Basic Knowledge

Vector Graphics and Bitmap Graphics

Vector Graphics are made up of shapes based on mathematical expression, which consist of Clear, smooth lines. These lines retain their crispness when scaled.

Bitmap Graphics are based on a grid of pixels and are created by an image-edited application. You can edit groups of pixels rather than objects or shapes. One disadvantage of bitmap graphics is they will lose definition and appear jagged when scaled up.

Colour mode

Different from computer screens, which use RGB mode, the modern printing industry uses CMYK mode.

CMYK - Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black Colours are part of the four-colour process. These four colours are combined and overlapped to create other colours.

RGB - Red ,Green, Blue is the natural method of viewing colour using light. RGB is used on computer screens and in some personal printers.

Usually when a customer is choosing their colours for a design they are unaware of the actual number of artwork colours they require. Most colours are from a mixture of four process colours in CMYK mode. In other words its not true to say, "orange is one colour", actually orange is the result of at least two colours, Cyan and Yellow.

Process Colours versus Spot Colours

In addition to the four process colour system, spot colours are also commonly used in the printing procedure.

Process colours are reproduced using Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black inks.

Spot colours are premixed inks in place of, or in addition to, CMYK colours. They can be selected from colour-matching systems such as the PANTONE®.

Many spot colours can be converted to their process colour equivalents when required; however, some spot colours, such as metallic or iridescent colours require their own plates on the press.

Spot colours are used in the following situations;

  • To save money on one-colour and two-colour print jobs. When your quantity is big and your printing budget won't allow for four-colour printing, you can still print effectively and relatively inexpensively using one or two colours.
  • Printing logos or other graphic elements that require precise colour matching. For an example, you may want a printer in New York to use the same colour red as a printer in Melbourne.
  • To print special inks, such as metallic, fluorescent, or pearlescent colours.

However, if your order quantity is small, we recommend that you convent your spot colours to process colours, as it may significantly reduce your costs.

To convert process colours to spot colours or vice versa, two kinds of colour bridges (or colour formulas) are commonly used. We use PANTONE® colours in our graphic design and printing services. Each branch has been equipped with at least one process colour bridge in order to assist our customers to convert colours.

Colour proofing

There are three kinds of proof documents that may be produced depending on the printing task. All of the proof documents may be used in the printing procedure, however, for simplified printing work, such as black and white printing, only one or two of them may be required.

  1. Black and white colour proof
    Usually created by the designer to ensure the words and layout of the artwork is correct. Shapes and picture outlines may be included to describe their layout.
  2. Cursory colour proof
    Provided by the designer to show the design's effect and picture's accuracy. From this the Customer can get a cursory idea with regards to the colour, style and pictures that have been used in the design. It is normally the last step of a designer's process. It is important to note however, that colours vary depending on the paper it is printed on and the type of ink used in a printer. Every printer will have slight variances in colour. Also the colours shown on your computer screen may not be the same as those printed. We therefore advise that this colour proof not be used as the final printers proof. Only the copy produced by the printing machine will give an indication of the actual colour of the final print. In the other words, only the person who produces your printing work can give you a relatively correct colour proof.
  3. Accurate colour picture proof
    Provided by the printing company and is [the most accurate type of proof] . When a customer provides the artwork to EBP, they will be asked which colours they wish to use. The artwork is then adjusted and a colour proof is provided for confirmation. Although this procedure is accurate, there is still a less than 5% error margin. This is because to create a colour proof the process colours are applied to the paper one by one, while in the final print run they will be applied almost at the same time. The different speeds of printing and the way the paper absorbs the ink may cause minor variations.

    4. Laminated coating

    Laminated coating is a process in which paper is coated by a thin layer of plastic. The plastic can be glossy or matt and is used generally to protect the paper from friction. You can laminate an embossed card and still achieve the ribbed effect.

    UV coating

    UV coating is a process in which Ultra Violet reactive ink is used on paper. It gives a special effect in certain areas.

    The difference between coated art paper and writing paper

    Coated art paper is commonly used for offset printing proposes. It is made from normal writing paper and is coated with chemicals to increase the precision of printing. Normally its surface is bright and smooth. This type of paper is not fit for writing.

    How to choose paper

    There are three types of paper from which customers can choose for printing proposes.

    1. White offset paper
      This is a high quality writing paper with a white color and a fine surface. It can be used for envelopes, letterhead, or with compliment slips.
    2. Art paper
      This kind of paper comes in a variety of colors, surfaces and patterns. It can be used for packaging or a decorated font page. Metal colours can be printed on the dark colored paper for packaging. The light colored paper can be used for business cards or letterhead. Sample books provided by the paper suppliers usually contain thousands of different samples.
    3. Coated art paper
      This kind of paper is primarily used in the printing industry mostly in brochures, catalogues, flyers and so on. It has ideal physical characteristics to display clear pictures and text. In addition, it can be laminated with plastic or coated by UV ink.

    For every type of paper the weight density, the surface texture, colour and the pattern may all vary. For this reason Early Bird Printing will provide samples so a customer can see and feel an exact sample. The colour can be viewed under natural light and the weight density, texture and patterns can be seen and felt so as to determine what is most suitable for their needs.

    In a face to face consultation our consultants will provide a variety of paper samples to the customer. Alternatively, samples can be posted to the customer.

Member's Login