by Anna Cruz

Created on: April 20, 2009   Last Updated: April 21, 2009

When it comes to printing posters, online printing is the best source for cost-effective, high quality products. Using an online poster printer means that you get more options and services and all at wholesale prices. Just make sure to follow the guidelines below so that you get the most out of your printing project.

Find the Right Printing Company The right printing company will be able to offer you plenty of options and services for your poster project. Make sure to check out the following items for a printing company that can provide the best results at the best price:

Offset Lithography - Posters almost always need to be printed in large quantities, which is why you need a printer that uses the offset litho process of printing. With this method, the more you order, the less your cost per poster. Samples - Never go with a printer that does not provide a free sample pack of several substrates and materials. Even if you decide not to request this offer, knowing that a printer provides a sample pack means that they are willing to put their work under close scrutiny - a sure sign of at least acceptable quality. Turnaround - Find a printer that can get work done in record time and that offers several shipping options.

Ideally, your printing company should have options for same day and next day or other expedited order options. Proofs - Without proofs, you won't be able to check your poster design and format for accuracy and quality. Most companies offer both digital and mailed proofs. Options and Services - Posters can be designed to fit a variety of formats, so a commercial printer should offer several sizes, substrates, folding types, and should also provide extra services such as mailing and art check. Guarantee - When it comes to putting your mind at ease with a large poster order, use a printer that will guarantee your order. Be sure to read the fine print to make sure that they really will reprint your order for a reasonable problem.

Upload your Poster Design Correctly Whether you send files by email to your poster printing company or upload them directly, make sure your files are in the correct format. This will prevent time-consuming setbacks when trying to send your posters to print.

Files - Check with your printing company to see what design software they can receive. If the printer cannot receive the file in the format provided by your software, then more than likely they will ask you to save a PDF version. Fonts - Some design software will allow you to embed your fonts into the poster design. If your program does not offer this option, then you will need to send your font files to your printer. Once again, check with them to which format is appropriate. Images - You will also need to send your images in separate files from the actual poster design layout.

Be sure that all of your image files are higher than 300 dpi so that they don't appear pixilated or blurry when printed. Also, name your image files appropriately, such as "upper right corner graph." Color - Offset litho printing companies mix colors according to the CMYK color scheme. Sometimes a printer will convert your colors from RGB to CMYK for you, but double check this service with your printer. You may decide to design in RGB, since on a monitor the display of these colors is accurate, while CMYK hues will be slightly off when viewed on screen. There are several legitimate sites online that provide a conversion calculator for RGB to CMYK.

The best advice for how to print posters online successfully is to find a reliable, professional printer that will take the time to walk you through any questions you have. This, ultimately, is the key to easy online poster printing.

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