Technical Library
General Printing Tips
Please note that the following tips are to be used after
receiving a specific project template from ADR. Since each
project is unique, we do not supply general templates on this
site. If you have already begun a project with us, please
go to Get Project Specs to receive
your project template.
Please dont hesitate to call us if you have any questions. We can be reached
at 617.232.9969.
We can also provide any graphic pre-press production.
Resolution
Screen
resolution is the most important aspect to remember when
creating any artwork.
- There is a significant difference in resolution between video and
multimedia versus print.
- Printing requires a much higher resolution.
- Pay close attention to DPI and LPI requirements.
Fonts
and Text
- Pay close attention to minimum font size.
- Use only elliptical dots for screen-printing.
- Vector-based programs such as Quark, Illustrator and InDesign yield better (clearer)
text results.
CD & DVD Label Printing
- Film Positives are required for CD & DVD screen printing. Printing plates are required for CD & DVD offset printing
- Please note there is NO bleed on CD & DVD label printing.
- Pay close attention to line-screen and tonal ranges on screen printed labels.
- Line screen is different for screen-printing than printing on paper.
- Offset printing is a higher quality of printing than screen printing. By offset printing the DVD's, it will allow us too more easily match your offset printed packaging.
- CD's & DVD's are silver and may alter the final coloration. When printing 4-color process or using half-tones, utilizing a white flood coat may yields the best results. We will be happy to provide consultation.
- Another benefit of using a white flood coat is that printing on the mirror (inner) band can produce different results than printing directly on silver. The use of a white flood coat will result in a more even print.
- All offset printed CD's and DVD's must be printed 4 color process over a white flood coat. Screen printing can include PMS colors and a white flood coat is not required.
- In instances where you are creating your own template, make sure your template doesn't print (otherwise it will end up on the final product)
Paper or Cardboard Packaging
Booklets
and tray cards for jewel cases, paper inserts, and cardboard
packaging.
- Most paper or cardboard packaging is offset printed. Offset
printing requires film negatives.
- Pay close attention to minimum bleed sizes.
- Supply a color proof or black and white separations when printing
4-color process.
- Print out artwork on your printer before supplying artwork to ADR,
this will give you a better idea whether youre on the
right track.
- Die templates are print-side up.
- Do not alter die templates.
- Cardboard templates are 100% to size, do not reduce files.
- Do not add panels, flaps, cuts, or inserts of any kind.
- Keep type at least 1/16" away from trim edges.
- For paperboard packaging, print artwork and make a mock-up piece.
While artwork may appear correct on screen, cutting and folding
may help identify problem design areas.
Proofs
- Always provide color proofs or black and white separations
to ADR. They do not have to be color accurate for placement
only.
© Advanced Digital Replication, Inc. 1998-2008.