• Try “portfolio”, “ink”, “branding” or a code like “PRS 101”.

GDS 203Graphic Design

Print Production Fundamentals

Set up files that print correctly the first time: trim, bleed and safe areas, resolution, CMYK and spot colour, fonts, preflight, PDF export and working with printers.

Planned

About this course

Good design can still fail at the printer. This course explains common printing processes and papers, then walks through setting up files correctly: document size, trim, bleed and safe areas, image resolution at final size, CMYK and spot colour, rich black, and handling fonts and fine lines. You will learn to preflight, export print PDFs, read proofs and talk to printers in their language. Bleed and safe-area conventions vary between printers, so the course teaches you to confirm specifications rather than rely on a single number. Work in InDesign, Illustrator, Affinity or the free Scribus and Inkscape.

Who it’s for: Designers and illustrators who send work to commercial or online printers. Basic layout skills are expected; no production experience needed.

You will be able to

  • Describe the main printing processes and choose an appropriate one for a job.
  • Set up a document with correct trim size, bleed and safe area for a printer's stated specifications.
  • Prepare images and colour for print, including resolution at final size, CMYK conversion and spot colours.
  • Preflight a file and export a print-ready PDF.
  • Write a clear print specification and request a quote from a printer.

Studio project

Two print-ready PDFs (a full-bleed card and a folded piece) with a preflight report and written print specifications.

To complete this course

  • Complete every required lesson.
  • Have the assignment “Print-ready file set with preflight report” accepted by an instructor.
  • Records of completion are issued only for courses whose content has passed instructor review.

Part of

Syllabus

Working titles: they may change as the course is written.

  1. Module 1: How printing works

    Enough about presses and paper to make good decisions and talk to printers.

    1. 1.1Print processes: offset, digital, screen, risograph and large formatReading · 40 min
    2. 1.2Paper, stocks and finishesReading · 35 min

  2. Module 2: Setting up print files

    The technical setup that prevents the most common print problems.

    1. 2.1Trim, bleed and safe areasReading · 35 min
    2. 2.2Resolution and image placementReading · 30 min
    3. 2.3Colour for print: CMYK, rich black, spot colours and profilesReading · 40 min
    4. 2.4Type, fonts and fine lines in printReading · 25 min

  3. Module 3: Preflight and export

    Checking and exporting files the way printers expect.

    1. 3.1A preflight checklistExercise · 40 min
    2. 3.2Exporting print-ready PDFsStudio · 40 min
    3. 3.3Proofs and approvalsReading · 25 min

  4. Module 4: Working with printers

    Quotes, specifications and solving problems together.

    1. 4.1Writing a print specification and requesting quotesReading · 30 min
    2. 4.2Studio: diagnosing print problemsStudio · 45 min

Sources

Author: Ricketts University curriculum team (draft for founder review) · Not yet reviewed

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  2. GDS 102

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  3. GDS 103

    Colour Theory

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