Creating the perfect brochure, catalog, poster, or any other type of product requires a delicate blend of style and substance. However, there’s more than just the design. Technical specifications are essential when submitting a design to a print shop. By choosing the right file format, your product will come out as sharp and beautiful as possible.

What File Format Should Be Used?

No matter what type of document you’re submitting to a print shop, you should convert the file to a PDF first. Whether you’re creating brochures, banners, booklets, or business cards, submitting the design in PDF format ensures the transition from digital file to printed product will be as faithful as possible.

When you submit a PDF to a print shop, you’re doing your part to ensure the product comes out just as the digital design is presented. While other file formats are limited in scope when it comes to resolution, PDFs allow the printed documents to come to life. The file format makes sure any fonts or images are printed accurately. For example, other file types might not be compatible with certain fonts, leading to a print that looks drastically different from the one you designed on a computer. 

Are Word Documents Acceptable?

While Microsoft^® Word is a fantastic program for designing many different types of documents, the files should still always be converted to PDF before they are given to a print shop. Files that are submitted in the .doc or .docx format can experience significant layout and font issues when printed. A perfectly designed brochure might turn into a jumble of images and words or lose all of the beautiful fonts the creator has chosen.

From business cards to brochures, the experts at America North Printers are the go-to source for printing needs in Anchorage, AK. With more than three decades of experience, the print shop’s staff will assist in designing a huge range of professional and personal documents. Call (907) 562-6416 today to speak with a friendly representative, or visit their website to learn more about their services.