7 Layout Mistakes That Ruin Printing

Even experienced designers sometimes make mistakes when preparing layouts for printing. We have collected the most common problems we see every day and will tell you how to avoid them.

1. Incorrect Color Mode

❌ Mistake: Layout in RGB mode

RGB is a color mode for screens. Printing requires CMYK. If you send an RGB layout, the colors in print will look duller and different from what you see on the monitor.

✅ Solution: Always convert the layout to CMYK before exporting. In Photoshop: Image → Mode → CMYK Color.

2. Low Resolution

❌ Mistake: Image 72 dpi

72 dpi is enough for a screen, but printing requires a minimum of 300 dpi. Otherwise, the image will be blurry and pixelated.

✅ Solution: Use images with a resolution of 300 dpi in actual print size.

3. No Bleeds

❌ Mistake: Background cuts off at the layout edge

When printing, sheets are trimmed, and if the background does not extend beyond the layout, white stripes may appear along the edges.

✅ Solution: Add 3 mm bleeds on each side. Background and elements extending to the edge must go beyond the layout by these 3 mm.

4. Text Too Close to the Edge

❌ Mistake: Text touching the edge of the business card

Even if it looks fine on the screen, during printing and trimming, text may "get cut off" or look too tight.

✅ Solution: Minimum distance from edge to text is 3-5 mm. This is called the "safe zone".

5. CMYK Black

❌ Mistake: Black as C:75 M:68 Y:67 K:90

Such "rich" black can lead to ink smudging and long drying times.

✅ Solution: For text, use pure black: C:0 M:0 Y:0 K:100. For large black areas — "deep black": C:60 M:40 Y:40 K:100.

6. Fonts Not Outlined

❌ Mistake: Fonts not converted to curves

If the print shop doesn't have your font, the text might change or disappear.

✅ Solution: Convert text to curves (Outline) or send font files together with the layout. In Illustrator: Type → Create Outlines.

7. Thin Lines and Small Text

❌ Mistake: Lines 0.1 pt thick, text 5 pt

Elements that are too thin may disappear during printing or look blurry.

✅ Solution: Minimum line thickness — 0.25 pt. Minimum text size — 6 pt for standard printing, 8 pt for text on colored background.

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Pre-flight Checklist

Color mode CMYK
Resolution 300 dpi
Bleeds 3 mm
Text margin 3-5 mm
Black text K:100
Fonts outlined
PDF/X-1a or TIFF format

Follow these rules — and your print will be perfect!