We have prepared a compilation of answers to the commonly asked questions about Digital Printing.
Feel free to reach out to us if you need more clarification and/or if you have technical inquiries.
- What is Digital Printing?
Digital printing is a printing technique using digital or electronic files from a computer. Digital printing doesn’t use plates; instead, it uses toner (like in laser printers) or liquid ink (larger printers).
- Can we use digital printing in any marketing materials?
We can print on almost any material – billboards, posters, PVC banners, hoarding displays, building wraps, interior graphics like wallpaper, vinyl, and display boards, as well as acrylics, wood, aluminum…
- What does DPI mean?
DPI, or dots per inch, is a measure of the resolution for print work. 300 dpi is the accepted standard resolution for printed materials. The higher the DPI, the sharper the image, while a lower DPI will produce a low-quality image in printed material.
- What is a bleed?
The bleed is the area to be trimmed off. It refers to the space left between the edge of artwork and the edge of the paper/material it is printed. The purpose of the bleed is to allow a margin of error in case there is a misalignment while printing or cutting. The recommended bleed area may vary according to the size of the required output.
- Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?
Printers and monitors produce colors in different ways. Monitors/Screens use the RGB (red, green, blue) color model, while Printers use the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black).
- What is the difference between CMYK and RGB?
CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) is intended for printouts, while RGB (red, green, blue) is design for screens. RGB supports a broader spectrum of colors, while CMYK can reproduce most—but not all—of the colors in the RGB color model. CMYK generally matches 85–90% of the colors in the RGB model. If the color selection is from the RGB model that is out of the range of the CMYK model, the application chooses what it thinks is the closest color that will match.
- What file format should I use when sending the artwork?
We highly recommend sending us the artwork in Illustrator (with outlined text), PSD, PDF, or TIFF formats.
- What is proof?
A proof is a sample version of a printed piece. It is a close representation of how it will appear when printed. We provide a PDF of the proof before production for customers to review all content, accuracy, and color. Proof approvals are required to ensure the client agrees on the desired outcome before going to press.
- How long does digital printing take?
Digital printing offers a faster turnaround. Less time is required for pre-press set-up, and the cutting, folding, etc., can start immediately as the inks dry faster.