What are the file types for printout? When youPrint DesignWhen creating files, choosing the correct file type and settings is key to ensuring final print quality. In this article, we will discuss the two main design software, Photoshop and Illustrator, and the file types they are best suited for. In addition, we will provide suggestions on important settings such as resolution, color mode, bleed level, etc.
What are the file types for printed output?1. Files created using Photoshop software
Photoshop is a powerful image editing software commonly used for processing pictures and image designs. When you use Photoshop to create print design files, there are some common file types that are suitable for different situations.
Supported file formats include:
TIFF (Tagged Image File Format): The TIFF file format provides high-quality image compression and supports multi-layer images. It is one of the common archival formats used in the printing industry. When creating a TIFF file, be sure to set the original size and set the resolution to 350dpi (standard printing resolution). At the same time, please set the color mode to CMYK to ensure the color accuracy of the final print.
PSD (Adobe Photoshop Document): PSD files are Photoshop's native file format and retain all layers and editing information of the image. This makes PSD files very useful when post-editing is required. As with TIFF, be sure to set the resolution to 350dpi and use the CMYK color mode when initially creating the file.
JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): JPG is a common image format commonly used for sharing pictures on the Web. However, in print design, JPG can also be used. Please note that when creating JPG files, please set the compression ratio to the highest value to maintain image quality. Likewise, make sure the resolution is set to 350dpi and the color mode is CMYK.
EPS (Encapsulated PostScript): EPS is a vector image format suitable for the design of graphics and illustrations. EPS files are typically used when image quality needs to be maintained at different sizes. The resolution should be determined according to the specific requirements of the design, but it is generally set to 350dpi and the color mode is CMYK.
There are also some important considerations when creating these profiles:
Before you start creating a file, make sure to set the usage direction. If it is for printing, please set the original size, the resolution to 350dpi, and use the CMYK color mode. If it is for large image output, you can set the resolution to 100dpi to 150dpi, and also use the CMYK color mode.
Before saving the file, flatten all layers to avoid file dropouts or missing prints.
Photoshop The image bit number is 8 bits, and the color of the screen cannot be used as the delivery standard because the screen is in RGB mode and the color of each screen is different.
2. Files created using Illustrator software
Illustrator Is a vector graphics software commonly used to create icons, logos and other vector images. When you use Illustrator to create print design files, the following file types are generally best suited to use:
Supported file formats include:
AI (Adobe Illustrator): AI files are the native file format of Illustrator and retain all editing information of vector graphics. This makes AI archives very useful when post-editing is required. Similar to Photoshop, make sure to set the resolution to 350dpi and use CMYK color mode when you first create the file.
PDF (Portable Document Format): PDF is a universal archive format that can contain vector graphics and images. It is commonly used in printed matter because it supports high-quality printing. The resolution and color mode settings are similar to other formats, with the resolution being 350dpi and the color mode being CMYK.
EPS (Encapsulated PostScript): EPS is also a vector image format, suitable for the design of illustrations and graphics. It maintains image quality across different sizes. The resolution should be set according to the design requirements, generally set to 350dpi, and the color mode is CMYK.
There are also some important considerations when creating these profiles:
Before you start creating an archive, please confirm whether the content of your manuscript contains embedded images. If there are embedded images, set the resolution and color mode of each image according to its purpose to ensure the quality of the final print.
Convert all text to framed fonts to avoid font inconsistencies or missing characters.
Embed all linked images into the file to avoid image loss due to missing images.
Like Photoshop, Illustrator has many built-in formats. Please save to file formats, such as AI, PDF, EPS, etc.
Illustrator also needs to set the color mode to CMYK to ensure color accuracy during printing.
If your design requires large image output, please inform the enlargement ratio of the artwork, preferably an integer multiple, to avoid size problems.
3. Set the printing file to CMYK
In Photoshop, you can set the color mode of your file to CMYK to ensure that the colors in your final print are as expected. Please follow these steps:
Open your Photoshop file.
Go to "Images" in the menu.
Select "Mode".
Select "CMYK Color".
In Illustrator, setting the color mode of a file is also very simple. Please follow the steps below:
Open your Illustrator file.
Go to "File" in the menu.
Select "Color Mode".
Select "CMYK Color".
4. Bleeding position
A bleed is a necessary part of a printed design profile that allows the background color or pattern of the design to extend beyond the edges of the finished size to ensure no white edges are left after trimming. The use of a bleed can provide a more professional look as it ensures the integrity of the design content after the print has been cut.
The principle of bleed is to extend the background or pattern beyond its actual size to ensure the integrity of the design after cutting. This way, even if the cutting position is slightly inaccurate, there will be no white edges left. If your print has a white background, there is no need to leave a white bleed.
manyPrinting ServicesFree printing templates are provided. These templates include bleed position settings. We recommend that you download and use these templates before designing to ensure that the design file meets the printing requirements.
When creating print design files, Photoshop and Illustrator are two commonly used tools, and each has its own most suitable file format. Setting the correct resolution, color mode and bleed level is key to ensuring final print quality. By following these suggestions, you can produce professional and high-quality prints.
