Recently we had some PDF files with high-resolution images that we needed to be printed as a book. After creating the PDF, we sent it for printing, but the output was terrible. The photos were printed in black and white. In further discussion with a few more experts, we came to know about two new terms, “CMYK” and “Offset Printing.“ In this post, we will share how you can create a PDF file compatible with Offset printing.
How to create PDF file compatible with Offset printing
The reason why our images were printed in black and white was that our Images and text of PDF files were not in CMYK mode. And if you are going for a press release, your images and text mode should be CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and black) as most of the High-resolution PDF files are printed through Offset printing. I would explain CMYK and Offset printing at the end lets deal with the problem first.
To make your PDF compatible to offset printing do the following:
- Go to Advanced Tab > Output Preview.
- This will open up a new dialog box with a range of colors. Select a combination of CMYK as the below image.
Once you are done creating a PDF file, you can send it for offset printing. There won’t be any problem this time.
Now lets quickly understand what is CMYK and Offset printing
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and black. These are the four colors of ink that printers mix to make every color in the spectrum (This is especially required for high-resolution images ). Another drawback of RGB is that it can produce luminous colors that don’t reproduce in CMYK printing. So you can get a nasty surprise if you use RGB files for print work.
Offset printing is a widely used printing technique where the inked image is transferred (or “offset”) from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface. When used in combination with the lithographic process, which is based on the repulsion of oil and water. The offset technique employs a flat (pantographic) image carrier on which the image to be printed obtains ink from ink rollers. While the non-printing area attracts a film of water, keeping the non-printing areas ink-free.
Did you face any problems while printing any PDF documents? Share with us in comments, so next time we go for printing again, we can take care of it.
