Online Card Printing Checklists: Mastering Print Perfection

Online card printing has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing industries, celebrated for its convenience and relatively swift ordering process that can be completed anywhere, at any time. This growth is largely due to the ease with which customers can upload their files, place an order, and have their prints delivered without leaving their homes or offices.

 

However, while the process itself is user-friendly, achieving professional-quality prints requires careful attention to detail, especially in preparing the files for print. To this end, Acelion has compiled 9 questions you need to check before confirming payment based on our own online purchasing process, so that you can minimize unnecessary losses!

 

The Importance of Print-Ready Files

 

Ensuring that your files are print-ready is a crucial step in the playing card printing process. Even if your design appears complete, your files may still require some adjustments to meet printing standards.

 

This step is essential to ensure that the final product matches your vision. Different products, such as playing cards and booklets, have unique templates, but there are general file preparation rules that apply universally. Let's explore these steps to make sure your files are ready for the press.

 

Checklists to Prepare Print-Ready Files

 

To guarantee that your prints come out as expected by Acelion, begin by reviewing your files and consider the following key points:

 

1. Image Clarity and DPI Requirements

 

Check if all images are clear and meet the necessary DPI (dots per inch) requirements for the product you're printing. Images that appear sharp on a computer screen may not necessarily print well.

 

A resolution of 300-350 dpi is recommended for most products to ensure crisp and clear images. This high resolution is essential for preventing any blurriness or pixelation in the final print, which could detract from the quality of the product.

 

 

2. Accuracy of Content

 

Double-check all content, including spelling, numbers, and overall information, for accuracy. This step cannot be overstated, as any errors in the content will be reproduced in the final prints. Our processing team does not verify content, so it's imperative that you ensure all details are correct. Avoiding typos and factual errors is crucial, especially since they are easily preventable.

 

3. Text Legibility

 

Ensure that the text size is legible. We recommend using a font size of at least 8 pt to maintain readability. To further guarantee legibility, consider printing a test copy using your home printer. This will give you a real-world view of the text size in relation to the chosen print size, helping you make any necessary adjustments before finalizing your order.

 

4. Proper Alignment and Centering

 

Check that all artwork elements are properly centered and aligned. An off-center element can disrupt the overall design and diminish the professionalism of the final product. Most design software includes guides to help with alignment, ensuring that your design is balanced and visually appealing.

 

Acelion online designer also provides reference line function. Just click the "Manual Reference" button below the canvas to freely add, delete or move reference lines.

 

 

5. File Flattening and Font Outlining

 

Flattening your submitted files is a critical step in the preparation process. This action prevents layers from shifting or being deleted during printing. Additionally, outlining fonts ensures that the text appears as intended, even if the printing software does not have access to the specific fonts used. If fonts are not outlined, there is a risk of them being substituted, leading to unintended changes in the design.

 

If you use our designer directly, all online fonts are automatically outlining, so you don't need to worry about this problem.

 

How to Flatten Your Files?

 

To flatten files, you can use Adobe Acrobat Pro or Photoshop. For Adobe InDesign or Illustrator files, conversion to PDF is necessary before flattening. Here's a quick guide:

 

- Photoshop Method: Open the PDF file, unlock the layer, right-click and select "Flatten Image," then save as a Photoshop PDF with CMYK color mode and 300 dpi.

- Adobe Acrobat Pro Method: Backup your file, locate Print Production, select Flattener Preview, adjust the Raster/Vector balance if needed, check "Convert All Text to Outlines," and apply.

 

After flattening, check if the file has only one non-editable layer, indicating it is print-ready. Always save a copy before flattening to keep an editable version.

 

6. Orientation Consistency

 

Ensure that the orientation of your files (horizontal or vertical) matches the selection on the order form. This consistency is crucial to avoid any mismatches between the design and the final printed product, which can be especially problematic in products with specific orientation requirements like folded booklets.

 

Our designer has an intuitive preview interface on the right side of the canvas and before submitting to the shopping cart, so you can check the final printing order and effect. Please check carefully after the design is completed.

 

 

7. Front and Back File Alignment

 

For products with both front and back designs, verify that the right side of your "Front" file aligns correctly with the left side of your "Back" file. This is particularly important for items like booklet, where improper alignment can result in a disjointed appearance.

 

8. File Types and Color Modes

 

Ensure your file types and color modes are acceptable. Our built-in designer supports JPG, PNG, and SVG image assets. If submitting files directly, we accept PDF, PSD, AI, JPG, PNG, and TIF. For AI files, ensure images are properly embedded or linked, and all text is outlined.

 

Generally, all print files should be in CMYK color mode unless specified otherwise, as this color mode is ideal for printing and will ensure that colors appear as intended in the final product.

 

9. Trim Line and Safe Zone

 

Ensure all essential content is within the red trim line on the canvas. The trim line indicates where the product will be cut to its final size. We advise against using borders in designs due to potential cutting offsets. If borders are necessary, they should be placed within a safe zone at least 3mm from the trim line to account for any discrepancies during the trimming process.

 

 

Final Thoughts About Online Card Printing

 

If you have further questions, our Design Guide page offers additional information. For custom printing options and guidance on whether to design files yourself or seek professional assistance, consult our Printing Guide or contact us directly.

 

We hope this guide has been informative and helpful in preparing your files for printing. Ensuring that all these aspects are correctly addressed will significantly improve the quality of your final printed products and help you achieve the best possible results.