Recommended Print Options for Kuva Media Clients

Introduction

At Kuva Media, we understand the importance of high-quality prints for your marketing materials, presentations, and other professional needs. This guide will provide you with recommended print options, tips for ensuring top-notch print quality, and important information about color spaces.

We also highlight Smartpress and Moo Print, two print services we personally use and recommend, along with discount links for our clients.

Affiliate Link Disclaimer

Some links in this article are affiliate links. This means that Kuva Media may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products and services we trust and personally use or have tested.

Ensuring High-Quality Prints

Resolution: For the best print quality, ensure your images and graphics have a resolution of at least 300 DPI (dots per inch). Lower resolutions can result in blurry or pixelated prints.

File Formats: Use print-ready file formats such as PDF, TIFF, or high-resolution JPEGs. Avoid using low-resolution images or formats that may compress and degrade the quality of your files.

Bleed and Margins: Include a bleed of at least 0.125 inches around your document to ensure the design extends to the edge of the paper after trimming. Also, keep important content within safe margins to prevent it from being cut off.

Understanding Color Spaces

Color spaces play a crucial role in ensuring your printed materials match your expectations. The two main color spaces to consider are RGB and CMYK.

The type of color space your file(s) are in, can affect how the colors appear on screens and/or on printed goods.

RGB (Red, Green, Blue): This color space is used for digital displays. Images in RGB may not print accurately because printers use CMYK.

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black): This color space is used for printing. Convert your images to CMYK before printing to ensure colors appear correctly.


How to Check with Your Printer:

Ask for a Print Proof, or "Proof" for short: Before printing the entire batch, request a proof (a sample print) to check color accuracy and overall quality.
Communicate Specifications: Provide your printer with detailed specifications, including file format, resolution, color space, bleed, and margins.
Consult the Printer's Guidelines: Each printer may have specific requirements. Review their guidelines to avoid any issues.

Our Favorite Print Services

1. Smartpress:

Overview: Smartpress offers high-quality printing services with a wide range of options for customization. They are known for their attention to detail and excellent customer service.
Discount Link for Kuva Media Clients, giving you 15% off your first order: Smartpress Discount

2. Moo Print:

Overview: Moo Print is renowned for its premium quality prints and innovative options like double-sided cards and unique paper stocks. Their user-friendly platform makes ordering easy.
Discount Link for Kuva Media Clients: Moo Print Discount Coming Soon

Additional Tips

Paper Quality: Choose the right paper stock for your project. Glossy finishes are great for vibrant colors, while matte finishes offer a more subdued, professional look.
Binding and Finishing: Consider options like binding, laminating, or UV coating to enhance the durability and appearance of your prints.
Print Quantity: Plan your print quantities carefully. Bulk printing can be more cost-effective, but make sure you have the storage space and need for large quantities.

For any further assistance or questions, feel free to contact us.

Happy printing!

Updated on: 06/24/2024