Boost Your Print Quality With These Large Format Printing Tips

Businesses in today’s market must get creative in seeking brand recognition and standing out from competitors. Although digital advertising is essential, large format printing will always retain its touch. Bold and engaging prints are undoubtedly crucial for captivating audiences. 

Now, this is where the compelling posters, trade show banners and colorful murals or neat signage come into play. Large format digital printing has boomed with more affordable large-format printers.

That is why we will teach you some easy tips so that your large format printing proofs will be noticed and have the highest final quality. Keep reading to discover how to improve your print quality and crowd interest. So, let’s get started!

1. Adjust Camera Settings

An image that appears sharp on a phone or camera screen may lose its quality when enlarged to a life-size poster or sign. Most conventional cameras and smartphones, like the latest iPhone with its 12MP camera, use megapixels (MP) to measure resolution. For large format prints, ensure your camera settings are adjusted to capture images at the highest resolution available.

2. Select the Appropriate File Format for Large-Scale Printing

Graphic files such as JPEG, TIFF, PNG, BMP, GIF, and PDF can be suitable for large-format printing if they have a high resolution. However, for the best quality, it’s recommended to capture images in RAW format. This may involve adjusting your camera’s default settings, which usually compress images to conserve memory card space.

3. Choose High-Resolution Images

For top-notch large format prints, start with a high-quality image. When using graphic design software such as Photoshop or Illustrator, set the resolution to at least 300 pixels per inch. Opt for the largest file size to ensure the image remains clear and sharp when scaled up.

4. Choose the Right Design Program

Photoshop and Illustrator are among the most popular design tools. For large format printing, Illustrator is preferable because it supports vector file formats, which scale without losing quality.

5. Use Vector Images

When creating your graphics, use vector formats like EPS, AI, SVG, or PDF. Be sure to convert all fonts to vectors as well. Unlike other formats, vector files maintain their quality when resized, ensuring your large format prints remain crisp and clear.

6. Convert RGB Colors to CMYK

Standard desktop programs use an RGB color system designed for digital screens, which doesn’t always translate well to print. High-quality printers utilize a CMYK color model. 

Therefore, if your image is in RGB, convert it to CMYK with the right software. Ideally, set your design program to CMYK from the beginning if the project is meant for printing.

7. Avoid Resizing Images

Altering the size of image files often leads to pixelation, which degrades print quality when enlarged. To avoid this, it’s best to use the original image dimensions and capture photos as close to the subject as possible.

8. Convert Non-Digital Photos

Looking to feature a vintage photo or graphic on your large display? Begin by using your printer to scan the image at the maximum resolution available. Once digitized, a graphic designer can use photo editing software to enhance and improve the image, often making it even better than the original.

9. Choose a Local Print Provider

Many organizations opt for online vendors for their large format printing, but this can lead to quality control issues and complicated refund and return processes. 

By choosing a local printer, you can conduct press checks to ensure the output meets your standards, and you’ll likely benefit from faster turnaround times.

10. Print It Yourself

If you find yourself frequently visiting print shops and spending significantly on signage and other large format prints, it might be wise to invest in a large format printer. 

To assess the cost-effectiveness, tally your annual expenses on outsourced printing and compare them with the cost of leasing or purchasing your own equipment. You may discover that an in-house printer could save you money over time.

Technical Tips for Large Format Printing

Successful graphic advertisements typically feature two key elements: stunning high-resolution visuals and a concise, clear message. Captivating large format prints are the result of strategic design techniques that bring the overall look together.

• Give Precedence to Vector Images: Ordering your prints in vector format will ensure excellent graphics. Vectors use various shapes instead of segmented pixels to create visuals, producing better image quality regardless of size. Vector extensions include EPS, AI, SVG, and often PDF. They function based on mathematical equations, using formulas to draw lines and curves, resulting in faultless graphics and unrivaled sharpness.
• Ensure Fonts Are Converted to Outlines: Fonts can be tricky regarding supplied artwork due to the variety and legal limitations of storing them within a database. Always convert your text elements to outlines to ensure that the artwork will print as provided and avoid any printing delays.
• Flatten Gradients Where Possible: Flattening gradients ensure an accurate finished product. If you leave gradients as rasters, they may be interpreted differently depending on the printer’s Raster Image Processing Software (RIPS). Standardizing your images eliminates the chance of gradients going awry.

Design for Large Format Printing Tips

Achieving a balanced design in printing involves understanding key compositional elements.

• Single-Out Fonts for Readability: Choose beautiful and highly legible fonts for wide extension projects. Sans serif fonts are ideal for balancing clarity with style, ensuring your brand name and messages are easily seen from a distance.
• Choose Colors Wisely: Optimize readability using dark, vivid colors for backgrounds and light colors like white for text. Keep it simple; using more than two colors can reduce effectiveness.
• Balance Boldness and Simplicity: Your designs should be clear and engaging. Maintain harmony by avoiding overloaded graphics, using well-placed logos and lines, and keeping text concise with short headlines or sentences.

Why Choose Tenaui for Your Large Format Printing Needs?

For businesses in large format printing Dubai, Tenaui is the top choice. As the exclusive distributor of Canon, Epson, INNOVA, and NORITSU, they offer the best prices and the latest technology. Tenaui provides complete solutions, from sales to maintenance, ensuring top performance and customer satisfaction. With quick turnaround times and personalized local service, Tenaui guarantees your projects meet the highest standards efficiently.

FAQs

Summary:

Enhance your brand’s visibility with these large format printing tips. Focus on camera settings, file formats, resolutions, design software, and colors for top-quality prints. Follow these guidelines for stunning graphics, whether printing in-house or with a local provider. For premium large format printing solutions, contact Tenaui Middle East today!