What do you want to know about preparing digital files and getting them printed? Look here for answers to common and sometimes not so common questions about prepress and printing including paper, PostScript, and proofs.
Get All the FAQs on Desktop Publishing: Career & Business | Software | Design & Layout | Graphics | Type & Fonts | Prepress & Printing
How Do I Prepare Files for Printing?
Prepare files for printing; August Stein / Getty Images
A wonderful design is no good if it doesn't print properly. Planning for printing and proper preparation of digital files or camera ready artwork is just as important as choosing the right colors and fonts.
- What is Preflight in Desktop Publishing?
Pilots do it and so should you. [more] - Should I Subset Fonts When Making a PDF?
Whether for printing or sharing do you need all the fonts? [more] - What is the Difference Between a Dummy and a Comp?
These mock-ups generally come at different stages of the design process. [more] - How Do You Mark Comps or Proofs That You Send to Clients?
Marking any proofs with a stamp or watermark is a standard business practice that serves two purposes. [more] - What Kinds of Boards Are Used for Mechanicals?
If you prepare camera-ready artwork you need to know this. [more] - What is JDF?
Job Definition Format is an electronic job ticket that follows a file from creation to printing. [more]
What Are Common Paper Sizes in Desktop Publishing?
Common publication and paper sizes; © J. Bear
For desktop printing, letter size is most common but not everything is a letter sized sheet of paper.
How Do I Get My Documents Printed?
Web Press in action; Kim Steele / Getty Images
You've designed it, now you want to print it. If you've done it right you've planned for the printing from the very beginning.
- What is the Difference Between a Commercial and Desktop Printer?
It's man vs. machine when comparing a commercial printer with a desktop printer. [more] - How Does Commercial Offset Printing Differ From Desktop Printing?
The method of printing dictates how the desktop publishing document must be prepared. [more] - How Do Adobe PostScript Levels 1, 2, and 3 Differ?
Just as new versions of software contain new features not available in earlier versions, subsequent PostScript levels have added support for new features and the way the underlying code is written has undergone modifications. [more] - How Can I Print the Color White?
The short answer is that in most cases, you can't print white ink. [more] - What Printing Methods are Best for Business Cards and Letterhead?
Desktop, offset, or one of these others... [more]
What's a Better Alternative to Pre-Perforated Papers?
Paper Cutter Image courtesy of PriceGrabber
Cut it! Here are some options for cutting paper, from simple desktop devices to industrial-style paper cutters. [more]
Frequently Asked Questions
Get All the FAQs on Desktop Publishing: Career & Business | Software | Design & Layout | Graphics | Type & Fonts | Prepress & Printing
