Eleven top tips for map printing

There’s certainly a lot to think about when printing a map, from picking paper to deciding on the size of your print run. Not sure where to start? Roger Gilson, Operations Director at Dennis Maps, shares his expert advice. “We’re happy to share our top tips to guide you through the map printing process,” says Roger. “Got any questions? Contact our experienced team, who are always here to help.”

Understand the print process

Whichever printer you choose, find out their map printing process, so you know what to expect. At Dennis Maps, our print process is transparent and easy to follow, from initial enquiry to receiving your printed product in the post.

Make a resolution

Ideally send files to your printer in the same size they need to be printed. If you send a smaller document it will need to be enlarged, which can impact the resolution, making text and images harder to see. It’s fine to send larger files though, as reducing them increases the resolution.

Will you need a bleed?

Do the images or text on your map extend to the edges of your document? Then you’ll need a 3mm bleed to send your map to print. This is the printed section on your document that goes beyond the area it will be trimmed down to. The bleed is important for keeping detail on your map, should a cutting device go inside the edges of your document when the map is trimmed.

Choose CYMK colours

When sending your file to print, ensure your map is in CYMK, the optimal format for printed materials. The other option is RGB, which is designed for digital documents. Double check that black text is black too! It’s possible for it to be made up of multiple colours and to look black but appear differently when printed.

Decide on the size and style of map

At Dennis Maps, we can create a range of map sizes and styles to meet your requirements. What type of map format and size will work best for your customers? Would you prefer a wall map or one that’s flat or folded? What size would you like your map to be? We can print everything from portable, pocket-sized maps up to large 1100mm x 1600mm wall maps.

Digital vs litho printing

Decide if digital or litho printing would work better for your product. Digital printing offers a range of benefits – flexible print runs, competitive pricing, and a quick drying process, so your map can be finished speedily. At Dennis Maps, we also offer litho printing, which is perfect for large paper maps, as it captures lots of cartographic detail. This type of printing is cheaper than digital printing for larger print runs.

Pick the right paper

Think about how your map will be used to help you pick the right paper. We offer FCS-certified gloss, matt, uncoated and silk paper stock in a range of weights. Wall maps can look great on gloss. Coated stock gives an attractive vibrancy to maps, but uncoated gives less glare if maps might be used in sunny weather. Folded maps can be produced on everything except gloss and need to be printed on paper 115gsm and under for folding. Bear in mind that paper will be more rigid the higher the grammage.

Decide on durability

Carefully consider the finish you’d like, which will impact how durable your map will be. At Dennis Maps, we offer lamination for maps, which gives a glossy finish and some durability. Need greater durability? Encapsulated maps are tearproof, waterproof and will survive any weather conditions. If you’re printing a folded map, choose a thin encapsulation material so they can be easily folded.

Factor in folds

Where will the folds in your map be? You may want to avoid placing images and text – including you map key – over folds, as they’ll be harder to see. Do you have columns of text? Design your map so the folds fall in the gaps between the columns.

Consider how many copies you’ll need

Decide if you’re taking pre orders, how many suppliers you have, plus how much storage space is available, to help you arrive at a number for your first print run. Alternatively, we offer print on demand for digitally printed maps, so you can print what you need, when you need it. This service allows you to print a small number of maps on request, with Dennis Maps saving your digital files.

Pick postage options

Find out what postage options you printer offers, to pick the best option for you. At Dennis Maps, we can deliver your maps flat or rolled, with the option of customised packaging too. We can post your product within the UK or internationally and to one or multiple addresses.