FAQ
Questions before starting a project
File preparation is the most common topic. We have organised the answers into sections, from artwork and technology to project start.
01 / FAQ
File preparation
Format, colour, resolution, scale, bleed, safety areas and cutting elements.
How should I prepare print-ready files?
Send a final print-ready PDF, preferably compliant with an appropriate PDF/X standard. State the final size or clearly describe the scale. Resolution, bleed, colour settings and technical elements should match the material and finishing method.
See the complete file preparation guide →Which file format should I send?
A print-ready PDF is preferred. TIFF, PSD and source formats may also be accepted after consultation. Files from CorelDRAW or Adobe Illustrator should preferably be exported to the agreed PDF format.
Can I send a JPG or PNG?
Yes, but these are not the preferred final production formats. We will check resolution, compression, quality at the intended size and whether the colour can be prepared correctly.
Does the file have to be in CMYK?
CMYK is preferred for conventional printing. In large-format printing, colour preparation may depend on the technology, material and production profile. Tell us before production if colour matching is critical.
How should black be prepared?
Small text, fine lines and small elements normally use black based on 100% K. Large solid areas may require a rich black. The exact formula depends on the technology, material and production profile.
What resolution should the file have?
Resolution depends on final size, viewing distance, material and technology. For work smaller than approximately 100 × 100 cm at 1:1 scale, 300 dpi is a useful starting point. Larger formats generally use lower values.
Can artwork be prepared at 1:10 scale?
Yes. Image resolution in the file must then be ten times the value required at 1:1 scale. Always state the final production size.
Do I need to add bleed?
Yes, when the artwork extends to the trimmed edge. Conventional print often uses 3 mm, while large-format work commonly starts at approximately 3–5 mm. Confirm non-standard allowances before preparing the file.
What is a safety area?
It is the safe distance between the cutting line and text, a logo or another important graphic element. The exact value depends on the product and finishing method.
How should I prepare a cutting line?
Prepare it as a closed vector path separated from the artwork. Do not rasterise it. Confirm the layer or spot-colour naming convention for the specific order.
Should fonts be converted to outlines?
Yes. We recommend converting text to outlines in final vector files to avoid font substitution and changes to line breaks, spacing or positioning.
Should I add printer marks?
Do not add crop marks, registration marks or other production marks unless agreed. Prepare the correct finished size, required bleed and agreed technical elements.
How should I name the file?
Use a clear pattern, for example company-item-size.pdf. Avoid special characters, state the final size and identify each project element unambiguously.
02 / FAQ
Printing technologies
Solvent, UV, digital and offset printing, and how the solution is selected.
What is solvent printing?
A large-format printing technology used mainly on roll media such as self-adhesive films, banners, meshes and window graphics. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor work; the production variant is selected for the application and required durability.
What is UV printing?
Ink is cured with UV light during printing. This enables direct printing on many substrates, including rigid materials, and is useful for signage, interiors, POS and displays.
Which materials can be UV printed?
Selected PVC and composite boards, acrylic, polycarbonate, cardboard, paperboard, wood-based materials, aluminium, glass and some flexible media. We confirm suitability after checking the substrate and project requirements.
What is digital printing?
It is mainly used for short and medium runs of conventional printed materials, short series and personalisation. It complements our end-to-end B2B service.
What is offset printing?
A technology primarily used for medium and long runs of catalogues, folders, brochures, publications and corporate materials. It offers high repeatability and an efficient unit cost at larger volumes.
How do I choose the right printing technology?
You do not need to choose it yourself. We match the technology to the material, format, volume, application, durability, quality requirements, finishing and deadline.
03 / FAQ
Colour and production control
File verification, colour matching, multi-page documents and folding lines.
Will the printed colour be identical to what I see on screen?
Final colour should not be judged from a monitor alone. The result depends on printing technology, ink, material, colour profile, surface and lighting. Flag critical colours before production so that we can agree a proofing or control method.
I am unsure whether my file is prepared correctly. Can RBM check it?
Yes. We can verify the basic technical parameters. If changes beyond standard production preparation are required, we will explain the additional work before it begins.
Can I send editable source files?
Source files can help during consultation, but production should use an agreed final PDF or TIFF. This reduces risks caused by software versions, fonts, linked images, effects and colour settings.
How should I prepare a multi-page document?
Supply one PDF with every page in the correct order, including blank pages. Do not prepare imposition yourself unless this has been agreed.
How should creasing or folding be marked?
The fold position must be unambiguous. Agree the method for marking technical lines before submitting the final file, especially for unusual jobs.
04 / FAQ
AI-generated artwork
How to assess AI material and prepare it for professional printing.
Is AI-generated artwork immediately suitable for printing?
Not always. An image designed for a screen may have insufficient resolution, unsuitable proportions, no bleed, limited editability or errors that become visible only when enlarged.
Why can an AI image look good on screen but poor in print?
A screen shows the image at a small size, while large-format printing may enlarge it to several metres. Blur, pixels, artefacts, unnatural edges and detail errors then become visible.
Can RBM prepare AI artwork for printing?
We can assess the material, determine whether it is suitable and explain what preparation is required. Not every file can be improved without quality loss; broader design or DTP work is agreed before production.
Is enlarging an AI image enough?
Not always. Increasing the pixel count does not automatically create genuine detail or remove source errors. The material must be assessed at the intended production size.
How should I submit AI artwork for assessment?
State the final size, application, material, cutting method and colour requirements. Send the highest-quality source available, preferably without prior artificial enlargement.
05 / FAQ
Enquiry and delivery
Information needed for quotation, materials, installation, multiple locations and confidentiality.
How do I start a quotation?
Send a description of the application, approximate dimensions and quantity, place of use and expected deadline. If you have artwork or reference photos, mention them in your message.
I do not know which material I need. Is that a problem?
No. Selecting the material and technology is part of preparing the job. The key information is the place of use, operating conditions and expected result.
Can the project include installation?
Yes, if it is included in the agreed scope. Photos, dimensions and information about the substrate and access may be needed for assessment.
Can several services be combined in one project?
Yes. Projects often combine printing, signage, packing, delivery and installation.
Do you serve multiple locations?
Yes. We establish a repeatable standard, item schedule, packing method and delivery plan.
How do you protect confidentiality?
We do not publish client names, projects, locations or details without separate consent.
What determines the quotation?
Scope, dimensions, volume, material, finishing, logistics, installation and deadline.
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