Common Printing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Printing remains a core part of business communications, marketing, and branding whether you’re producing brochures, banners, direct mail pieces, or internal documents. But even simple print projects can go sideways if avoidable mistakes slip into your workflow. Poor resolution, incorrect file settings, or skipped quality checks can lead to wasted time, higher costs, and materials that don’t represent your brand well.

In this post, we’ll walk through the most common printing mistakes businesses make, and how to avoid them. Plus, we’ll highlight how partnering with an experienced commercial printer like the Schiele Group can prevent these issues before they happen.

1. Low-Resolution Images and Graphics

One of the most frequent errors in print design is using images that look fine on screen but print poorly because they aren’t high enough resolution. Images pulled from the web or designed for digital display are often only 72 DPI (dots per inch) far too low for quality printing. For sharp results, especially on brochures and promotional pieces, aim for 300 DPI or higher at the actual size of the printed image.

How to avoid it:

• Use high-resolution original images.

• Don’t scale up small images, they lose clarity.

• Save logos and icons as vector files (AI, EPS, or SVG) when possible.

Experienced printers like The Schiele Group have workflows and prepress checks that catch resolution issues early, preventing blurry prints and reprints later.

2. Designing in the Wrong Color Mode

Colors display differently on screens than on paper. Screens use RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color mode, while most commercial printing uses CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). Designing in RGB and then sending files directly to print can result in dull or inaccurate colors.

How to avoid it:

• Set your design files to CMYK color mode from the start.

• Use printer-recommended color profiles (ICC profiles) for more accurate output.

A professional printer can help with color management and proofs, ensuring your final product looks as vibrant on paper as it does on screen, something the Schiele Group emphasizes by working closely with clients throughout the production process.

3. Ignoring Bleed, Trim, and Safety Margins

Failing to include proper bleed and safety areas can lead to valuable content being cut off after trimming. “Bleed” refers to design elements that extend beyond the final cut line to ensure the ink reaches the edge of the paper without white margins, while safety margins protect important text and logos from being too close to cut lines.

How to avoid it:

• Include a bleed area (typically about 0.125 inches).

• Place important content well inside the trim area.

• Add crop marks to indicate cut lines.

Professional printers like the Schiele Group know these requirements by heart and can guide designers to set files correctly before production begins.

4. Incorrect File Formats

Not all file formats are created equal when it comes to printing. Formats designed for screens — like JPEG, GIF, and PNG — often don’t contain sufficient data for high-quality print.

How to avoid it:

• Export print files as print-ready PDFs with embedded fonts and images.

• Use image formats like TIFF or EPS for high-quality graphics.

• Avoid compressing images for print.

Printers with robust prepress departments will flag unsuitable file formats and help convert files properly before production. That’s one reason partnering with an expert full-service printer like The Schiele Group makes a difference.

5. Fonts That Don’t Transfer or Are Hard to Read

Fonts that aren’t embedded or converted can change during printing, creating layout problems or even replacing fonts entirely. Similarly, overly decorative or tiny fonts can be hard to read in print.

How to avoid it:

• Embed or outline fonts in your design files.

• Choose fonts that are easy to read at the size you plan to print.

• Limit your design to two or three fonts for a clean, professional look.

Experienced printers check files for font issues and help avoid these common pitfalls, a benefit often noted by clients working with printers like the Schiele Group.

6. Overcrowded Designs

One mistake that crosses both design and print production is simply trying to include too much information in a small space. Overcrowded layouts distract the reader and can make printed materials appear amateurish or cluttered.

How to avoid it:

• Simplify your layout.

• Use white space effectively.

• Focus on clear hierarchy and prioritization of information.

Printers and design consultants often offer feedback on layout balance and readability, helping you craft materials that communicate effectively.

7. Skipping Test Prints and Proofing

Rushing to production without test prints or proofs is a recipe for disaster. Without a proof, you can’t see color shifts, layout issues, or typos until it’s too late, often after a costly print run.

How to avoid it:

• Always request a printed or digital proof before full production.

• Review proofs with fresh eyes or have a team member proofread as well.

• Check critical details like contact information, dates, and color accuracy.

A professional printer like The Schiele Group will always encourage proofing, often with printable proofs clients can approve before the press runs. This step alone can save thousands of dollars and hours of wasted time.

8. Choosing the Wrong Paper or Material

Not all paper stocks are equal. Choosing the wrong weight, finish, or coating can make a design look cheap, affect readability, or impact durability.

How to avoid it:

• Understand your audience and purpose, brochures for a trade show might need heavier, coated stock; flyers might be fine on lighter paper.

• Consult with your printer on paper options and finishes.

Professionals like The Schiele Group offer a wide range of materials and can recommend what will work best for your project’s goals and budget.

9. Choosing the Wrong Printing Partner

One of the most expensive mistakes businesses make is selecting a printer based solely on price or speed. Cheap options often compromise quality, communication, or reliability, leading to delays and inconsistent results.

How to avoid it:

• Choose a printer with proven quality, responsive communication, and project support.

• Look for a full-service partner who can guide you from design through delivery.

  
  

The Schiele Group, with more than seven decades in commercial printing and a reputation for collaboration and quality, is an example of a partner that helps businesses avoid these pitfalls and achieve consistently excellent results.

Printing mistakes, from low-resolution images to skipped proofing, may seem small at first but can quickly escalate into costly, time-consuming problems. Avoiding them requires attention to detail, the right tools, and often a trusted printing partner who understands the nuances of professional print production.

Whether you’re printing marketing materials, internal documents, or large-format signage, following these tips will help you avoid common errors and ensure your final product looks fantastic. And when you work with a seasoned commercial printer like the Schiele Group, you gain more than a vendor, you get a collaborator dedicated to quality, consistency, and your success.