This course covers necessary techniques enabling graphic designer to successfully output work for offset printing. Topics include image calibration, colour correction, understanding resolution, scanning, good and bad image formats, RGB vs. CMYK, trapping, colour management systems, outputting files with Adobe Acrobat, Pantone colours, and more. Also included are tips on getting quotes and how to clearly communicate with the print shop.

The digital side of printing:

• The 4-colour printing process
• Other commercial printing processes
• Screen angles and screen clash
• Scanning and resolution
• Bit depth
• RGB vs. CMYK
• Dot gain
• Trapping
• Bleeds and tints
• Vector and bitmap gradients
• Calibrating images for print
• Creating and using clipping paths
• Different image formats
• JPEG compression problems
• Using images from the web
• Different software and its uses Fixing problem images:
• Clone stamping
• Correction using filters
• Colour correction
• CMS settings

Different colour formats:

• Metallics and Pantone colours
• Duotones
• Line art
• 4-colour separations
• Separating a 5th colour
• Linking and embedding images

Sending the job out:

• A repro checklist
• Adobe Acrobat and Distiller
• Printing terminology
• Paper types and uses
• Knowing your market

Working with a printer:

• Project planning and workflow
• Briefing a designer or photographer
• Film-based vs. CTP printing
• Briefing a printer
• Getting the best prices
• Digital proofs
• Chromalins
• Wet proofs
• Laser proofs
• Folding, binding and trimming
• Tricks of the trade and trade conventions
• Printing date-sensitive material
• Over- and under-runs
• Ownership of materials

New technology and its implications:

• FM or Stochastic Screen printing
• Hexachrome (6-colour) offset printing

Questions and answers

An interest in this area.

People working in Print production.

This course will enable the confident creation of print-ready documents, and includes proven methods for working effectively with offset print shops, thus avoiding costly mistakes.