Advice with Photoshop print setup

[Reymus]

Hi All,

I am basically wondering what are the best settings for the most accurate prints? I normally do web design so I don't really have to worry much, but I am doing some brochures and I am a bit lost.

The printing company requires:
500 DPI (More of a recommendation)
CMYK
A5 148mm x 210mm without bleed 152mm x 214mm with bleed
PDF file as the end file type (Preferred, not required)

Now, I have set my document to 500 DPI, CMYK and 152mm x 214mm but I'm not sure if I need to set my colour library to something else?
Also, I notice that some colours don't appear to be very strong, like red for example, it looks very washed out. Am I missing something?

 

[the cute]

Hello
[FONT=arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif]The typical industry standard settings are : 300 dpi and CMYK 8-bit ..[/FONT]
[FONT=arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif]they advice you of those setting just to fit the type and the settings of their printers !! that's it !![/FONT]
[FONT=arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif]and if you are using PS CS4-5 i suppose those version take control of the coloros automatically, i mean the colors are 100% strong !![/FONT]

 

[Reymus]

Hi, thanks for the reply.

I am using Photoshop CS4 at the moment.

Basically, this is how red CMYK looks for me in comparison to RGB:


I'm far from an expert when it comes to print, but this doesn't seem right. Is this really what to expect for print work? :neutral:

 

[Steve]

What are you printing too?

 

[Reymus]

I'm not quite sure what you mean. Are you talking about the type of paper? If so A5 full colour on both sides on a 300gsm Matt with a high gloss coating to one side.

 

[the cute]

It's a flyer then i think !!
you have to know the difference between the two systems : the RGB is used to show colors in monitors and LCDs and cameras and all other display tools or materials, but CMYK is the system used to print images !! this is simple !
So For printing, CMYK is the one !! NO RVB involved there !!
Whatever the type of document you want to print (flyers, posters, cards, ...) and whatever printing service you choose, the CMYK color mode is what you need to obtain optimum print output (compliance with technical specifications) or a professional inkjet printer with four colors. Give your creations in RGB can result major disasters.

Important rule in printing, is that the maximum ink coverage must not exceed 300% (taking the sum of the four CMYK colors) to avoid smearing the cut of your flyers or other bookmarks.
Thus, to obtain a deep black and well supported to be released for printing, for example you can use the following dosage: Cyan: 62%, Magenta 53% Yellow 52% Black and 100%.

 

[Steve]

I'm not quite sure what you mean. Are you talking about the type of paper? If so A5 full colour on both sides on a 300gsm Matt with a high gloss coating to one side.

I'm sorry you said in bold letters "The printing company requires" but it didn't register.
I was asking what kind of printer and why you're using CMYK.

With your RGB image go to View|Proof Setup and select the correct profile.
Ask your printer he may be able to supply an exact profile for you.

Make color corrections based on the the proof colors.
Toggle it off and on with Ctrl+Y.

 

[peta62]

Hi, thanks for the reply.

I am using Photoshop CS4 at the moment.

Basically, this is how red CMYK looks for me in comparison to RGB:
View attachment 16356

I'm far from an expert when it comes to print, but this doesn't seem right. Is this really what to expect for print work? :neutral:

Hello,
just to be sure the information gets through correctly. Screen and paper are two totally different technologies. While colour on screen is done by combining red, green and blue light, printers use cyan, magenta, yellow and black. They work differently, so what you see in RGB and CMYK on the screen ( home field advantage for RGB ) is far from what you will get on the paper. Of course it is always a good idea to ask for sample print check before the do the whole order.
Best regards,
Peter