Print vs Digital
Ever found yourself puzzled over the disparity between print and digital design files? Wondering why print files are measured in inches while digital files are sized in pixels? Or scratching your head over why there are three different codes for every single color? Let's shed some light on the key differences between print and digital images, documents & files.
Size:
Print Files: Sized in inches or centimeters, print files adhere to real-world dimensions. Whether it's a business card or a poster, print designs are crafted with physical dimensions in mind, ensuring accuracy when translated onto paper or other tangible mediums.
Digital Files: In the digital realm, size is measured in pixels – a measure of light & the building blocks of digital images. From social media graphics to website banners, digital designs are tailored to fit the screens of various devices, accommodating the diverse dimensions of the digital landscape.
Resolution:
Print Files: High resolution reigns supreme in print production, with a minimum resolution of 300 dots per inch (dpi) ensuring crisp and clear output. This color density guarantees sharpness and detail in printed materials by giving the printer a good amount of information to work from.
Digital Files: While print demands high resolution, digital images and files require a much lower pixel density. With an average resolution of around 72 dpi, digital designs maintain visual clarity across screens, and are small enough to be easily moved, sent, uploaded and downloaded.
Color Codes & Formulas:
Print Files: Colors in print are composed of CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) or Pantone color formulas. These formulas dictate precise ink mixtures, ensuring consistent and accurate color reproduction in printed materials, from brochures to packaging.
Digital Files: On the digital front, colors are defined by hex codes or RGB (red, green, blue) color formulas. Hex codes, primarily used for internet applications, represent colors in hexadecimal format, while RGB formulas combine primary colors to produce a spectrum of hues suitable for digital display.
Formats:
Print and Digital Files: While file formats can be interchangeable to some extent, certain formats are tailored for specific purposes. PDF or SVG files reign supreme for print, offering scalability and compatibility across various printing processes. On the flip side, JPEG or PNG images are digital darlings, optimized for web use with smaller file sizes and compression for fast uploads and downloads.