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Graphic Printing questions, I have proofs. Do i have to use a printing company VS my printer ?

by Networking_now
8 replies
I have got some graphics made for some cd-rom covers, and some variations by the graphic designer.

The designer has given them to me in print format, and i need to print them, to see how they look in physical paper format.

Do these have to be taken to a printing press company and printed? (which i dont mind paying for)

or can i just aswell use my computer printer?


will the quality be different from a professional printer, VS my printer (which is a good quality HP printer.

or it doesn't matter ?
#company #graphic #printer #printing #proofs #questions
  • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
    Originally Posted by Networking_now View Post

    The designer has given them to me in print format, and i need to print them, to see how they look in physical paper format.
    Can you be more specific? PSD? PDF? AI? Other? Is the art in RGB or CMYK?

    Do these have to be taken to a printing press company and printed? (which i dont mind paying for)

    or can i just aswell use my computer printer?
    Depends.


    will the quality be different from a professional printer, VS my printer (which is a good quality HP printer.
    Depends. Is your printer an inkjet or color laser? If you take the project to a printer, would you have them print it on a digital press or an offset press?

    Do you want glossy or non-glossy stock? Do you plan on having a UV coating? Spot colors? Special effects?

    Are you doing a large quantity or a small quantity?
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    • Profile picture of the author Networking_now
      Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert View Post

      Can you be more specific? PSD? PDF? AI? Other? Is the art in RGB or CMYK?

      It is in PDF format.

      are is in CMYK.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kezz
    Generally speaking, you can't feed the thickness of card through a regular printer that a professional printer will use.

    And as Dan said, glossiness and UV coating can be a factor.

    I'd suggest just going to Vista Print as they can take care of it for you extremely cheaply, and you just do the whole thing online: www.vistaprint.com
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  • Profile picture of the author Rbtmarshall
    The quality will be better, and cost will probably be less if you have it done at a printing service.

    What quantity are we talking here?
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    • Profile picture of the author Networking_now
      Originally Posted by Rbtmarshall View Post

      The quality will be better, and cost will probably be less if you have it done at a printing service.

      What quantity are we talking here?
      quantity, it will just be a few for now, so i can decide between the few, so no huge quantity.
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      • Profile picture of the author ScottieDog
        Use a company like VistaPrint for a proper job. Using the home printer will be good for a rough proof, but rarely looks professional.

        Make sure you have high resolution images for the printer to use though. No compression.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gary Joseph
    Yeah I'd go to the printer. Where are you located... if you're in America, go to FedEx Office and they will be able to take care of it.

    I feel sometimes it's better to spend money and save time.
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  • Profile picture of the author ScottieDog
    Originally Posted by Networking_now View Post

    It is in PDF format.

    are is in CMYK.

    PDFs are often compressed.

    If its in CMYK then you must print it CMYK, so make sure your printer is capable of that. if not, then you must convert it to whatever your printer is capable of - Generally RGB or CMYK but if the colour matching isn´t correct then the colour will be off.

    In any event, better off using a print company. So cheap now even for 1offs. VistaPrint for instance, or maybe a local firm so they can do it while you wait.
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