Avoid Print Mistakes

A guide to better results

Common print mistakes and how to avoid them

Printing is often the stage where small design errors turn into big problems. What looks fine on screen can become blurry, cropped or completely off-colour once it comes back from the printer. These mistakes are easy to make but also easy to avoid with the right preparation.

Blurry or pixelated images

Low-resolution images are one of the most common issues. They may look sharp on a screen but print at a fraction of the quality. Print requires 300 dpi for clarity, while web images are usually only 72 dpi. Using the correct resolution ensures photos and logos look clean and professional.

Cut-off text or logos

If text or important elements are placed too close to the edge, trimming can cut them off. Printers rarely trim with absolute precision, so designs need a safe margin inside the trim line. This small adjustment avoids losing vital details.

Unexpected white borders

For designs that should run to the edge, forgetting bleed is a costly mistake. Without bleed, even a slight trimming shift can leave thin white lines around the outside. Adding 3mm bleed around the design ensures the colour or image covers the whole page.

Incorrect colours

A file created in RGB mode can shift dramatically when printed. Bright tones may lose intensity, and shades may not match at all. Setting up files in CMYK gives a more accurate preview of the final print and reduces surprises.

Wrong file formats

Sending a Word document or a screenshot instead of a print-ready PDF is another common problem. These formats often lack the correct resolution, bleed or colour mode. Printers work best with properly prepared PDF files.

Why it pays to get it right

Each of these mistakes costs money and time to fix, often involving a full reprint. A designer who understands print requirements ensures the artwork is built correctly from the start. That means smoother production, predictable results and no expensive surprises.

In short

Blurry logos, cut-off text and wrong colours are not inevitable – they’re preventable. With the right setup, print can look as professional as the design itself.

DESIGN MADE SIMPLE

Design is about exploring possibilities, creating clarity, and bringing ideas to life. Every project has its own challenges, and thoughtful design can make all the difference. There’s always something new to try or learn, whether it’s in print, web, or branding. If you’d like help with a project, contact me.

SHORTCUT

SOCIAL MEDIA

LEGAL INFORMATION

CONTACT

KIK Design