Standard Format Printing at College of Design

Guide to preparing, submitting, and printing posters with the Ricoh IM C6500 (GDB-FabLab) via PaperCut

✅✅✅Paper Printing Pamphlet

Check the provided printing pamphlet for more printing information.
paper_printing_pamphlet_2026.pdf

🖨️ Printing Workflow Overview

Prepare your file in Photoshop, InDesign, or Illustrator using the correct size page.
Export to PDF with flattened layers and embedded fonts.
Submit through Adobe Acrobat
Collect your print once the job is complete.

📂 File Setup by Software

A. Photoshop

Start with Template: Use the provided template or the intended paper size.(300 dpi, CMYK).
Resolution: Always set resolution to 300 dpi.
Color Mode: CMYK for more predictable print color.
Bleeds: Add 0.25" bleed on all sides if needed.
Flatten Layers: Before export, go to Layer → Flatten Image.

Export Settings (PDF):

File → Save As → Format: PDF
Preset: High Quality Print
Check: “Preserve Photoshop Editing Capabilities” OFF
Compression: Bicubic Downsampling to 300 dpi for images >450 dpi

B. InDesign

New Document Setup:
- Page Size: to fit the intended Page.
- Bleeds: 0.25"
- Margins: 0.5" (safety zone for text/logos)
Linked Images: Always use high-res (300 dpi) and relink missing images.
Fonts: Use OpenType/TrueType and avoid missing fonts.

Export Settings (PDF):

File → Export → Adobe PDF (Print)
Preset: High Quality Print
Marks & Bleeds: Check “Use Document Bleed Settings”
Compression: Do not downsample below 300 dpi

C. Illustrator

Artboard Setup:
- Artboard size: to fit the intended Page.
- Units: Inches
Bleeds: Set at least 0.25" bleed
Outline Strokes & Fonts: Convert fonts to outlines if possible (Type → Create Outlines)
Embed Linked Files: Window → Links → Embed for external images

Export Settings (PDF):

File → Save As → PDF
Preset: High Quality Print
Compression: Downsample to 300 dpi
Embed ICC Profile: Yes (for color accuracy)

Before flattening or compressing a file, keep the editable original and prepare a separate output copy. Reopen the final PDF to check its pages before printing.

Submitting via Adobe Acrobat

Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat and compress your file.
Navigate to the print menu and select GDB - FabLab.
Choose your page size from the Properties Menu or create a custom paper size.
Double check your orientation in the Page Setup Menu.
- Portrait - Short edge over long edge
- Landscape - Long edge over short edge
Send your print and check the queue in the Print Lab

🖨️ CoD Printing

Printer Capabilities

Print Sizes: 8.5"x11", 11"x17", Custom (No more than 11" wide)
Media Types: Standard

Maintenance & Best Practices

Always use flattened or compressed PDFs (avoids rasterization errors).
Check for proper scaling before releasing the job.
If colors appear washed out, confirm the file is in CMYK and that the media is correct.
For best results: print one small test section first.

Check your Funds & Add Credit

If you see parenthesis ( ) around your funds this means your balance is in the negative and you will need to add funds.

From the Link above, select "Add Credit" on the left side of the screen.

Select your desired credit amount and fill out your card information.
After adding credit your updated balance should show on the PaperCut home screen. If you do not see your accurately updated balance, let a FabLab staff member know.

⚡ Quick Troubleshooting

“My print is too small/too big”

Check the PDF's physical page dimensions and the intended drawing scale.
Check the print preview and scaling setting. Use 100% when the PDF is already at the intended final size.

“Colors don’t match my screen”

Convert all files to CMYK before export.
Use high-quality coated paper for color-rich designs.

“Fonts changed/missing”

InDesign: embed fonts on export.
Illustrator: convert fonts to outlines.
Photoshop: rasterize type layers.

“File won’t upload to PaperCut”

File too large: flatten images, reduce resolution to 300 dpi.
Try saving as PDF/X-4 preset instead of High Quality Print.

“It didn't print and still charged me”

Check the existing job status before resubmitting.
Speak with Print Lab staff and include the job name or number, submission time, and charge or error you see.
Use the printing help checklist so staff can investigate the correct job.

✅ Best Practices Checklist

Last Updated: August 2026