Frustrated with blurry prints from your Adobe Illustrator files? This quick guide shows you how to save your artwork correctly for crisp, professional-quality prints. We'll cover essential file formats and settings, ensuring your designs translate flawlessly from screen to paper. Avoid common pitfalls and learn the best practices for preparing your Illustrator files for any printing project, from business cards to large format posters.
Methods: Saving with Bleeds and Crop Marks
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Set up Document
- Create a new document with the correct dimensions (including bleeds). Use 1/8 inch bleed as standard.
Set up Document -
Prepare Artwork for Bleeds
- Extend artwork to the bleed lines.
Prepare Artwork for Bleeds -
Save as PDF with Bleeds and Crop Marks
- Go to File > Save As > PDF.
- Check 'Use Document Bleed Settings' and 'Trim Marks' in the PDF export options.
- Save the PDF.
Save as PDF with Bleeds and Crop Marks
Tips
- Consult your printer for their specific requirements regarding bleeds and crop marks.
- Use the Shift+O shortcut to easily see the artboard edges.
- Hold the Option key (Mac) or Alt key (Windows) while resizing to maintain proportions.
Methods: Saving with Bleeds Only
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Set up the document with bleeds
- Create a new document and extend artwork to the bleed lines.
Set up the document with bleeds -
Save as PDF with bleeds only
- Go to File > Save As > PDF.
- Check 'Use Document Bleed Settings', but uncheck 'Trim Marks'.
- Save the PDF.
Save as PDF with bleeds only
Tips
- Check with your printer to confirm whether they require crop marks.
Methods: Saving without Bleeds or Crop Marks
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the Document for Printing Without Bleeds or Crop Marks
- Ensure your artwork does not extend to the edges of the artboard.
Prepare the Document for Printing Without Bleeds or Crop Marks -
Save as PDF without Bleeds or Crop Marks
- Go to File > Save As > PDF.
- Uncheck both 'Use Document Bleed Settings' and 'Trim Marks'.
- Select a high-quality PDF preset (optional).
- Save the PDF.
Save as PDF without Bleeds or Crop Marks
Tips
- Always check with your printer about their preferences for bleeds and crop marks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Incorrect File Format
Reason: Saving as the wrong file type (like .AI for print) can lead to poor quality or missing elements in the final printed output.
Solution: Save your file as a high-resolution PDF (PDF/X-1a is recommended for professional printing).
2. Ignoring Color Profiles
Reason: Using the wrong color profile or embedding the wrong profile can result in significant color shifts during printing.
Solution: Convert your document to CMYK and embed the appropriate color profile (e.g., ISO Coated v2 (ECI) for commercial printing).
3. Low Resolution Images
Reason: Using low-resolution images will produce blurry and pixelated prints.
Solution: Ensure all images embedded in your Illustrator file have a resolution of at least 300 DPI before saving for print.
FAQs
What's the best file format for printing in Illustrator?
For best results, always save your Illustrator file as a PDF (Adobe PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 is recommended for print). This preserves vector information and ensures your colors and fonts print accurately. Avoid saving as JPEG or PNG as these compress the image and lose quality.
My printed colors look different than what I see on screen. Why?
This is common! Your monitor uses RGB color, while printers use CMYK. Make sure your document's color mode is set to CMYK before you save for print. Consider using a professional color profile for more accurate results. Also, ensure your printer is properly calibrated.