The knowledge that the printing industry must understand includes the following aspects:
Software selection: In the field of graphic design, Photoshop (PS), Illustrator (AI), and InDesign (ID) are the three core software. PS is better for working with images, AI is better for vector graphic design, and ID is better for typography and book content design. The compatibility between these three is extremely strong, since they all belong to the Adobe family .
Bleeding handling: There may be errors in the cutting equipment in the print, and if the bleeding is not added, it may lead to white edges or parts of the content being cut off. Bleeding refers to the pattern of increasing the outer size of the product, adding some extension of the pattern at the cutting position, and specially giving each production process its use within its process tolerance, so as to avoid the finished product after cutting to expose the white edge or cut to the content. Usually, the designer will add 2-4 mm reserved space around the cropping position of the picture to "bleed" to ensure the consistency of the finished effect.
Color mode: In the graphic design process, the CMYK color mode should be preferred over RGB. Displays typically display pixel sizes based on RGB mode, but CMYK is required for actual printing. If an image is used in AI or ID, it needs to be processed in PS and converted to CMYK mode. Since the CMYK color gamut is smaller than RGB, colors may appear slightly darker during the conversion process.
Image accuracy: The image resolution required for printing must reach more than 300dpi, and the original picture size must be dragged into the PS for viewing without scaling. If you need to zoom out of the image, it is recommended to drag it directly in the software to a place larger than the actual placement position. If the image is very small after being dragged in, using equal scale enlargement may cause blurring, which will affect the printing effect.
Printing process: Learn about a variety of common printing processes, including offset printing, gravure printing, screen printing, flexographic printing, etc. Each process is suitable for different printing needs and materials.
Printing Materials: Learn about the various materials used in printing, including printing plate materials, inks, paper, etc. Different materials vary in cost and application scenarios.
Printing process: from design to plate making, color mixing, printing, post-press processing and other links need to be understood. Prepress work includes photography, design or production, typesetting, film production, plate printing, etc.; In-print work is the process of printing finished products; Post-press work includes laminating, mounting, cutting or die-cutting, window pasting, folder gluing, quality inspection, etc.
Color Management: Understand the basic principles and common tools of color management, such as color grading curves, color spaces, color correction, etc. Make sure that the color of your design is accurately represented when printed.
Quality control: Understand the evaluation standards and common quality control methods of printing quality to ensure that the quality of printed matter meets the requirements.
Environmental awareness: understand the impact of printing on the environment and how to carry out environmentally friendly printing, choose environmentally friendly materials and printing processes, and reduce the impact on the environment.