Print quality and production
A high-quality printed product starts with suitable artwork, the right material for its intended use and a controlled production process. aDigi checks the basic technical details of your artwork before production and manufactures the products in our own print house in Hakaniemi, Helsinki.
Four essentials for a successful print product
- Create the artwork in the correct finished size.
- Add bleed when an image or background colour extends to the edge.
- Use sufficiently high-resolution images and check the content carefully.
- Choose the paper, board and finishing according to the intended use.
What do we check in the artwork?
Before production, we check the basic technical details of the artwork. This helps prevent the most common printing problems, but it does not replace the customer’s own content review.
- The artwork size matches the product ordered.
- Bleed is included when printing extends to the edge.
- The file opens correctly and is technically suitable for production.
- The image resolution appears sufficient for the intended print size.
- The number and order of pages match the product ordered.
- We contact the customer if we notice an obvious technical issue affecting production.
aDigi checks
The technical functionality of the file, product size, bleed, page count and other basic details affecting production.
The customer checks
Texts, names, dates, prices, contact details, QR code content and all other information included in the artwork.
The original artwork sets the starting point
The printing press reproduces the material contained in the file. A high-quality image produces a sharp printed result, but a very small or blurred original image cannot be made completely sharp during printing.
A resolution of approximately 300 dpi at the final print size is generally recommended. A lower resolution may be sufficient for large posters and large-format prints because they are usually viewed from a greater distance.
RGB and CMYK in digital printing
RGB artwork works well in digital printing
Files created in Canva and many other design applications are usually in RGB colour mode. You do not need to convert the artwork to CMYK yourself before ordering.
The digital press colour-management system converts RGB artwork during production according to the press and the selected material. Keeping the file in RGB until production may preserve more of the original colour information than converting it too early using a general CMYK profile.
Correctly prepared CMYK artwork is also suitable for printing. The important point is that the file has been created consistently and has not undergone unnecessary or incorrect colour conversions.
A screen creates colours using light, while printed colours are produced by toner or ink and light reflected from the paper. Extremely bright blues, greens and neon-like RGB shades may therefore look slightly different in print than they do on screen.
Paper and finishing affect the result
The same printed colour may look different on different materials. Bright white and smooth paper usually produces vivid colours, while off-white, porous or recycled paper creates a softer and more natural appearance.
Lamination, coating and other surface finishes also affect contrast and the feel of the product. Gloss lamination often deepens colours, while matt lamination gives the surface a more understated appearance.
Black text and large black areas
Small black text should normally be created using a single black colour, such as C:0 M:0 Y:0 K:100. This keeps the text sharp and prevents slight colour registration differences from creating coloured edges.
Large black areas can be created using a richer four-colour black. The most suitable values depend on the product, material and production method.
Proofs and sample copies
When colour, paper, folding or the final structure is particularly important, we can produce a printed proof or a sample that closely resembles the finished product before manufacturing the full print run.
A proof is especially useful for books, demanding brand colours, unfamiliar materials and products in which folding or finishing has a significant effect on the final result.
Did you create the artwork in Canva?
Download the file as a print-ready PDF. Include bleed when a background colour or image extends to the edge of the product. Canva’s RGB colours work well in digital printing.
Read the detailed instructions: preparing a Canva PDF for print.
Frequently asked questions about quality and production
Is every artwork file checked before production?
We check basic technical details such as file functionality, dimensions, page count and bleed. The scope of the check depends on the product and order.
Do you also check spelling and contact information?
Not automatically. The customer is responsible for checking texts, names, prices, dates, telephone numbers, web addresses and all other content.
Can a low-quality image be improved during printing?
A printing press cannot restore details that are missing from the original file. An image may sometimes be sharpened or adjusted slightly, but a very small or blurred image will usually remain soft when printed.
Does the artwork need to be converted to CMYK?
Not necessarily. RGB artwork works well in aDigi’s digital production, and the press colour-management system performs the required conversion during production. Correctly prepared CMYK files are also accepted.
Is RGB artwork worse than CMYK artwork?
No. An RGB file may retain more colour information than a file converted too early using a standard CMYK profile. The final printed colour still depends on the press, paper and colour profile used in production.
Can a file created in Canva be printed?
Yes. Download the file from Canva as a print-ready PDF and include bleed when an image or colour extends to the edge. You do not need to convert Canva’s RGB colours to CMYK yourself.
Why do printed colours look different from colours on screen?
Screens produce colours using light, while printed colour depends on toner or ink, paper and ambient lighting. Screen brightness and calibration also affect the comparison.
Can the paper affect the colours?
Yes. The whiteness, shade, smoothness and absorbency of the paper affect colour brightness and contrast. Off-white paper makes colours appear warmer than bright white paper.
Can I receive a physical proof before the full print run?
Yes. We can produce a printed proof or a sample resembling the finished product. A proof is recommended when you need to check the colour, material, folding or construction before the full order is produced.
What happens if you find a problem in the artwork?
If we notice an obvious technical issue that affects production, we contact you before starting the job. Minor corrections or more extensive artwork services can be agreed separately.
