Design 101

Design 101

Print Specs

The following identifies and describes the specs required for print-based marketing assets. It also provides an example of what specs typically look like when input into a Monday.com.

Asset Type

Indicates the kind of marketing asset requested

For example: Packaging Insert, Poster, Coupon, Handout

Color

Indicates what color profile is required

For example: 1-color, 2-color, 4-color/CMYK

Dimension

Indicates the dimensions in inches needed for each print piece. Final Size, Final Size Plus bleed (if needed). 

For example: 5"x7" Final Size / 5.25"x7.25" with bleed, Single or double sided

Resolution DPI

Indicate the resolution/DPI required by the printer

For example: 300 DPI

Delivery Format

Indicates what the final file delivery format is for each print piece

For example: InDesign/.INDD, Illustrator/.ai, PRINT READY .PDF

Sample specs from a Monday.com breif

Amazon Packaging Assets

5"x7" Final Size
5.25"x7.25" including Full Bleed Trim
300 DPI 
CMYK Only (No Spot Colors)

Delivery As
Print Ready PDF

Glossary - Print Specs

  • The number of ink dots in a square inch when printed. 300 dots per inch is the baseline for high-quality print images.

  • CMYK Is a four-color process and stands for cyan, magenta, yellow and key (black) and is preferred for use on printed materials because it helps achieve a true color.

  • Spot color is a method of applying a premixed ink color directly to the page. Spot color used when exact colors are needed. (think Pantone matching system (PMS))

  • The trim size is the final size of a printed page after excess edges have been cut off.

  • Bleed refers to an extra 1/8” (. 125 in) of image or background color that extends beyond the trim area of your printing piece. Bleed is required when you to run artwork to the edge of a page to avoid any unwanted borders.

  • When "FPO" is overlayed on an image/marketing asset, it indicates it is NOT final art and/or copy and should NOT go out for public viewing.

  • A digital proof is a sample of final output image as a pdf before its sent to the printer.

  • A printed proof is a sample of printed output on a computer printer before the job is sent to the commercial press.