M07-03 · AI + Creative Production & Design

Print Production and Specifications

Covers the technical knowledge required to prepare production-ready files for print output. Students learn CMYK vs. RGB color space differences, resolution requirements, bleed and trim setup, PDF/X export standards, preflight checking, packaging dieline creation, spot vs. process color usage, and how to work with print vendors including proofing, paper stock selection, and special finishes. Mistakes in print production are expensive and irreversible — this course teaches students to catch errors before they become $8K reprints.

25 Hours

8 Learning objectives

Evaluate Bloom's ceiling (?)

4 Competencies

What You'll Be Able To Do

Learning Objectives

Objectives

Depth

Apply correct color space (CMYK), resolution (300dpi minimum), bleed (3mm/0.125"), and trim mark specifications for print-ready file preparation Apply
Create press-ready PDFs using PDF/X-1a and PDF/X-4 standards, understanding when each is appropriate Create
Evaluate preflight reports in InDesign and Illustrator, identifying and resolving common errors: overset text, low-resolution images, RGB elements, missing fonts, and transparency issues Evaluate
Analyze packaging dieline specifications to apply design correctly to three-dimensional folding templates provided by printers Analyze
Distinguish between spot (Pantone) and process (CMYK) color and apply each appropriately based on brand requirements, print run size, and budget Understand
Create a print specification sheet for a vendor including quantity, paper stock, finish (matte/gloss/soft-touch), binding method, and special treatments (foil, emboss, die-cut) Create
Evaluate proofs (digital and press) against design intent, identifying color shifts, registration errors, and production defects before approving a print run Evaluate
Apply font outlining and embedding procedures to ensure type integrity across different output environments Apply

Levels: Remember · Understand · Apply · Analyze · Evaluate · Create — highest demands most original thinking.

Core Competencies

What You'll Master

Print-Ready File Preparation

Configuring color space, resolution, bleed, trim, and marks; exporting PDF/X files; running preflight checks; packaging files with linked assets and fonts.

Packaging and Dieline Production

Interpreting structural dieline templates, applying design to three-dimensional folding surfaces, managing spot colors for packaging consistency across print runs.

Vendor Communication and Proofing

Writing print specification sheets, requesting and evaluating proofs, understanding paper stocks and finishes, managing print vendor relationships.

Print Error Prevention

Systematic checking workflows that catch RGB-in-print, low-resolution images, missing bleed, unlicensed fonts, and unflattened transparency before files leave the studio.

Portfolio Artifact

What You'll Build

Print Production Package — Student prepares a complete print production package for a multi-piece campaign: magazine full-page ad (PDF/X-1a with bleed and trim), product packaging (design applied to dieline with spot Pantone colors), and a 12-page brochure (InDesign with preflight report clean). Includes print spec sheets for each piece and a comparison document showing common print errors and their financial consequences.

Tools You'll Use

Industry Tools, Not Toy Projects

Adobe Illustrator

Vector and print production for packaging dielines, logo preparation, and press-ready artwork.

Adobe InDesign

Multi-page layout, preflight checking, file packaging, and PDF/X export for print production.

Adobe Photoshop

Image resolution management, CMYK color conversion, and print-ready image preparation.

Adobe Acrobat

PDF/X verification, preflight inspection, and press-ready file validation.