The 5 Most Common Printing Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

We’ve printed everything from high-end packaging and art books to indie comics and greeting cards. No matter the project, one thing is consistent: file mistakes. And they’re not just rookie errors — even seasoned designers miss details when deadlines loom.

The good news? These problems are easy to avoid once you know what to look for. Here are the top five issues we see, and how you can steer clear of them.

1. No Bleed Setup

The issue: Your artwork ends right at the trim edge — which means if the cut is off by even 1mm, you’ll see white slivers around your design. The fix: Always add 3mm (or 1/8") bleed on all sides. If in doubt, ask us — we’ll send you a template.

2. Files in RGB, Not CMYK

The issue: What you see on screen (RGB) doesn’t match what comes off the press (CMYK). This often leads to dull or off-color prints. The fix: Convert your files to CMYK before exporting to PDF. That way, what you see is closer to what you’ll get.

3. Low-Res Images

The issue: Blurry or pixelated prints, especially on book covers or packaging. The fix: Use 300 DPI resolution for all images. If it looks fuzzy on screen when zoomed in, it’ll look fuzzy in print too.

4. Missing Fonts or Linked Images

The issue: You send us an InDesign file, but forget to package it properly — so fonts and images don’t show up. The fix: Always export a print-ready PDF, or if sending source files, use the "Package" feature to include everything we need.

5. Rushing the Proof Stage

The issue: You approve a file too quickly, and only spot a typo or design error after it’s been printed. Oof. The fix: Take your time reviewing proofs — or better yet, ask a fresh pair of eyes to double-check it. We’re happy to help.

Final Thoughts

Printing doesn’t need to be intimidating — you just need a good partner (and maybe a checklist). If you’ve got a project coming up and want us to take a quick look at your files before you send to print, we’d be happy to help. No pressure, no judgment.

📩 Shoot us a message or upload your file here [https://www.asiaprintpackaging.com/request-quote]