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  • First time I have set a document for print

    #1

    Hi all,
    I just got my first job as a graphic designer after graduating my Graphic communication course in the UK
    However, since now I am designing for the real world I need to start using colours correctly so I get from the printers what I am expecting. If anyone can shed a little light on the following questions, then I would really appreciate it!

    If you are designing,say, a leaflet in quark, and produce images in photoshop for the whole backgrounds, how do you make sure the colours you use in quark are the same a s the ones in photoshop? ie how do I make sure a blue I use in photoshop will be the same blue as some text I do in quark?

    Can someone explain about spot colours, pantone colours please . Can I just reference a colour I want from the pantone book at work, and use as many as I like in a quark document? What are the difference between pantone solid/process colours etc?

    Why would I use a spot colour, what exactly do they do?

    I really need some help, so if anyones has got any good links to sites about printing, or can fill me in on exactly what I need to do when setting a document up for print, I will be very grateful.

    Many thanks
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  • #2
    Hi Graphic Designer, welcome to the forum. Pretty much everything you need to know is here: www.prepressure.com/ [img]/emoticons/cool.gif[/img]

    I love children but I don't think I could eat a whole one.

    Comment

    • #3
      If you're printing in 4 color (not 2 color with spot colors), you can grab PANTONE in Quark, but remember to make sure the 'Spot Color' box isn't checked, otherwise the prepress guys will shout at you.

      Do stuff in CMYK. You can use the eyedropper tool to find out CMYK values in photoshop and then use them in Quark. Not foolproof, but usually good enough.

      A spot color is one solid ink color. PANTONE is the standard so that you and the printer are all on one page.

      Comment

      • #4
        Hi thanks for the help so far guys. I guess I am aminly going to use 4 colour printing cmyk. My problem is that I have recently done a leaflet with a blue background created in photoshop. On screen, and from our printer, the colour was fine, but when printed the colour was nearly purple. How do I make sure the colours I want or a client wants are going to be the ones that are printed? I have a pantone book of colours, one half is coated, the other uncoated.

        Please help!!!!

        Comment

        • #5
          once again...another example of how colleges don't prepare students when they get out.

          no offense to you GD. not your fault...your just going to get a crash course hard.

          'I will become the most powerful Jedi ever!'

          'I'm the damn designer, bitches!'

          Comment

          • #6
            Yeah..for sure!

            You definately need to check that link that Kool supplied you with. That is ALOT they did not teach you in school. But you gotta start somewhere so jump with both feet in! Also check our resource section here on the forum. It will b of alotta help to you I think.

            Boobie Island or Bust!

            Comment

            • #7
              Make sure you aren't using RGB images.

              You might want to consider taking a part-time job in prepress or file prep. I did that as a typesetter, and when I started doing design it was invaluable experience. (And I did it in the bad old days of film separations!)

              Comment

              • #8
                Thanks for the advice guys, I cant believe they didnt prepare us for this at university. Oh well, basically I just need some tips on how to use colours for print. If anyone has got some good advice or other links that would be appreciated.

                Thanks so far for the help

                Comment

                • #9
                  not your fault GD... it's a trend that we find is more common as the days go by.

                  'I will become the most powerful Jedi ever!'

                  'I'm the damn designer, bitches!'

                  Comment

                  • #10


                    Hi , ask your print place if they can provide you with a copy of their color profile .CSF for photoshop.





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                    • #11
                      Also...they should have a spec sheet that will tell you what types of files they accept and all that good stuff. Useful information!

                      Boobie Island or Bust!

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Always try to get the spec sheet before even starting a design project.
                        Will save you and your printer so much headache.
                        Don't be afraid to ask you printer questions. If you are serious about getting the answers AND APPLYING them they will be more'n happy to help you out. Doesn't matter how stupid the question is but once you get an answer, write it down. Don't keep asking the same thing over and over.
                        Shows a lack of interest on your part and we will drop you like a hot rock.
                        Also realize that print processes are different. What works for the guy printing your brochures may not work for the guy doing your posters, etc.
                        I also like to point out that in my business (super large 'grande' format) there IS an RGB print process. Never assume.

                        PrintDriver is a large format digital print dude. His advice/opinions may not apply to the 4color/offset/web world of printing

                        Comment

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