Mastering Illustrator for Perfect Print Results

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Creating a Two-page Flyer in Adobe Illustrator
   1. Steps to Designing the Flyer
   2. Incorporating Feedback
3. Preparing the Flyer for Print
   1. The Easy Way
      1. Package command in newer versions of Illustrator
   2. The Old-School Way
      1. Step-by-Step Process
4. Ensuring Print-Readiness
   1. Outlining Fonts
   2. Embedding Images
5. Saving the File
   1. File Formats for Print
   2. Saving as a Printable PDF
6. Conclusion

Creating a Print-Ready Flyer in Adobe Illustrator

In this tutorial, we will be discussing the steps to Create a print-ready flyer using Adobe Illustrator. If You have been following along from the previous tutorial, where we designed a two-page flyer for a charity golf event, this tutorial serves as a follow-up. We will focus on preparing the flyer for print, ensuring that it is ready to be sent to a print vendor without any complications.

Creating a Two-page Flyer in Adobe Illustrator

Before we dive into the print preparation process, let's briefly Recap the steps involved in designing the two-page flyer. In the previous tutorial, we walked you through the creation of the flyer using Adobe Illustrator. If you haven't gone through that tutorial, don't worry! You can still follow along as the focus of this tutorial is on the print preparation process.

Incorporating Feedback

After the previous tutorial, we received feedback from our viewers. Taking that feedback into account, we have decided to address the next steps after designing a flyer in general. This way, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to prepare your flyer for printing.

Preparing the Flyer for Print

When it comes to printing a flyer, there are two ways to prepare it: the easy way and the old-school way. We will cover both methods so you can choose the one that suits your version of Adobe Illustrator.

The Easy Way

If you are using a newer version of Adobe Illustrator (CS6 to CC 18 Creative Cloud), you have access to an autopilot fail-proof method. Simply go to "File" and select "Package." A menu will appear with options for saving the output file and packaging everything needed for print. We recommend selecting the desktop as the save location for ease of access. Make sure to check all the boxes, including copying all the links, collecting links in a separate folder, relinking linked files to the document, copying fonts, and creating a report. Click "Package" to complete the process.

The Old-School Way

For those using older versions of Adobe Illustrator, the old-school method is just as effective. Start by selecting everything in the design by pressing Ctrl+A (Windows) or Command+A (Mac). Ensure that nothing is locked by going to the "Object" menu and selecting "Unlock All." Next, go to "Type" and choose "Create Outlines" to convert the fonts into vector lines. This step avoids font issues when opening the file on another computer.

Now, we need to embed the images placed within the document to avoid any missing image issues. Go to the links palette, which can be accessed through a shortcut or by going to the "Window" menu and selecting "Links." The links palette will Show the images used in the design. Select all the images by holding the Shift key and clicking on each one. Then, click on the menu at the top right corner of the palette and choose "Embed Images." A dialog box will appear where you can select "Flattened Layers" and click "OK" for each image. The thumbnail on the right side of the links palette will indicate if an image is embedded.

Ensuring Print-Readiness

To ensure that your flyer is ready for printing, there are two crucial steps to follow: outlining fonts and embedding images.

Outlining Fonts

By using the "Create Outlines" option in Adobe Illustrator, you can convert the fonts in your design into vector lines. This eliminates the need to send font files or worry about font compatibility with the printer. Although the text becomes uneditable after outlining, the printer can still work with the design effectively.

Embedding Images

Embedding images ensures that all the image information is contained within the Illustrator file. To embed an image, select it in the links palette and choose "Embed Images" from the options menu. This prevents any missing image issues when opening the file on another computer or sending it to the printer.

Saving the File

Once you have outlined the fonts and embedded the images, it is time to save the file in a print-ready format. We recommend saving it in both Adobe Illustrator (AI) format and a printable PDF format. These two formats will provide versatility when sending the file to clients or printers.

To save as a printable PDF, go to "File" and select "Save As." Choose the PDF format and specify the save location. In the Adobe PDF preset, select "High Quality Print" to maintain the highest quality without compression. Under "Marks and Bleeds," make sure to check the box for "All Printer Marks" and use the document's bleed settings. Click "Save PDF" to complete the process.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we have explored the process of creating a print-ready flyer in Adobe Illustrator. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your flyer is ready to be sent to a print vendor without any issues or complications. Remember to outline your fonts, embed your images, and save the file in both AI and printable PDF formats. Now you can confidently share your design with clients or printers, knowing that it is print-ready and of the highest quality.

Highlights:

• Follow the steps to create a print-ready flyer in Adobe Illustrator
• Two ways to prepare the flyer for print: the easy way and the old-school way
• Outlining fonts and embedding images are essential for print-readiness
• Save the file in Adobe Illustrator (AI) and printable PDF formats for versatility
• Ensure the highest quality by selecting appropriate Adobe PDF presets

FAQs

Q: Can I use the easy way to prepare my flyer if I'm using an older version of Adobe Illustrator? A: No, the easy way is only applicable for newer versions of Adobe Illustrator (CS6 to CC 18 Creative Cloud). For older versions, you will need to follow the old-school method outlined in the tutorial.

Q: Why is it important to Outline fonts? A: Outlining fonts eliminates the need to send font files separately and ensures that the design appears as intended, regardless of whether the recipient has the required fonts installed.

Q: How do I embed images in Adobe Illustrator? A: To embed images, select the images in the links palette and choose "Embed Images" from the options menu. This will embed the image information within the Illustrator file, preventing any missing image issues.

Q: Why should I save the file in both AI and printable PDF formats? A: Saving the file in AI format allows for further editing and customization, while the printable PDF format is a standardized format widely accepted by printers. Saving in both formats provides flexibility when sharing the file with clients or printers.