7YL�ÅPNO[�KVLZ�UV[�indicate all the problems, so it is important to carry out general proof checks.

.LULYHS�PZZ\LZ!1.Is the size of your document correct?2.Spelling mistakes3.Is the bleed correct?4.Is the resolution of the image set at 300dpi?

7YVVÄUN��double check

Bleed.

Bleed is used for all objects overlapping the border off the document. Such as when you are working on a magazine with images against the sides of your pages. You will have to supply the printer with a document SHYNLY�[OLU�[OL�ÄUHS�document. There are alot of things that could go wrong if you weren't using bleed when cropping,the images

wouldn't be neatly aligned with the side of the document. Standard measurements for bleed is 3mm.

Bleed unprinted edges

3mm

Crop marks.

Crossed lines placed in the corners of an image or a document to indicate where to trim the page known as crop marks. Crop Marks can be placed on manually or automatically using InDesign, Illustrator or Photoshop.

Crop marks are typically used when printing to a larger sheet of paper than [OL�ÄUHS�[YPT�ZPaL�VM�[OL�

document, especially when doing bleeds. They indicate where to cut the paper.

Crop Marks trimming guides

Sign off.

Getting sign off, in writing, is a vital part of best practice when sending designs, copy or code to clients.

If changes need to be made later then, with sign-off completed, it is the client’s responsibility not yours. If, for example, there is a typo in a design MVY�H�Å`LY��WLYOHWZ�[OL�date is wrong!) and the client spots the mistake

after printing1000s of copies the responsibility for the cost of re-printing is the clients not yours.

Sign off approved

7.

finishes.(KK�[OL�ÄUPZOPUN�[V\JO�[V�your design and make it stand out on the page.

Embossing.

Embossing makes something stand out from the page. It impresses an image or text onto the stock using an engraved metal die. This creates a raised impression.

;PWZ!1.The image has to be 3 times thicker then the stock.2.Use thicker stock as it will hold the emboss much better.

Embossingraised surface

Foil Blocking.

Foil blocking is a process where foil is pressed onto a stock through a heated die which causes the foil to separate from its back.Foil blocking is also referred to as foil stamp, heat stamp, hot stamp, block print or foil emboss.

Foiling metallic surface

Spot Varnish.

Spot varnish is a special effect that puts an overprint varnish only on ZWLJPÄJ�HYLHZ�VM�H�printed piece, spot varnish is often used to make a photograph pop off the page, highlight type.

Spot varnished ultraviolet coating

Debossing.

Debossing is the oppo-site to Embossing. Debossing applies pressure to the front side of the paper, forcing the material away or down from the paper surface. Debossing is not as commonly used as embossing.

Debossingdepressions

Die cutting.

A die cut is a process that uses a steel die cut away a section of a page. It is mainly used for decorative purposes to enhance the visual performance of a design rather then serving a physical function.

Die cuts have uses from creating pieces with unusual shapes to creating aperture's that allow the user to see

inside a publication. Die cuts produce a range of effects from the striking to the subtle.

Die cuttingcut out sections

8.

costings.Making sure you get your moneys worth in printing.

Costings.

It is important to know exactly what it is your going to produce ahead of time. This will allow you to contact printers and see if it is possible with the budget you may have. Discuss you requirements with the printers to ensure they will be no mistakes (mistakes can be very costly!). Get 2 or 3 quotes from different printers in order to make

[OL�TVZ[�JVZ[�LMÄJPLU[�decision. It is important to plan well in advance to get the most out of your print. Also consider the print process carefully as this could have a big difference on price, including the number of inks used.

Costing ÄUHUJPHS�H^HYLULZZ

finishing costs.

7YPU[�ÄUPZOLZ�JHU�IL�]LY`�expensive, sometimes more then the print itself. Foil blocked, die-cut, embossed and spot varnished prints can improve the quality of the design. This can be represented in the price, due to the labour and costing requirements. Make sure you know the budget before planning a job.

Finishing costsÄUHUJPHS�H^HYLULZZ

ELIZ

ABETH.II

D.GR

EG.F.D.1971

Notes.

This swatch book has been designed to help you understand

the print process and how to produce your prints effectively for

commercial use.