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WEB VS PRINT:
Desiging for web and print applications is not as similar as one might think.
We’ve outlined some of the more common (and important) differences below.
Again, you're welcome to download the pdf HERE, but please don't reproduce it for commercial purposes.
| Print |
Web |
Images used for print applications need to be of a much higher resolution (300dpi) than those used for web (72dpi).
While a 300dpi image can easily be converted to 72dpi and used for a web project, the reverse is not always true.
For eg. A 72dpi image measuring 10x10cm (283x283pixels), when converted to 300dpi, will measure only 2.4x2.4cm and if scaled up and printed, will look terrible. |
When prepping images for web use, it’s important to keep file size in mind.
The standard for web images is 72dpi (and in some instances 96dpi) – so that pages load faster. |
Images formats also vary. When importing images into page design software, TIFF files are generally accepted as the standard (for bitmaps/raster images) and AI and EPS files for vector images (made of editable paths and points).
Some newer applications are also able to handle layered Photoshop files (PSD) and even PDFs and JPEGs. |
Web images are usually in either of the following formats: jpeg, gif or png.
While older browsers are able to read jpegs and gifs, only the newer ones are able to recognise pngs, which are great when transparency is needed, for eg. placing on top of a background image or colour. |
| While RGB (red, green and blue) images are acceptable for printing on an inkjet or desktop printer (or for digital photography), printing presses are different, using CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow and black – the four process colours) and Pantone (a widely used colour matching system) colours. |
Web images are mostly saved as rgb (or grayscale), and occasionally as indexed colour. |
Whether used for print or web applications, typography should be just as legible and good to look at.
The final printed output should always display the fonts exactly as specified in the design, so you can confidently choose from an unlimited number of typefaces.. |
While some typefaces (fonts) may look fantastic on paper, they may not be as easy to read on-screen. And, unless the typeface is embedded in a graphic, it’s likely that visitors to your site won’t see the same font you do.
This is because the viewer may not have the same fonts on his or her system as you do, or his/her browser preferences may override your settings.
For body copy, it’s best to stick to fonts such as Helvetica, Arial, Times and Verdana as all browsers are capable of displaying these fonts. |
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