Printing Q&A

Below are answers to common printing questions. The Deadline team
can also answer any print-related questions over the phone or in person.

1: What is RGB?

RGB stands for Red, Green and Blue. These colors are used for digital cameras, scanners, computer monitors and television screens. You should leave colors in “RGB” form for best digital reproduction unless your
quote specifies “CMYK.”

2: What is CMYK?

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. Printing with these four colors is often referred to as full color or “4-color printing.” Any file that is printed on an offset printing press must be converted to CMYK. We print most jobs digitally, so many times you won’t need to convert files.

3: What is a bleed, and what should I do if I have one?

A “bleed” allows you to run your artwork to the edge of the page with no margin or space around the edges. It refers to an extra 1/8” of image that extends beyond the trim area of your printing piece. If you want ink to the edge, you must add a bleed.

4: What is your live area?

Your safe, or “live,” area is the inner margin in which to keep all important elements. Keeping all your photos and text within this area prevents them from being cut off.