Whether you run a small design business or are simply designing for a particular purpose, you need to consider several factors before getting to work. While the world has increasingly moved towards web, there's no denying the beauty of printed design, which is why it remains a formidable force even today. Here are some vital attentions when designing graphics for print.

Consider The Size Of The Printed Product

A printed product can come in any shape and size. For example, letter paper will differ from A4 or A3 sized paper. Even business card sizes will vary, so it is important that you plan to design for the exact dimensions of the printed product. Make sure you are well aware of the final document specifications so you don't end up having to redo the layout later.  

Consider The Bleed On The Final Document

The bleed is the area around your printed document where the design may be extended – tolerating small inaccuracies when the printed product is brought down to the specific size needed. You will need to accommodate for this during the design phase, so that the final layout doesn't end up with blatant errors that need to be redone.  Keep in mind that all text and logos should be placed away from the document edges so they don't end up being pushed into the bleed area and trimmed out completely.

Consider Appealing To The User's Senses

Unlike the web, print design has the ability to appeal to the user's senses through touch. For example, a business card with a textured logo is a great way to get the other person to get a feel of your products. Apart from the visual component, you can use concepts like shapes, textures, screen printing and embossing to create a unique print design experience for users. At the end of the day, you'll want your design to make a great impression and the concept of touch is a good way to do that.

Consider The Format For Printing

The printing format you choose will make a difference to the final output, so don't take it for granted. If you choose the wrong format, then your design will end up getting distorted resulting in a poor-quality print. JPG and PDF files are commonly used for print design, but reducing the file size for a JPG can end up distorting an image. TIFF files are the preferred format for printing because of the high quality produced, and compression doesn't compromise on quality.