Printing a Magazine ? Here's how it works....2
Are you ready to take your project from the design stage to a beautiful, printed magazine? The process of getting your printed version out into the world can be complex and intimidating – but it doesn’t have to be.
There are many processes that go into printing a magazine successfully, so read on for detailed steps on how this is done. Whether it's understanding Magazine artwork requirements, knowing what kind of paper stock would work best for you, or getting an idea about different options available in print finishing; we've got all the information for printing your Magazines here.
Intimidated by color printing languages? Fear not - find out exactly what PMS 877 and CMYK mean, and how they fit together for perfect magazine printing.
So let us guide you through one of the most rewarding experiences throughout your Magazine journey – From design to delivery!
It all starts with an Idea.
Printing a magazine may seem like a daunting task, but fear not my friends! With a little bit of design skill and a lot of patience, you can bring your ideas to life in print.
From the initial concept to the finished product, Magazines are a journey worth taking. And trust me, once you see your work in physical form, you'll feel like a proud parent watching their child take their first steps.
Just make sure you have plenty of coffee on hand because this process can take a while. But hey, Rome wasn't built in a day and neither is a killer magazine. So get those creative juices flowing and start designing!
The First Step -Setting up Artwork for Magazine printing
Setting up artwork for magazine printing can be a little daunting for those new to the game. But fear not! It's as easy as taking Candy off kids!
First things first, make sure your Magazine artwork is set up in the correct format. You don't want your picture of the Mona Lisa to come out looking like a Picasso, do you?
Next, ensure your artwork is high quality (at least 300dpi, 600dpi if you are using Photoshop) and not pixelated. Nobody likes a blurry print. Finally, double-check everything. Twice. Trust us, you don't want a typo in the headline of your Magazines
Tips about file formats
Have you ever saved a file only to realize it won't open on another computer? Frustrating, right? Well, let me share with you some file format tips that are sure to make your life easier
First things first, always consider your audience when choosing a file format. Will they have the software to open it?
Next, think about the content you're saving. Is it text-heavy or image-heavy? This will affect which file format works best.
And lastly, don't forget about compression! Saving in a compressed format can save you storage space and make file transfers a breeze.
Your printer will want a `Print Ready PDF' for your Magazine - by this, they will want something that is High Resolution, with Bleed (if the Print goes to the edge), and most likely in a scrolling PDF, with the covers separate if they are on different or heavier cover stock.
What files should I submit in ?
Jpgs ? Generally not great.
Canva? Can be Ok but not the best.
Word ? Almost Never - it's a text program, not great for images or colour
Adobe ? Now we are talking...Adobe InDesign and Illustrator are the bomb.
Ensuring Colors are correct
When it comes to ensuring the accuracy of colors, there are a few printing options to keep in mind.
First and foremost, check and double-check your settings to make sure that everyone is on the same page (literally and figuratively).
Print is in CMYK format for Full Colour - not RGB. RGB is screen resolution, and if you are set this way, there will be a colour shift with your printed product
Additionally, be sure to test your colors in different lighting situations to get a better understanding of how they will be perceived by your audience when reading your Magazines.
Remember, if you have a specific Corporate Livery, and need colours matched 100% - Pantone Colours are the only way to achieve this. CMYK is far more popular, but there is a variance factor
What is Bleed?
If you're designing for print, then it's a good idea to be familiar with the concept of bleed.
Bleed is an area of graphical images that extends past the edge of your document, allowing for a more professional look and avoiding white edges on your final product. It adds an extra 3mm to each edge of the page and is essential for printing full-bleed products such as magazines or flyers.
It's important to note that any objects near the bleed area (photos, logos, text) should be kept away from the edge in order to avoid being cut off during production.