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What Makes a High‑Quality Print? A Beginner’s Guide

Not all prints are created equal. When you’re investing in marketing materials or branded stationery, quality matters. Here’s what actually goes into producing a crisp, professional print.

1. High Resolution (DPI)

DPI stands for dots per inch.

  • 300 DPI is the gold standard for print
  • Low‑resolution images (72 DPI) will look blurry or pixelated

Always export artwork at 300 DPI to ensure sharp results.

🎨 2. Correct Colour Profiles

Screens use RGB, printers use CMYK.
If artwork is supplied in RGB, colours may shift unexpectedly.

  • Convert your files to CMYK before sending
  • Use colour‑accurate monitors if possible
  • Ask your printer for a colour profile if you need exact matching

✂️ 3. Bleed and Safe Margins

To avoid white edges or cut‑off text:

  • Add 3mm bleed around your artwork
  • Keep important text at least 5mm inside the safe area

This ensures clean, professional trimming.

🧵 4. Paper Quality

Even the best design can fall flat on poor paper.
Paper weight, finish, and texture all influence the final look.

🛠️ 5. Professional Print Equipment

High‑quality printers use calibrated machines, premium inks, and controlled processes to ensure consistency across every batch.

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