5 Common Printing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Jan 31, 2026
Top Printing Mistakes to Avoid for Professional Results
Are you tired of receiving printed materials that don’t meet your expectations? You’re not alone. Many businesses and individuals encounter common printing mistakes that can undermine even the best creative ideas. With the right preparation and guidance, you can ensure your next print job looks polished and professional. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common printing errors and how to avoid them, with expert support from Printbox London, specialists in same day printing in London.
1. Ignoring Document Settings
One of the most common printing mistakes is incorrect document setup. Issues such as wrong paper size, incorrect margins, or unsuitable file formats can result in cropped content or unexpected layouts.
Always ensure your document is set to the correct size (A4, A5, or custom), margins are properly aligned, and files are supplied as print-ready PDFs. The team at Printbox London can review your files before printing to ensure everything is correctly set up.
2. Poor Image Quality
Low-resolution images are a major cause of disappointing print results. Images intended for print should be at least 300 DPI to avoid blurriness or pixelation.
Always use high-quality images and original artwork wherever possible. If you are unsure about image resolution, Printbox London can check and advise before printing to guarantee sharp, professional visuals.
3. Choosing the Wrong Paper Type
Paper choice plays a crucial role in the look and feel of your printed materials. A glossy finish may suit flyers and promotional materials, while matte or uncoated paper is often better for brochures or professional documents.
Selecting the wrong paper can affect readability, colour appearance, and overall impact. Printbox London offers a wide range of paper stocks and finishes and can recommend the best option for your specific project.
4. Overlooking Colour Accuracy
Colours often appear differently on screen than in print. This is usually due to working in RGB instead of CMYK colour mode. RGB is designed for screens, while CMYK is the standard for printing.
Converting your files to CMYK and requesting a proof can prevent unexpected colour shifts. At Printbox London, advanced calibration and colour management ensure accurate and consistent results.
5. Failing to Proofread
Even the most visually appealing design can be undermined by spelling errors, incorrect details, or formatting issues. Proofreading is a vital step that should never be skipped.
Always review your content carefully and, if possible, ask a second person to check it. Printbox London can also assist with final checks to help avoid costly reprints.