Printing Terms Every Customer Should Know to Make Smarter Orders

Whether you’re ordering T-shirts for your team, banners for your event, or vehicle wraps for your fleet, understanding basic printing terms can save you time, money, and frustration. At Frontend Solutions, we believe the more you know, the better your experience will be. Here’s a breakdown of essential printing lingo every customer should know:

1. Vector vs. Raster

• Vector files (like .AI, .EPS, .SVG) are made of paths and shapes. They can be resized without losing quality. Perfect for logos and large prints.

• Raster files (like .JPG, .PNG) are made of pixels. They can lose quality when enlarged. Best for photos, not logos.

Why it matters: A clean, scalable logo ensures sharp prints on everything from shirts to signs.

2. DPI (Dots Per Inch)

• This measures the resolution of a printed image. Higher DPI means better quality.

Why it matters: For crisp, clear images, aim for artwork that’s at least 300 DPI.

3. Bleed Area

• This is extra space around your design that gets trimmed off after printing.

Why it matters: Including a bleed prevents unwanted white edges on your finished product.

4. PMS vs. CMYK Colors

• PMS (Pantone Matching System) offers exact color matching, commonly used in logos and branding.

• CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) is used for full-color printing.

Why it matters: To keep your brand colors consistent across all materials, you may want to request PMS printing.

5. Screen Setup Fee

• In screen printing, each color requires a separate screen. A setup fee covers the cost of preparing these screens.

Why it matters: It’s a one-time fee per design and per color. Planning your designs smartly can save you money.

6. Turnaround Time

• This is the estimated time from approval to delivery.

Why it matters: Always confirm turnaround times if you're working with a deadline—especially for events or promotions.

7. Proof

• A digital or printed mock-up of your design for final approval.

Why it matters: Always review your proof carefully. It’s your last chance to catch errors before production.

8. Heat Transfer, DTF, and Screen Printing

• Heat Transfer: Great for full-color, small runs.

• DTF (Direct-to-Film): No setup fees, excellent for detailed designs and small quantities.

• Screen Printing: Best for large runs and bold, simple designs.

Why it matters: Knowing the right method for your project helps you choose the most cost-effective and high-quality option.

Knowledge = Power (and Better Prints)

Printing doesn’t have to be confusing. With just a few key terms in your back pocket, you’ll be able to communicate clearly, make smarter decisions, and get exactly what you want—on time and on budget.

Have questions or need help getting started? We’re always here to help at Frontend Solutions.

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