Today’s technology allows us to take pictures we may have on a digital camera, phone, tablet, or other source and have them printed on countless mediums. From banners to brochures, options for digital print are virtually limitless today. While printing has come a long way, there are still a few things you can do to ensure end results are the highest quality.

As a leading digital print shop in Anchorage, AK, Great Originals has compiled some helpful tips you can follow to ensure your image file is prepared for printing:

• Consider Image Quality: Keep in mind the way an image appears on your screen will be different from how it appears in print. If an image is dark and you’re barely able to make out faces or important details on the screen, you may need to edit it or select a different picture to ensure visibility in the print version.
• Select the Proper Format: Many digital print shops accept PDFs, but you may also be able to upload JPEG images or another file type. Even if your image isn’t originally formatted in the file type preferred by your print shop, there are many ways to convert files for free online.  
• Size Your Image Appropriately: The size of your image may play a role in its clarity. For instance, if you’re having a large banner printed, it’s best to select the largest possible file size; otherwise, it could appear grainy or pixelated. For small images, such as those appearing in brochures or on business cards, smaller file sizes will likely suffice.
• Be Mindful of Bleeds: If you’re having something printed, such as a poster, in which the image will “bleed” off the edge, keep in mind some of the outermost edges of your image may get cut off. For this reason, many printing pros recommend avoiding placing important text or components of your image within 1/8” of the edge for bleed allowance.
• Choose the Best Resolution: Lastly, the higher the resolution of the image, the clearer it will be. Some print shops may have requirements for this area and won’t allow images to be uploaded or printed if the resolution is too low.

The team from Great Originals ensures the quality of your project is the best it can be before going to print. With their easy-to-use uploading tool, the digital print shop makes it simple to upload pictures to be printed on banners, posters, business cards, and plenty of other options. Get started on your project now by visiting their website, or call (907) 561-8922 if you have any questions.