Designing and preparing for print: mistakes to avoid

Anyone who has ever prepared a layout for print, whether these are business cards, flyers, posters or packaging, knows that mistakes are often spotted only after the final product is received. But by then it’s already too late: you end up reprinting and spending more money. That’s why at Four zeros we created this simple, practical guide to help you save costs and avoid unnecessary stress.

1. Not setting colors to CMYK

Why does it matter? On screen, colors appear in RGB, but printing is done in CMYK. So, the question is: CMYK or RGB for print? The answer is simple — always CMYK. If you don’t switch, your project may look dull or distorted, and the colors you saw on your monitor won’t match the print.

Four zeros tip: Always prepare your print file in CMYK. If you’re working in RGB, convert before exporting, run a color proof, and only then send it to print. This also applies to vector graphics.

2. No bleeds or safe margins

Why does it matter? Without a 3–5 mm bleed, important elements risk ending up too close to the edge or being cut off.

Four zeros tip: Always add 3–5 mm bleed for backgrounds or elements near the edge. Keep key content (text, logos) at least 5 mm away from the trim line.

3. Low-resolution graphics

Why does it matter? For quality print, images must be at least 300 dpi at 1:1 scale. Low-quality or web images will look blurry.

Four zeros tip: Use high-resolution files (300 dpi or vector). If scaling up, do it carefully, or switch to vector formats (SVG, EPS). For PDFs, check quality in a graphics editor.

4. Wrong fonts or text not converted to outlines

Why does it matter? If you use custom fonts that the print shop doesn’t have, the software may replace them, changing your layout.

Four zeros tip: Either include fonts with the file (if the license allows) or, preferably, convert text to outlines. This guarantees your layout looks exactly as intended.

5. Incorrect margins and ignoring folding methods

Why does it matter? For folded leaflets or brochures, it’s important to account for the spine width and inner margins. Otherwise, text may fall into the fold.

Four zeros tip: Design with folding and spine width in mind. Check with the print shop about paper thickness and margin sizes before finalizing.

6. Lines too thin and details too small

Why does it matter? Lines thinner than 0.1 mm may not print at all.

Four zeros tip: Use lines at least 0.3 mm thick. Enlarge or simplify very fine details for reliable results.

7. No protective finish (laminate, varnish)

Why does it matter? Without protection, prints are easier to scratch, smudge, or damage. The right finish not only protects but also enhances appearance.

Four zeros tip: For frequently handled items, choose matte, glossy, or soft-touch laminate. For business cards, 3D varnish adds elegance.

8. Skipping a preflight check

Why does it matter? Even small errors (wrong color profiles, missing fonts, no bleed) can affect print quality or make printing impossible.

Four zeros tip: Always run a preflight check (for example, in Acrobat Pro) or send your file to the print shop for verification. A proof is especially useful for large-format projects or packaging.

Conclusion

Preparing for print isn’t just about visuals, it’s also about the technical details. Avoiding common mistakes ensures a clean, professional result without extra hassle.

If you want your layout to be perfect, reach out to us. At Four zeros, we take care of every detail so the final product is not only beautiful but also reliable.

Four zeros — print you can rely on.

Introduction
Customising clothing is a powerful way to build your brand, express visual identity, and stand out in the market. When it comes to choosing between printing and embroidery, a range of factors come into play: fabric type, purpose of the garment, budget, and the look you want to achieve. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each technique.

Machine embroidery – elegance and durability

Machine embroidery is the process of stitching a design with threads controlled by a computer. It’s considered a premium option due to its long-lasting quality and refined appearance. A growing trend is printed embroidery – a combination that merges classic printing with embroidery for a unique aesthetic.

Advantages:
✔ Durability – doesn’t fade, wash out, or wear off.
✔ Professional look – adds a sense of prestige.
✔ Versatility – works well with various fabrics: cotton, polyester, jersey, leather.

Disadvantages:
✖ Higher cost – especially for small runs or intricate designs.
✖ Limited detail – hard to reproduce small elements or colour gradients.
✖ Thickness – may feel bulky on lightweight garments.

Textile printing – colour and precision

Textile printing is the process of transferring an image onto fabric using various methods: screen printing, sublimation, direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, or heat transfer. It has gained popularity thanks to its precision and ability to reproduce complex graphics.

Advantages
✔ High detail – ideal for rendering fine elements and shadows.
✔ Vivid colours – especially effective for bold logos.
✔ Cost-effective for large runs
✔ Lightweight – doesn’t alter the fabric’s structure, ensuring comfort.

Disadvantages
✖ Less durable – the print may fade over time.
✖ Fabric limitations – not all fabrics are suitable for printing.

There are also hybrid techniques available – such as printed embroidery or embroidered print, which combine the strengths of both methods for a unique effect.

Comparison of Techniques: Embroidery vs Textile Printing

When choosing between embroidery and textile printing, several key factors come into play. Durability is one of the main advantages of embroidery — it is highly resistant to wear and washing, making it ideal for long-term use. In contrast, textile printing offers medium durability, especially when exposed to frequent washing or abrasion.
In terms of appearance, embroidery provides a raised and elegant look, giving garments a premium and professional feel. Textile printing, on the other hand, creates a flat but vivid finish, allowing for vibrant colours and a modern aesthetic.
Looking at cost, embroidery tends to be more expensive, particularly for small quantities, while textile printing is more cost-effective for larger production runs.
When it comes to detail, embroidery has limitations, especially with very fine lines or complex graphics. Textile printing excels in this area, offering high precision and the ability to reproduce intricate designs.
Finally, considering comfort, embroidery can be less comfortable on thin fabrics due to its texture and thickness. Textile printing maintains the original feel of the fabric, ensuring greater comfort for the wearer.
In summary, the choice depends on your priorities — whether you value durability and elegance, or detail, colour, and comfort.

When to choose embroidery?

• You need prestigious, long-lasting branding for uniforms or formal wear.
  
  
• You want to emphasize your brand’s status.
  
  
• The project is simple, without gradients.
  
  
• Quality matters as a company’s calling card.

When to choose printing?

• The design has fine details, shadows, or complex graphics.
  
  
• You need an economical solution for large batches.
  
  
• You value lightness and comfort in wearing.
  
  
• You’re interested in digital printing that offers precision and rich colours.

Conclusion

Choosing between embroidery and printing depends on the type of project, material, budget, and desired effect. Embroidery stands for durability and prestige. Printing offers precision and efficiency for mass production. Increasingly, combined methods are used to create unique products. If you’re unsure which to choose, contact us!
At Four zeros, we’ll help you select the best technique for your project and deliver high-quality printing and embroidery that meet your expectations.

A breakthrough for short runs and prototyping

In the world of print, where speed and flexibility are key, adopting cutting-edge technology can significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of your projects.
Four zeros is proud to introduce its latest addition – the iEcho PK0705 digital cutting machine. This equipment opens up new possibilities for precision cutting, creasing, and marking, especially in small-run production and prototyping. It perfectly complements our digital printing capabilities, allowing us to deliver even the most demanding projects faster and with greater accuracy.

What makes the iEcho PK0705 stand out?

The iEcho PK0705 is an intelligent cutting system that combines advanced features with a compact design. With its automatic feeder, vacuum system, and built-in computer, the machine delivers:

• Precise cutting of various materials such as cardboard, corrugated cardboard, polymeric foam, and synthetic substrates.
  
• Creasing and marking, enabling the creation of complex packaging and promotional materials.
  
• Automatic positioning with a CCD camera, eliminating manual setup errors.
• Cutting speeds of up to 1000 mm/s with a cutting accuracy of ±0.1 mm.

Why does it matter for your projects?

1. Fast production of short runs. Traditional packaging or POS material production often requires the creation of cutting dies – an expensive and time-consuming step when working with small volumes. The iEcho PK0705 solves this problem by enabling die-free production that is both fast and cost-effective.
2. Unlimited prototyping. For designers and advertising agencies, the ability to quickly create a prototype is priceless. With the iEcho PK0705, you can efficiently test different versions and speed up decision-making.
3. Personalisation and unique projects. In a world that values individuality, creating unique shapes and designs is a competitive advantage. The iEcho PK0705 allows you to bring even the most complex ideas to life.

Examples of applications

• Packaging: custom-shaped boxes with windows, inserts, or additional elements.
• Promotional materials: stands, displays, hang-tags, and labels in unusual shapes.
• Prototypes: fast creation of packaging models for presentations.
• Personalized products: unique solutions for marketing campaigns, events, or corporate gifts.

Why choose Four zeros?
Four zeros is a print centre focused on innovation and quality. Thanks to the iEcho PK0705, we offer:

• Fast order turnaround, especially for short runs.
  
  
• Greater flexibility in design and production.
  
  
• High quality thanks to precise cutting and creasing.
  
  
• The ability to create unique solutions that were previously impossible.

Conclusion

The launch of the iEcho PK0705 at Four zeros print centre is a step into the future and a response to growing market demands. We offer even better quality, speed, and flexibility. If you’re looking for a partner who can bring your most complex ideas to life, contact us today.

Four zeros – your ideas, our precision.