Comprehensive Guide to Printing Posters: From Design to Final Product

 

 

Taking digital designs into the real world can be fraught with gotchas and gremlins. We’re so used to the world being digital that some of us have forgotten how to prep our work for print. This poster printing guide is here to help.

If you’re thinking of doing a run of poster designs for a campaign, party or gig (or simply to adorn your own walls with) here’s a guide to how to print your work. Follow our tips and you'll soon be poster printing with confidence – and you'll no longer have to worry about that guy in the printing shop laughing at you...

If you don't want to go to a professional, or if you want to try and few practice runs with your design, you'll need the right printer. Take a look at our roundup of the best home printers for some guidance.

 

1.Design in the Right Color Mode

If you're producing your own designs with the intention of taking these to a poster printing shop, then make sure you're working in the CMYK colour space rather than RGB. In Photoshop you can easily switch to this mode via 'Image > Mode > CMYK color'. This colour mode will give you a more accurate representation of how your colours will print.

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• Or convert to CMYK

If you’ve been working in RGB and have converted your work to CMYK, just before you send the file for printing you may notice the greens and blues in your image have become lifeless and dull. You can use Photoshop’s Gamut warning tool ('File > View > Gamut warning') to highlight the colours that will have trouble converting from RGB to CMYK.

• How to master colour theory

The RGB colour space has a greater array of colours than CMYK. Remember: all the computer-specific colours you pick in Photoshop for your poster then have to be printed with a selection of real-world inks. Those that can't be replicated will become 'out of gamut', and be printed with what is possible with the available inks.

Use vectors if possible:

Designer Franz Jeitz advises: "When it comes to printing, especially large-format printing, vectors are your friend. Try to design as much as possible in a vector-based program such as Adobe Illustrator. Not only will it reduce your file size, but it will ensure that you get the crispest print result."

 

 2.Resolution Matters: Aim for 300 DPI

Resolution directly impacts the clarity and detail of your printed poster. A standard resolution for high-quality prints is 300 DPI (dots per inch). This ensures that the images remain sharp and detailed, even when the poster is viewed up close. Low-resolution images can appear blurry or pixelated when enlarged, which is why setting the resolution right from the start is essential for maintaining a professional look.

 

 3.Save in the Right File Format

Choosing the correct file format is critical when preparing a design for printing. PDF files are often preferred for their versatility and ability to maintain the design's integrity, including fonts and graphics. Additionally, high-resolution TIFF files are a great choice for images, as they maintain quality without compressing the file. While JPEGs can be used, they are more prone to compression and may lose quality, so it's best to avoid them unless absolutely necessary.

 

 4.Add Bleeds and Crop Marks for Perfect Cutting

Bleeds ensure that images or backgrounds reach the very edge of your poster after trimming. This prevents any unwanted white edges. A standard bleed is about 3mm, but it’s wise to confirm this with your printer. Including crop marks in your design file helps printers know where to trim, ensuring that the final cut is precise. These marks are particularly important for designs that have a border or full-bleed images.

 5.Paper Choices: Thickness, Finish, and Quality

 

The type of paper you choose can drastically affect the look and feel of your poster. Paper weight is measured in GSM (grams per square meter); higher GSM indicates a thicker, more durable paper. For posters, a range between 200-300 GSM offers a sturdy feel. Finish options include:

•  Glossy: Enhances colors, making them more vibrant. Ideal for photo-rich designs.
• Matte: Provides a non-reflective finish, better suited for text-heavy or minimalistic designs.
• Satin: Offers a balance between glossy and matte, delivering a slightly smooth texture without too much shine.
• Consider the environment where your poster will be displayed when choosing the finish.

 6.Printing Methods: Digital vs. Lithographic

Understanding the differences between digital and lithographic (litho) printing can help you decide which method suits your needs:

- Digital Printing: This method is ideal for smaller print runs due to its affordability and quick turnaround time. Digital printing doesn’t require the setup time that litho does, making it perfect for projects with tight deadlines or smaller quantities.

- Lithographic Printing: This process involves creating plates for each color, resulting in precise and consistent colors, especially for large print runs. While the initial setup is more time-consuming, litho printing offers high-quality results that are cost-effective for larger quantities.

 

 7.Proofing: A Crucial Step Before Mass Printing

Ordering a proof, or a sample print, allows you to see how your poster will look before proceeding with the entire run. This step can reveal issues with colors, resolution, or alignment that might not be apparent on a screen. Reviewing a physical proof also ensures that text is clear and that colors appear as expected. It’s an important opportunity to make adjustments without the risk of wasting resources on a flawed final product.

 

 8.Enhance Your Poster with Special Finishes

Adding special finishes can give your poster a unique look and texture. Options like spot UV coating, embossing, or foil stamping can make certain areas of your design stand out. These finishes add a tactile element that can draw attention, especially in competitive environments like trade shows or retail displays. While they may add to the cost, special finishes can elevate the overall presentation of your design, leaving a lasting impression.

 

 9.Eco-Friendly Printing Choices

Sustainability is becoming a priority for many designers and businesses. Using recycled paper stocks or working with printing services that offer eco-friendly inks, like soy-based options, can minimize the environmental impact of your project. Many printers now provide options for biodegradable or recyclable materials, helping to reduce waste without compromising on quality. Consider choosing a printing partner that aligns with your sustainability goals for a greener project.

 

 10.Choosing the Right Printing Partner

 

Finding a reputable printing service is key to achieving the best results. Look for printers with experience in poster printing and a portfolio that showcases their capabilities. Ask for samples to assess their print quality, and check online reviews to gauge customer satisfaction. Whether you opt for a local print shop or an online service, clear communication about your needs—including turnaround time, budget, and any special requirements—will ensure a smoother process.

 11.Preparing Your Design for Large-Scale Printing

When creating a design for a large format poster, certain adjustments can ensure the final print looks crisp and clear. Scaling your design in proportion to the final size helps maintain its quality when enlarged. Vector graphics, like logos or illustrations, are ideal for scaling without losing detail. For image-heavy posters, ensure that your files are large enough to be scaled up without pixelation. Keeping an eye on these factors will help you produce impressive large-format prints.

 12.Final Quality Checks Before Printing

Before sending your files off to the printer, conduct a last-minute quality check. Verify that fonts are embedded or outlined, images are linked correctly, and the resolution is set to 300 DPI. Make sure there are no unnecessary layers or elements that could confuse the printer, and double-check the dimensions, bleed, and safety margins. This thorough review can save time and prevent mistakes, ensuring that the final product meets your expectations.

13. Get your blacks right

Ben Powell suggests: "When printing posters using black, there are so many different types of black you can use (RGB, Photoshop, neutral rich, registration, flat, designer, and so on).

"My tip would be to avoid RGB black as this is primarily used for the web/digital and will look washed-out and grey in print. Which black you should use will depend entirely on your printing process and what paper stock you're using, especially if you're printing solid blacks.

"When I designed a recent infographic piece, I spent days printing various different blacks on different stocks of paper to get the most accurate black whilst making sure the colours didn't bleed into each other; a really lengthy but worthwhile process. Always leave plenty of time to test your blacks – it can completely ruin a fantastic poster design if you don't."

 

Conclusion: Elevating Your Design from Digital to Print

Turning a digital design into a beautifully printed poster requires more than just technical know-how; it demands attention to detail and a clear vision of the final outcome. By following these steps, you can ensure that your poster’s colors, clarity, and overall presentation meet the high standards you aim for. With a thoughtful approach to each stage—from design to print—you’ll be able to create a poster that effectively communicates your message and stands out in any setting.