FAQ: Printing

Why does my print look different than the screen?

This is one of the more common questions we get at JSchoolTech and the reasons for issues with printing can come from a variety of sources.

If the issue is with your images, you will want to read our FAQ on Resolution.

Beyond that, the issue is probably something to do with color.

Screen color v Print color

First, check to make sure that you are using CMYK and Black (NOT registration) in your document. Registration black actually prints on all four ‘plates’ of color (or in our case from all four toner sets). Read more about working with black in design and across different publications.

RGB

Next, remember that your screen is RGB and therefore white additive. Your printing is CMYK and therefore black additive. So, a color you see on screen may appear different and certainly lighter than what you see after printing. Best practice is to either use a Pantone color book when selecting colors or to test print swatches prior to design.

Finally, note that none of the printers in the JSchool print bleeds. That is to say that NO MATTER what you set the margins/bleeds for, you will end up with a 1/4 inch of white paper.


Checkout Equipment

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InDesign print / share

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Royalty free content

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