Large-Format Printing at College of Design

Guide to preparing, submitting, and printing posters with the HP DesignJet XL 3800 via PaperCut

✅✅✅Paper Printing Pamphlet

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

🖨️ Printing Workflow Overview

1. Prepare the document at the intended final paper size. Use the size your assignment needs rather than choosing a template simply because it is available.
2. Keep your editable source file and export a separate PDF for printing.
3. Open the exported PDF and inspect every page. Check page dimensions, orientation, text, images, and the scale of any drawing that must print to scale.
4. Submit through the customer print queue, which accepts standard and premium plots. The direct Adobe Acrobat route is described below; use one submission route for a job, not both.
5. Check the job status and your UK email for updates. Follow the completion and collection instructions for your job.

Check the output before committing to the full print

A drawing's model units, its scale on a sheet, and the sheet's physical size are separate things. Check all three when size matters. If you are unsure about fine text, line weights, images, or color, ask staff about an appropriate test before producing the entire set.

Keep the original editable file when flattening, compressing, or otherwise preparing an output copy. Reopen the final PDF after those changes to check that nothing important has changed or disappeared.

For a missing print, unexpected charge, or revised submission, use the printing help checklist. Include your job details so staff can identify the correct submission.

📂 File Setup by Software

A. Photoshop

• Start with Template: Use the provided 24x36 template (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: 24" × 36" (or desired final size)
  • 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: 24" × 36"
  • 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)

📤 Submitting via PaperCut

1. Navigate to PaperCut and sign in with LinkBlue credentials.
2. Choose your paper type and select Start Order.
3. Upload your flattened PDF.
4. Confirm the intended finished size and available media. Ask staff before submitting a size that exceeds the available roll width.
5. You will receive an estimated cost (PaperCut deducts from your balance) and a notification once your print has started.
6. An email will be sent once your print is completed and you can pick up your poster from the Print Lab.

Submitting via Adobe Acrobat

Printing via Adobe Acrobat is not recommended for Mac Laptop users. Please see "Submitting via PaperCut".

1. Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat and compress your file.
2. Navigate to the print menu and select GDB - Plot 1.
3. Choose your page size from the Properties Menu or create a custom paper size.
4. Double check your orientation in the Page Setup Menu.
   • Portrait - Short edge over long edge
   • Landscape - Long edge over short edge
5. Send your print and check the queue in the Print Lab

🖨️ CoD Plotting

Printer Capabilities

• Max Print Width: 36 inches (roll-fed)
• Print Speed: Up to 6 D-size (24x36) pages per minute (fast mode)
• Media Types: Standard, Glossy, Heavyweight Matte (check lab availability)
• Resolution: Up to 2400 × 1200 optimized dpi

Maintenance & Best Practices

• Always use flattened or compressed PDFs (avoids rasterization errors).
• Do not use files larger than 200 MB — they may crash spooler.
• Check for proper scaling before releasing the job.
• If colors appear washed out, confirm file is in CMYK and that media is correct.
• For best results: print one small test section first.

⚡ 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

• File sized correctly (24x36 or intended size in inches)
• Resolution 300 dpi
• Color mode CMYK
• Bleeds included (if needed)
• Fonts embedded or outlined
• Layers flattened
• Saved as PDF <200 MB
• Uploaded to PaperCut queue

Last Updated: August 2026