Curious to know how I prepare my files for print or digital purposes? Take a peak in my process! First things first I need to get a sense of the end usage of the design, the client, and who the target audience is. Next, I need to set up the project, and in order to do that I need a few details.
Setting Up The Project
First things first, I’ll need to get some information about the project. Is this a print project? Or a digital project? What are the specifications and requirements for this project? Do I have any images, fonts, or other assets that I can use like a brand guideline?
For Print Projects:
When the project is intended for printing, I will need the following information:
- The document dimensions
- Resolution (300dpi for most print jobs)
- Color mode (CMYK)
- Bleed settings
- Are crop marks required?
- Fonts, images, and assets that I already have approved
- Brand guidelines I need to follow if applicable
Digital Projects:
When the project is intended for digital, I will need the following information:
- Format needed
- The document dimensions
- Resolution (72dpi for most web graphics)
- Color mode (RGB)
- Compression
Knowing the end use for the project helps me choose the right settings for my design.
How I Optimize Files For Print vs. Digital
Something I must keep in mind when designing projects is the need to balance the quality of the design with the file size. I want the file to look clear and high-quality, while also making sure the file size isn’t too large. It needs to load quickly and be optimized correctly.
In order to optimize the files, I need to use the best resolution, color mode, compression, and file format for the job.
For print, I will use a high-resolution of 300dpi or more, CMYK color mode and I will export the file as a PDF, or an EPS file when required. (EPS is a vector file format often used to produce vast detailed images such as billboards or large posters. They retain resolution regardless of scale and are backward compatible. – Learn More) I’ll also ensure all the linked images in the design are 300 dpi and sized appropriately for the project.
For digital files, I will use a low-resolution 72 dpi, RBC color mode, and export my files as a JPG, PNG, GIF, or SVG format. (SVG is like the counterpart of EPS files and is usually used in website design)
For website files, I go one step further and use a service like TinyPNG to ensure the images are compressed as much as possible, to keep file sizes low as this helps with page load speeds.
Quality-Check!
Before I export my design, I need to ensure the quality of the design and fix any potential problems.
For print files, I will proofread the text, make sure the color mode is correct, check to see if we are using any Pantone colors, check to see if images are linked correctly if the fonts are correct if the document dimensions, bleed and crop mark settings are correct.
For digital files, I will test the file on different browsers and devices, and ensure the design looks good on all screen sizes.
File Export
The last step of the process is to export the project with the correct output settings and requirements.
For print, I create a “Package” of the project to make sure all the linked images, files, and fonts are included for sending to the printer if required. Then I create a new version of the design which has all the live text converted to outlines. Then I export the file as a PDF. I routinely use the preset PDF/X-1a:2001 but follow whatever requirements are needed by the printing company.
For digital file exports, I either use Export or Save for Web options. I will export it as a JPG, PNG, GIF, or SVG file depending on the design and use of the file.
File Delivery
After the project is exported, I make sure the folder or individual file is named correctly. Folders are then compressed into a .zip file and shared with the client, printing facility, or collaborators via the file transfer program of choice.