Use This Checklist from AlphaGraphics Kansas City to Avoid Common Printing Mistakes | AlphaGraphics Kansas City Downtown

It’s disappointing when time and resources are spent on digital designs only to have them not live up to your expectations once printed. Precision in printing is a must for turning your digital designs into branding, marketing and sales success stories. AlphaGraphics Kansas City is dedicated to finishing print projects—from booklets and business cards to oversized brochures and direct mail—that reflect the quality and professionalism your brand deserves.

Of course, mistakes in printing can be costly, time-consuming and embarrassing. That's why we've created a comprehensive checklist, including the reasons you can’t overlook these checks, to help you avoid common printing pitfalls so you can expect flawless results every time.

Checklist for Print Perfection

Ensure Proper Bleed and Safety Zones

• Add a standard 0.125” bleed beyond the trim line.

Why? Without adequate bleed, your print might end up with unsightly white borders, detracting from the professional appearance of your document.

• Maintain a safety zone, keeping critical elements at least 0.125” from the edge.

Why? Failing to observe a safety zone could result in important content being trimmed off, which can alter the intended message or look of your printed piece.

Guide Removal for a Clean Finish

• Remove print guides by deleting their layer in your design file before finalizing.

Why? Leaving print guides on your final design could lead to them being unintentionally printed, resulting in a less polished and professional final product.

Color Conversion: Speak the Printer’s Language

• Convert colors from RGB to CMYK for print accuracy.

Why? If colors are not converted to CMYK, the final print may have colors that do not match your original design or brand standards, leading to inconsistent branding.

High-Resolution Images for Crystal-Clear Printing

• Use images with at least 300 PPI for flawless visuals.

Why? Utilizing low-resolution images can result in blurry, pixelated prints that fail to capture the attention of your audience or convey quality.

Text Size and Hierarchy for Readability

• Opt for 10–14-point font for body text and 18-28 points for headlines.

Why? Choosing inappropriate text sizes can lead to readability issues, making it hard for your audience to engage with the content.

• Utilize text hierarchy (headlines, subheadings, body) for structure.

Why? Lack of clear text hierarchy can result in a confusing layout, making it difficult for readers to follow the flow of information.

Print Material Testing: The Secret to Success

• Print a test file to avoid costly mistakes and ensure perfection before the final batch.

Why? Skipping testing might lead to discovering errors too late, resulting in wasted materials, additional costs, and potentially missing critical deadlines.

Expert Printing Services at AlphaGraphics Kansas City

AlphaGraphics Kansas City is your partner for all your printing services, ready to guide you through the process and avoid common mistakes.

Why choose AlphaGraphics Kansas City?

• Local Expertise: Our knowledge of the Kansas City market ensures your printed materials are perfectly tailored to your local audience.
  
  
• Comprehensive Solutions: Offering a full range of services, we're equipped to bring your vision to life from design to distribution.
  
  
• Quality Assurance: Our commitment to excellence guarantees superior quality in every project, big or small.

Start Your Project Today

Contact us or request a quote today to start your project, knowing every detail will be handled with the attention to detail.