Design for Print vs. Design for the Web. Sometimes it feels like a fight, but it doesn’t have to be. Just mind the differences and design with the end in mind.
There is no such thing as a graphic designer who only does design for print or only for the web. These days designers have to be multi-taskers. When a designer takes on a project, they have to be willing and able to lead a design project through the demands and needs of both worlds. And while there is certainly a lot of cross-over, make no mistake, they are different worlds.
It’s important to keep design for the two mediums clear and focused on the various aspects of each. Keep your files separate, and definitely keep everything organized. And always be aware of what is different between the two mediums and how to use those differences to the fullest.
5 Key Differences between
Design for Print and Web Design.
1. Print is a physical medium – your viewers will hold it.
By far, the biggest difference is that print is a physical object. Your design doesn’t end with the colors you use, or the fonts you choose. The feel of a paper, the sheen of a finish, the lay and reflective properties of an ink you choose. All of these things are vital parts of design for print.
With web design one has little control over how the final piece will be experienced by the viewer. You can’t control the browser, device, or even the color standards through which a viewer will see the finished project. You do your best to match to the most common devices and standards.
In print design you have a lot more control. You can craft a complete experience for your viewer – right down to the weight and feel of something in your viewer’s hands.
2. Resolution -Images need to look good
No matter what medium you are working in, image resolution matters. You need to match the resolution of an image you are working to the requirements of the medium. If you are working on the web, than 72 dpi is the standard. For print, dpi needs to be much higher. Generally we say 300 dpi is a good number. This can change however depending on the nature of the project, the paper and press being used, and the size of the images.
The final product in print design is crafted to the choice of materials. You need to be consistent from beginning to end to make sure that the files you are setting up match the papers, presses, and inks you are working with. Remember, there is no standardized ‘screen’ to display it on. Every print project is unique.
3. File Type
Just as with resolution, or fonts, or colors, different file types are used in printing than in web design. It may seem obvious to a seasoned designer, but you can’t simply pull an image from a website, or a graphic web file and expect it to print without issues. You need to craft a print design project with the right elements and right file types.
We’ve talked before (here) about how PDFs are generally the best file type to use for printing. They help insure that your vision translates from design to printed material without a problem. But, it’s important to remember that each project can be different, and it is important to talk with your print service provider to find out what files they need and in which formats.
4. Design for Print is not an ongoing process so mind your proofs
Almost everyone has come upon a website with an error or two on it. Somethings misspelled, a graphic isn’t loading properly, or worse yet, something is out of place. In this sense the web is a very flexible medium. There is the time and ability to roll out constant updates, to jump in to a design, fix something, and then act like it never happened.
This is the opposite of print. Once something is printed, that is it. The update process almost invariably means starting the whole process over again. A mistake will either lead to a costly reprint, or it will linger for a while.
This means that the proofing and checking process is in print is all the more important. If you are used to web design and get a little slack with your proofing, then working print can be a wake up call. When you proof something to printed, it is critical that you take the time to double or triple check all the various components of your design.
5. Print is collaborative
We would never suggest that web design isn’t a collaborative process. Of course it is. But, we believe print is more collaborative, and the biggest reason is that it is a manufacturing process.
Everything you do in commercial print requires the understanding and work of others. Once you finish your design, you hand it off to a printer and they take on the task of transforming your digital files into a real physical object. It is critically important that you take the time to communicate with your printer, to make sure that everything is clear about your project, and that everyone understands what the final goal is.
Remember that design for print isn’t as flexible as the web when it comes to fixing errors and making changes. It is very important to have a great team of press and pre-press operators working with you to insure your design comes off the press looking great.
cutpasteandprint Printing, graphic design, binding, and promotional product specialists in Huntingdon Valley, PA. We proudly serve the Bucks and Montgomery County areas with superior quality, great customer service, and a commitment to getting you and your the best possible printed materials. Our services include: Digital Printing, Offset Printing, Graphic Design, Promotional Items, Bindery, and Copying.
estimating@cutpasteandprint.com • 215.364.3898
