In our modern society, technology has greatly changed the way in which we do things. It has even changed the way we create our art. In the past we relied on materials such as paper, paint, and pens to create art. Today, computers have opened art into a digital world and now what used to be done by hand can all be accomplished by the click of a mouse. However, the way something appears on the computer screen may look entirely different when you see it on paper, so knowing the difference between web and print design is a key tool to have.
When you design for a print ad you know that when it’s printed it should look exactly as you intended it to. Meaning, the size, colors, and text when printed will look the same. However, when you design for web, its appearance can change drastically depending on the browser type, screen size and operating system that it is being viewed on. Web pages are multi-functional and can be very interactive while with print, what you see is what you get.
Most all graphic designers know that .TIFF and .EPS are the professional graphics standards for print design, but they won’t work with web design. For web design you will need your images to be in a .JPEG, .GIF, or .PNG file format in order to function properly. Also web images use a lower resolution, 72dpi to be seen clearly and print design needs to be at least 300 dpi so it won’t look pixilated on paper.
When it’s time for a clients marketing collateral to go to print, the files are typically set up in CMYK color or use Pantone spot colors or other print-friendly color specifications. However, web design should be set up in RGB so the colors don’t change on screen. Color plays a huge role in sending out a message and symbolizing a business logo, so having the right color is very important.
Whether you are looking for print design or web design, make sure you work with a graphic designer who knows the difference between designing for each type. Your local graphic design agency will have all the resources and know the best way to help a company get their name out there, both printed and on the web.