Ready to Print: Handbook for Media Designers

Ready to Print is an easy to follow reference for designers that thoroughly explains each stage of how to prepare data for prepress and production. Clearly structured chapters on “Paper,” “Printing Techniques,” “Typography,” “Trapping,” “Color,” “Image Editing,” and “PDF” as well as abundant descriptive graphics impart essential knowledge in a comprehensive way. From the traits of various types of paper to the recommended settings when exporting data into a print-ready PDF, the book thoroughly explains both opportunities and hurdles in pre-print and production. In short, the book shows all designers how to create the best-possible print product.

"This book is brilliant! It's the only one I would take with me to a desert island so that I could continue to design and produce there."
- Erik Spiekermann

These days, designers must be proficient in creating final artwork and be familiar with pre-print and production processes. Ready to Print helps designers prepare their data and materials so that the best-possible result can be achieved with an optimal print run. Detailed descriptions of each step also ensure that designers can accurately plan their workflow and budget in these areas.

Ready to Print imparts the fundamentals of how printing functions and points out options and hurdles along the way to creating an outstanding print product. The chapters Paper, Printing Techniques, Typography, Trapping, Color, Image Editing, and PDF make the comprehensive book a clearly-structured companion for navigating through pre-print and production. All of the content—from the traits of various types of paper to the recommended settings when exporting data into a print-ready PDF—are explained thoroughly in plain language and with the help of numerous illustrations and graphics.

The original German edition of Ready to Print was written and compiled by Kristina Nickel, a production manager well versed in pre-print and production processes. The content of this English version was edited by typography and design expert Erik Spiekermann and translated by his son, Dylan.