Author: Yuri Tsverkun
Founder at OCR Craft
Over 15 Years of Experience in the Translation Industry

Some translation projects that include desktop publishing require preparing files for printing in a professional printing house. 

We’ll give a brief overview of what that process involves and what’s needed for high-quality results since not everyone understands these nuances.

The key point is to inform the DTP Specialist about printing in the first place.

If the client’s file—after translation—will be sent to a printing house, the DTP specialist must be notified before work begins. This is extremely important because there are fundamental differences between preparing a layout for standard web viewing and professional printing.

Key Considerations for Print-Ready Files

Colour Models

RGB and CMYK are colour models used in digital graphics and printing.

  • RGB is designed for screen display and is suitable for web publishing.
  • CMYK, on the other hand, is used for print and may appear slightly different on screen compared to its printed version. However, there’s no need to worry—on paper, the colours will closely match what you see on your computer screen.

Resolution

Choosing the correct resolution is critical for high-quality print projects. Factors like detail, viewing distance, and practicality should all be considered.

  • The optimal resolution for print is 300 dpi.
  • Lower resolutions can lead to visible pixelation and reduced quality.

File Size and Bleeds

The layout should be created 1:1 with the final printed size, including bleed margins. Ensure all key elements are placed at least 3 mm from the edge to avoid cropping during trimming.

Tools and Deliverables

Our DTP specialists work with a wide range of professional tools, including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, FrameMaker, CorelDraw, QuarkXPress, and AutoCAD. The choice of software depends on the technical specifications of the original file.

Upon project completion, we provide:

  1. Project file (includes formatting, page content, samples, and styles in the original program format).
  2. PDF file (as a reference for publication).
  3. Links folder (containing all images used in the publication).
  4. Fonts folder (containing all fonts used in the project).

Understanding the importance of preparing documents for print is essential for achieving high-quality results.

Failing to meet printing requirements can result in:

  • Printing defects that require reprinting the entire run
  • Added costs for layout adjustments 

Our team is ready to assist you with DTP services for projects of any complexity.