Flyer printing is a crucial aspect of effective marketing campaigns. A well-designed flyer can capture attention, convey a message, and drive action. However, before sending your flyer design to the printing stage, there are several considerations to keep in mind. In this blog post, we will explore the key factors to consider when printing flyers and compare the two primary printing methods: digital and litho printing.
Considerations When Going to Print
Before hitting the metaphorical print button, it’s essential to review your flyer design thoroughly. Check for any errors, ensure proper alignment, and confirm that the design includes bleed to prevent unwanted white borders. Additionally, prepare your files in the correct format, ensuring compatibility with the printing process. A little tip here, avoid “hard” borders. When cutting flyers, the paper can sometimes shift resulting in a skewed border – Trust us on this one.
Digital vs. Litho Printing for Flyer Printing
When it comes to flyer printing, there are two main methods to choose from: digital and litho printing. Usually the choice isn’t up to you. Your print supplier will decide wether this is a digital or litho print run based on factors such as time and cost. Fast turn-around time requirements are usually printed digitally but heads-up, this will add to your cost.
Digital Printing:
Digital printing offers several advantages, making it a popular choice for small print runs. With digital printing, you can enjoy quick turnaround times, cost-effectiveness for low quantities, and the ability to print on demand. This method is ideal for time-sensitive promotions or when you need a small number of flyers in a short period. Remember to select the correct delivery date service when ordering with Printulu to ensure your order is delivered timeously.
Litho Printing:
Litho printing, also known as offset printing, is renowned for its exceptional image quality and vibrant colours. It involves transferring ink from metal plates to a rubber blanket and then onto the printing surface. Litho printing is highly efficient for large print runs, ensuring consistent quality and cost-effectiveness. If you require a high volume of flyers or desire the highest print quality, litho printing is an excellent choice. With Printulu your order is automatically assigned to the correct printing process to ensure the best prices.
Quality and Colour Accuracy
Colour accuracy is paramount in flyer printing. Your design may look perfect on-screen, but without proper colour management during printing, the final result may be disappointing. Professional printing services employ advanced technologies, colour calibration, and experienced technicians to ensure high-quality results. By maintaining colour accuracy throughout the printing process, they can bring your design to life and create visually stunning flyers that accurately represent your brand. Remember that colour accuracy is determined by the colour mode you have created your artwork in. The best colour mode is CMYK (U.S. Web Coated SWOP v2).
Paper Stock Selection
The choice of paper stock significantly impacts the durability and overall perception of your flyers. Consider the following aspects when selecting paper for your flyers:
Paper Weight and Thickness:
Different paper weights are available, ranging from lightweight to heavyweight options. The weight of the paper affects its sturdiness and durability. Consider the purpose of your flyers and select an appropriate paperweight that suits your needs. Standard options for flyers are usually 100 gsm and 148 gsm but for a longer-lasting, more durable flyer you should opt for a higher gsm.
Paper Types:
Glossy, matte, and uncoated are the three primary paper types used in flyer printing, each with its unique characteristics.
- Glossy Paper: It has a shiny finish that enhances colour vibrancy and provides a polished, professional look. Glossy paper is ideal for designs that require vibrant images and bold colours.
- Matte Paper: With its non-reflective surface, the matte paper offers a sophisticated and elegant look. It is suitable for designs that have subtle tones, textures, or a more subdued aesthetic. Matte paper is usually chosen when you need to write on the paper as well.
- Uncoated Paper: Uncoated paper has a natural, textured feel and a more organic appearance. It is a popular choice for designs that aim to convey authenticity or a tactile experience.
Consider the nature of your design, the impression you want to make, and the preferences of your target audience when selecting the best paper type for your flyers. Printulu only offers gloss and matte as standard paper options. Other paper types can be requested via a custom quotation but be warned this will affect pricing. If you want to have a specific type of paper but you’re not sure what you want, you should visit a paper merchant such as Papersmith & Sons. It is important to note that the paper used when producing high-quality flyers or other products is vastly different from the paper you use in your office printer. Your office printer doesn’t have the correct calibration for the paper used when producing a finished, well-executed product. To look at options for your in-office printer, you would need to look at a paper brand such as mondi rotatrim.
Size Considerations
Standard Sizes:
Standard flyer sizes offer advantages in terms of printing costs, ease of distribution, and audience familiarity. Let’s explore some commonly used standard sizes:
- A4 Size:
- Pros: A4 flyers provide ample space for detailed information and visual elements. They are ideal for brochures, event programs, or informational materials. A4 flyers offer a professional look and are easily readable.
- Cons: A4 flyers can be larger and more expensive to print compared to smaller sizes. They may also be less convenient to distribute due to their larger dimensions.
- A5 Size:
- Pros: A5 flyers strike a balance between size and content. They are compact, making them easy to handle and distribute. A5 flyers are suitable for event promotions, product advertisements, or general marketing purposes.
- Cons: A5 flyers may have limitations in terms of the amount of information they can accommodate. Designs may need to be concise and focused.
- A6 Size:
- Pros: A6 flyers are smaller and more compact, making them convenient for distribution. They are often used for simple announcements, postcards, or quick promotions.
- Cons: A6 flyers may have limited space for content and visuals, requiring you to be concise in your messaging.
- A7 Size:
- Pros: A7 flyers are compact and easily portable. They are suitable for handing out small promotional cards, mini invitations, or simple event reminders.
- Cons: A7 flyers have limited space for text and visuals. Complex designs may not be suitable for this size.
- DL Size:
- Pros: DL-sized flyers are long and slim, similar to a standard business envelope. They are often used for product or service promotions, vouchers, or rack cards. DL flyers offer a unique and eye-catching format.
- Cons: DL-sized flyers may be less familiar to some audiences, and their longer dimensions may limit design options.
Consider the purpose of your flyer, the amount of information you need to include, and the distribution method when choosing a standard size. Also, keep printing costs in mind, as larger sizes may incur higher expenses.
Custom Sizes:
Choosing custom sizes for your flyers can help them stand out and align with your specific design requirements.
Unique Design:
Custom sizes offer the opportunity to break away from traditional formats and catch the attention of your audience. They allow for creativity and originality in your flyer design, helping you make a memorable impression.
Tailored Content:
Custom sizes provide flexibility in presenting your content. You can optimise the layout, typography, and visual elements to ensure a cohesive and impactful design that effectively communicates your message.
Printing Considerations:
When choosing a custom size, consider printing costs and compatibility with printing equipment. Custom sizes may require more specialised printing processes, which can affect pricing. Ensure that the chosen size is within the capabilities of your chosen printing service provider. Custom sizes don’t necessarily have to break the bank if you can make it fit on an SRA paper sheet with the least amount of wastage.
High-quality flyer printing is essential for maximising the impact of your marketing campaigns. By considering size considerations, you can optimize your flyers for visual appeal, information dissemination, and audience engagement. Whether you opt for standard sizes or choose custom sizes to create unique designs, it is crucial to select a reputable printing service that offers customisation options, ensures colour accuracy, and delivers top-notch print quality. Remember to consider your design, target audience, and budget when making decisions about paper stock, size, and printing methods. By doing so, you can create compelling and effective flyers that bring your marketing materials to life.
Read More:
Flyer Maker Tools: Creating Flyers Effortlessly
Flyer Templates: Creating Ready-to-Use Designs for Any Occasion