What is Prepress?– Packaging Box Printing Malaysia
In Malaysia, prepress is often referred to as colour separation and is one of the most critical stages in the printing process. Prepress prepares your artwork for offset printing by separating colours into the four CMYK components — Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). Each colour requires its own printing plate, so accurate preparation is essential to achieve high-quality results.
A Short History of Prepress in Malaysia
During the 1990s, colour separation was a booming industry. The machines used to output films were large, expensive, and required highly trained operators. Many companies employed 40 or more staff, making the investment substantial.
The introduction of direct-to-plate (DTP) technology and affordable printing machines from China transformed the industry. Film production became unnecessary, costs dropped, and many large colour separation companies slowly disappeared.
Today, most prepress companies in Malaysia are smaller — usually fewer than 15 people — yet remain essential because offset printing cannot begin without proper prepress work.
Why Prepress Matters
Prepress ensures that the designer’s artwork is accurately translated from screen to print. It acts as the bridge between digital design and physical packaging.
Previously, prepress was time-consuming. Designers often visited colour separation companies late at night to check calibrated monitors or proof prints. Mistakes meant reprinting films and proofs repeatedly.
Modern technology has simplified the process. High-quality PDFs can now be sent directly to printers for digital proofing and plate-making. However, understanding prepress is still crucial to:
Reduce errors
Save time
Avoid unnecessary printing costs
The Main Steps in Prepress for Packaging Box Printing
2. CMYK Black vs. Solid Black
Avoid “muddy” black by using proper colour values:
Text: 100% K
Rich black backgrounds: C30 M30 Y30 K100
Small white text on black: C30 K100
3. Printing Resolution
Minimum 300 dpi for crisp printing.
File types: TIFF, PSD, JPEG (PSD preferred for editing).
4. Create Outlines for Fonts
Prevent font changes and protect your design by converting fonts into outlines.
5. Registration Marks & Folding Lines
Include registration marks for cropping and folding/die-cutting lines for post-press.
6. Bleed Areas
Add 3mm bleed on all sides to avoid white edges after trimming.
7. High-Quality PDF Creation
After converting to CMYK and outlining fonts, generate a high-resolution PDF.
Printers will create digital colour proofs for final approval.
8. Selecting the Right Paper
Matte: Soft, elegant finish
Gloss: Vibrant colours
Recycled: Eco-friendly
Premium: Luxury feel
Always check physical samples before finalising.
9. Using Pantone Colours
Ensure consistent brand colours, especially for strict CI guidelines.
Additional printing plates required, but colour consistency improves.
10. Special Print Finishing
Gold/Silver Hot Foil Stamping: Adds luxury and premium feel
Spot UV: Creates highlights and contrast for logos, text, or images
Extra plates and setup are required, but the results are impressive
Conclusion
Understanding prepress is key to ensuring your designs print exactly as intended. While digital printing simplifies some steps, offset printing remains cost-effective and superior for large volumes.
A reliable prepress partner in Packaging Box Printing Malaysia will review your files, output accurate proofs, and ensure everything is perfect before printing begins.
By knowing prepress basics and working closely with your printer, you can save time, reduce errors, and achieve high-quality packaging every time.
Contact us today for expert advice on Packaging Box Printing Malaysia and professional prepress services.
One Response
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