Print standards refer to the set of rules and specifications that are used to ensure consistency and quality in the printing process. These standards cover different aspects of the printing process such as color profiles, proofing process, paper stock selection, Pantone matching system, print quality control, and more. In this post, we will answer the most popular questions about print standards and their importance.
Print standards are important because they help to ensure consistency and quality in the printing process. With these standards in place, you can be sure that your printed materials will look the same every time you print them. This is particularly important when it comes to branding and marketing materials.
A color profile is a set of data that defines how colors will be displayed or printed. Different devices (such as printers or monitors) have different color gamuts (ranges of colors they can display), so a color profile helps to translate colors between devices. Using color profiles is important to ensure consistency in color reproduction across different devices.
The proofing process is the stage where a printed sample is created for review before a full print run takes place. This allows for any mistakes or issues to be caught before large quantities are produced. A proof can be created digitally or physically.
When selecting paper stock, various factors need to be considered such as weight, finish, brightness, texture and more. The choice of paper stock should complement the design elements of your printed material while still meeting your intended purpose.
The Pantone matching system is a universal color matching system used across different printing processes, such as offset and digital printing. Pantone colors are unique and widely recognized in industries that require accurate color reproduction such as graphic design.
Print quality control involves a series of checks to ensure the final printed product meets the standards set. These checks could be carried out at different stages such as before a print run, during printing or after printing is completed. Print quality control is important to ensure that there are no printing defects, and colors are consistent with the intended design.
Here are five resources for further reading on print standards:
