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Large format printing mistakes at any point in the process can cost a lot of money through wasted time and materials, along with dissatisfied customers. However, it's possible to avoid many of the most common large format printing errors with sufficient knowledge and equipment, whether you're looking to avoid file formatting issues, inaccurate colours, or other potentially costly errors.

This article will review some of the most common large format printing errors and explore how to avoid them by using the right precautions and printing tools.

Why Printing Mistakes Happen in Large Format Projects

As you're learning how to avoid printing mistakes, it's important to understand the reasons for them.

Lack of file preparation or incorrect settings

One cause of some of the most common large format printing errors involves starting the project improperly. Ensure your printer is ready to go with the right file settings. Keep them compatible with the printer using the appropriate software and the printer's interface.

For instance, the Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (CMYK) profile is typically the right colour setting to use for large format projects instead of Red, Green, and Blue (RGB).

Using the wrong media or paper size

You should also ensure that you're printing on the correct print media of the right size. Some projects may require vinyl, for example, while others may demand paper sizes ranging from A4 (210 mm x 297 mm) to A1 (594 mm x 841 mm).

Misunderstanding resolution and scaling

It's equally important to keep in mind resolution and scaling with every project. For most large format prints, the ideal resolution is approximately 300 dots per inch (dpi) for colour images and 150 dpi for black-and-white images, as this is sufficient for long-distance viewing while maintaining a reasonable file size. To optimise your file sizes, it's also best to use the appropriate scaling. A general rule here is to make your files 10% of the size of your print if the print is over 150 inches, while 100% scale is good for any project under 150 inches.

Common Large Format Printing Errors to Watch For

The following are some of the most common printing mistakes:

Low-resolution images leading to pixelation

Again, you want your large format prints to have a lower resolution than smaller prints, especially if you're making signage and other prints that people will view from a distance. At the same time, you want to go no lower than 100 dpi to avoid pixelation with your prints.

Cropped content due to improper margins or bleed

Make sure to use the right paper sizes for your project before printing. Also, run test prints before committing to the final project to avoid a large number of cropped prints you can’t use.

Colour mismatches from incorrect profiles

The right colour profile is another key consideration. CMYK is the most commonly used profile in large format printing because of its specific value in physical printing applications. As such, designing with this profile could help maintain consistent colour accuracy across all of your prints.

How to Avoid Printing Issues Before They Start

If you want to know how to avoid printing issues proactively, here are some critical steps to take:

Pre-check your file specifications and dimensions

Before printing, always verify that the file specifications and print dimensions match your desired outcome. Confirm scale, dimensions, colour profile, and page size, determining which combination yields the best results.

Use HP-recommended media and drivers

When upgrading to any type of large format printer, it helps to go with print media and drivers that the experts at HP recommend. HP printers offer some of the best options on the market, particularly for large format projects.

Calibrate your printer for accurate output

Another step to take is to properly calibrate your printer to get the results you want. Optimise colours and print quality, running test prints and adjusting accordingly.

HP DesignJet Features That Help Prevent Printing Mistakes

Let's look at some design features you'll find with our large format plotters and printers that can help you avoid the biggest printing mistakes:

Smart print previews and error alerts

Using an accessible interface and notifications, you can easily preview your prints to verify accuracy and receive clear error alerts.

Compatibility with design and CAD software

Another benefit of HP DesignJet printers is their superior compatibility with most design and CAD software for everything from graphic design projects to blueprints and layouts in the AEC industry.

Simple setup with HP Click and Print Preview

We've also designed HP Click, a print software designed specifically to simplify large format printing processes by printing from nearly any file format without a conventional printer driver. Also, Print Preview can help you confirm all specifications before each print.

Best Practices for Consistent Print Results

For some effective ways to avoid the most common large format printing errors, implement the following best practices:

Establish a print checklist for your team

Put together a comprehensive checklist for each member of your team to run through before completing any project. Make sure everyone adheres to the same guidelines for consistent results.

Train staff on large format file requirements

Give everyone on your team the training they need to determine how to go about each printing project based on file sizes, scaling, resolution, and colour modes.

Keep firmware and software updated

Always try to use the latest versions of all print software and firmware to maintain highly efficient and effective print operations.

Print Smarter With HP DesignJet

Want to get the best possible results from your large format printing efforts? We'll show you how to avoid printing issues that could otherwise compromise your operations using some of the most innovative print solutions on the market. At HP, you'll find precisely what you need in our line of high-quality, efficient DesignJet plotters and printers. These models feature the latest innovations to maximise efficiency and quality with every project, with user-friendly and sustainable printer models and full customer support.

To learn more about our printers and find the right model for your application, check out our DesignJet promotions today.