Need Generic help setting up your print file?
Try our print set up tips below, a place specifically here to help you set up your print file; and while there is a lot more content that we can fit into one page, we’ve covered what we consider to be the print basics.
If you still need help, email any questions to our prepress team at info@goliathnationalmediagroup.com.au and they'll come back to you as soon as possible.
You've come to the right place
If you would like us to add a print set-up subject to this page, then you're probably not the only one. Email us any print questions at the above email address and we'll respond to you on this page, and then we'll send you an email once the new content is up so you and everyone else has a new place for print help.
have a print or web job? Email us today
Hardcopy Proofing
Before bulk printing, we can provide a PDF Proof, a Non-bound Printed Proof, and sometimes even a real bound printed proof. While all CMYK prints will have some form of proof, you might not need to see a printed proof. For that reason, we don't always allow the cost of sending proofs to you. Please advise upon requesting your print quote if you require a PDF or Actual Print Proof.
A PDF proof is a digital representation of your design, showing layout, text, and images. It's great for checking content and layout, but it might not accurately represent colours or paper texture.
A printed proof is an actual physical print of your design, showing you exactly how it'll look on paper. This catches any colour discrepancies, texture issues, or other print-related problems.
Think of it like this: PDF proof is like looking at a picture of a cake, while a printed proof is like tasting the actual cake!

Crops and Bleed
All print jobs need 2.3mm Offset Crop Marks and 4 or 5mm Bleed. All printed elements that are not intended to bleed off should be a minimum of 5mm within the page's edge. This will ensure trim tolerances are maintained. Allow at least 4mm bleed for print components that do run off the page's edge. You should not apply your own crop marks by hand. You should use an appropriate software.
"Bleed in printing refers to the extension of design elements (like images or colours) beyond the trim edge of a page. This ensures that when the page is trimmed, there are no unwanted white edges or borders. It's like giving your design a bit of extra wiggle room to account for any slight variations in the cutting process.
Colours
Make sure all colours are nominated correctly as PMS or CMYK. PMS stands for Pantone Matching System and CMYK is the abbreviation for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. The four standard colours, CMYK are used to mix and make any standard colour in the printing process.
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is an additive colour model used for screens (monitors, phones, etc.). It creates colours by adding light.
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) is a subtractive colour model used for printing. It creates colours by absorbing light.
Key differences:
• RGB has a wider colour gamut (more vibrant colours)
• CMYK is designed for print, with a smaller colour gamut
• RGB images can look dull when printed if not converted to CMYK
• CMYK images can look different on screen due to colour translation
Blacks [100%k Vs Rich blacks]
Solid black areas should be made up of Rich Black. Rich Black is 60% Cyan, 40% Magenta, 40% Yellow and 100% Black. Rich Black is a strong rich colour. However, this break up only applies on CMYK jobs. Print jobs that are black and PMS should have black set up as 100K only. Set fine text in 100% K to prevent registration issues. So, Rich Black is like the superstar version of black, and creates a deeper, more solid black, especially on coated papers.
100K Black, on the other hand, is just straight black ink (no CMY mix). It's great for text and fine details because it won't cause registration issues, but it can look a bit more washed out compared to Rich Black over larger areas.
When to use which?
• Rich Black for big areas, like backgrounds or images
• 100K Black for text, fine lines, and when you want to avoid registration issues
Images in print
All images should be saved as CYMK and 300dpi.
PDF files
The PDF file format is by far the easiest and fastest way to send us your print file. Not only are PDF files complete (with no missing fonts or links) but they hold true colour management, trapping and open pre-press information. Most PDF files are small enough in size that they can be sent via email or via our ftp.
Sending art via email
When sending your PDF Print File via email, please consider responding to the original email quote you received. That way, our team can easily match your file to the correct job. If email's not an option, you can use websites like Hightail or MailBigFile - they're free and straightforward to use!