Advanced Video Series

Advanced Print for Figma Techniques

Take your print design skills to professional level with these advanced video tutorials covering complex color management, multi-page documents, and professional workflows.

Prerequisites: Complete the Basics Video Series first. These tutorials assume familiarity with fundamental concepts.

Video 1: Advanced Color Management

ICC Profiles and Color Accuracy

Duration: 22 minutesWhat you’ll learn:

Deep dive into ICC profiles
Choosing the right profile for your project
Understanding rendering intents
TAC (Total Area Coverage) limits
GCR vs UCR black generation

Topics covered:

ICC profile options: ISO Coated v2, GRACoL, SWOP
Regional differences (Europe vs USA standards)
Coated vs uncoated paper profiles
Rendering intents: Relative Colorimetric vs Perceptual
TAC limits and how to check them
Black generation strategies (GCR)
Custom printer profiles

Prerequisites: Understanding of basic RGB/CMYK conversionAdvanced concepts:

Color gamut mapping
Out-of-gamut color handling
Profile mismatches and how to fix
Soft proofing techniques

Key takeaways:

Profile choice affects final colors significantly
Match profile to printer’s paper stock
TAC limits vary by profile (260-350%)
Rendering intent: use Relative Colorimetric for most work
Get custom profile from printer for critical work

Video 2: Spot Colors and Pantone

Working with Pantone Spot Colors

Duration: 25 minutesWhat you’ll learn:

What spot colors are and when to use them
Setting up Pantone colors in Figma
Preserving spot colors in export
Combining spot colors with CMYK
Cost implications and when worth it

Topics covered:

Spot color vs process color (CMYK)
Pantone Matching System (PMS)
Defining spot colors in Figma
Enabling spot color preservation in Print for Figma
Coated vs uncoated Pantone values
Spot color density control
Verifying spot colors in exported PDF
Communicating spot color specs to printer

Prerequisites: Advanced color management basicsPractical applications:

Brand logo color matching
Metallic and fluorescent colors
Two-color printing for budget savings
When to use spot vs CMYK approximation

Key takeaways:

Spot colors provide exact color match
Each spot color = separate ink plate = extra cost
Perfect for brand colors that must match exactly
Enable “Preserve spot colors” in Color tab
Always communicate spot color specs to printer

Video 3: Rich Black and Black Handling

Mastering Black in Print

Duration: 18 minutesWhat you’ll learn:

Pure black vs rich black
When to use each type
Black overprinting explained
Preventing registration issues
Creating perfect deep blacks

Topics covered:

Pure black (K100): text, thin lines
Rich black formulas (C60 M40 Y40 K100)
Cool vs warm rich blacks
Overprinting black text (essential)
TAC considerations for rich black
Registration issues and prevention
Black handling settings in Print for Figma

Prerequisites: Basic CMYK understandingDemonstrations:

Side-by-side pure vs rich black comparison
Overprint preview in Acrobat
Registration problem examples
Creating custom rich black recipes

Key takeaways:

Text: always pure black (K100) for sharpness
Large areas: rich black for depth
Always enable black text overprinting
Rich black TAC: keep under profile limit (240% safe)
Different rich black recipes for different effects

Video 4: Multi-Page Document Workflows

Creating Catalogs and Booklets

Duration: 28 minutesWhat you’ll learn:

Setting up multi-page documents in Figma
Page organization best practices
Exporting page ranges
Binding considerations (saddle-stitch, perfect bound)
Managing large file complexity

Topics covered:

Organizing pages in Figma (frames as pages)
Naming conventions for pages
Master page elements (headers, footers, page numbers)
Bleed on bound edges
Gutter margins for binding
Exporting all pages vs page ranges
Combining multiple PDFs
File size optimization for large documents

Prerequisites: Comfortable with basic exportsCovered workflows:

8-page saddle-stitch booklet
24-page perfect bound brochure
50+ page catalog
Managing spreads vs single pages

Key takeaways:

Organize pages systematically in Figma
Account for binding type (saddle-stitch vs perfect)
Add gutter margin on bound edge
Export in batches for very large documents
Optimize images BEFORE import for better performance

Video 5: Packaging and Dielines

Product Packaging Design for Print

Duration: 30 minutesWhat you’ll learn:

Working with packaging dielines
Setting up die-cut templates
Managing spot varnish and special finishes
Fold lines and perforations
Packaging-specific considerations

Topics covered:

Importing dieline templates into Figma
Understanding dieline layers (cut, fold, safe area)
Designing within constraints
Spot varnish as spot color
Embossing and debossing specifications
Foil stamping setup
Fold mockups and verification
Communicating special finishes to printer

Prerequisites: Advanced color management, spot colorsProject examples:

Box packaging with dieline
Label with die-cut shape
Folder with pocket
Hang tag with perforation

Key takeaways:

Always get dieline from printer/manufacturer
Treat dielines as separate layer (spot color)
Test fold mockup before finalizing
Special finishes = spot colors in separate layers
Clear communication critical for special processes

Video 6: Preflight and Quality Control

Professional Preflight Workflow

Duration: 20 minutesWhat you’ll learn:

Professional quality control process
Using Adobe Acrobat Preflight
Catching errors before printing
Industry-standard checks
Creating preflight profiles

Topics covered:

PDF/X validation in Acrobat
Preflight panel walkthrough
Common preflight errors and fixes
Checking color space (ensure CMYK)
Verifying font embedding
Image resolution checks
TAC limit verification
Overprint preview
Creating custom preflight profiles
Generating preflight reports

Prerequisites: Comfortable exporting PDFsChecklist covered:

PDF format compliance (PDF/X-1a)
Color space verification
Font embedding status
Image resolution minimums
Bleed and trim box correct
No RGB or spot color errors

Key takeaways:

Always preflight before sending to printer
Fix all errors, review warnings
Use Acrobat’s built-in preflight tool
Save preflight report with file
Establish consistent QC workflow

Video 7: Advanced File Optimization

Optimizing Large Print Files

Duration: 24 minutesWhat you’ll learn:

Reducing file size without quality loss
Image optimization strategies
When and how to downsample
Compression settings explained
Batch optimization techniques

Topics covered:

Pre-export optimization (most effective)
Calculating exact image dimensions needed
Batch resizing images in Photoshop
Downsampling vs resampling
Compression levels and quality trade-offs
Font subsetting (automatic)
Flattening transparency for smaller files
Post-export PDF optimization
Finding the sweet spot: size vs quality

Prerequisites: Understanding DPI and resolutionOptimization hierarchy:

Resize images to exact needed size (60-80% reduction)
Enable downsampling (30-50% reduction)
Adjust compression 85% → 75% (20-40% reduction)
Remove hidden/unused layers (10-20% reduction)

Key takeaways:

Optimize images BEFORE adding to Figma (most effective)
Calculate: Print inches × 300 DPI = pixels needed
Enable downsampling for images over 300 DPI
85% compression balances quality and size
Combine multiple techniques for maximum reduction

Video 8: Troubleshooting Complex Issues

Solving Advanced Print Problems

Duration: 26 minutesWhat you’ll learn:

Diagnosing color problems
Fixing export errors
Resolving font issues
Dealing with transparency problems
When to contact support

Topics covered:

Colors shifting unexpectedly (diagnosis and fix)
PDF export failures (common causes)
Font embedding failures (licensing issues)
Transparency flattening issues
Overprint problems
Registration concerns
File size exceeded errors
Printer rejection reasons and solutions

Prerequisites: Advanced series Videos 1-7Problem-solving framework:

Systematic diagnosis
Common causes checklist
Step-by-step fixes
When to try different approach
Escalation to support

Key takeaways:

Most problems have simple fixes
Check settings first (color, export, document)
Use Acrobat preflight to identify issues
Test with simplified file to isolate problem
Document your solution for future reference

Advanced Concepts Reference

TAC (Total Area Coverage)

Understanding ink limits:

Profile	TAC Limit	What Exceeding Means
ISO Coated v2	330%	Too much ink, drying issues
GRACoL 2006	300%	Paper saturation, offset problems
PSO Uncoated	260%	Ink bleed, muddy appearance
Newsprint	240%	Severe bleeding, unacceptable

Calculating TAC:

Color: C80 M60 Y40 K50
TAC = 80 + 60 + 40 + 50 = 230%
Status: ✓ Safe for all profiles

See: CMYK Values Reference for TAC-safe colors

Rendering Intents Comparison

Intent	Best For	How It Works	Use When
Relative Colorimetric	Most print work	Maps out-of-gamut colors to nearest CMYK match, preserves in-gamut colors	Standard commercial printing (recommended default)
Perceptual	Photos with many out-of-gamut colors	Compresses entire color range to fit CMYK	Photo-heavy work with saturated colors
Saturation	Graphics and charts	Prioritizes vivid colors over accuracy	Business graphics (rarely in photos)
Absolute Colorimetric	Proofing	Simulates exact paper white	Proof prints only, not final output

Recommendation: Use Relative Colorimetric unless you have specific reason

Advanced Practice Projects

Challenge yourself with these complex projects:

Project 1: Brand Guidelines Document

Complexity: HighRequirements:

20-page perfect bound booklet
Spot colors for brand logo
Mix of CMYK photos and spot color graphics
Multiple sections with different layouts
Professional quality throughout

Skills practiced:

Multi-page organization
Spot color management
Mixed color workflows
Binding considerations
Consistent quality control

Success criteria:

All pages export correctly
Spot colors preserved
CMYK photos accurate
Professional preflight pass
Ready for commercial printing

Project 2: Product Packaging

Complexity: Very HighRequirements:

Custom dieline from manufacturer
Spot varnish on logo
CMYK product photos
Die-cut window
Barcode placement

Skills practiced:

Dieline workflow
Multiple spot colors (varnish + die cut)
Precise registration
Special finish specifications
Printer communication

Success criteria:

Design fits dieline perfectly
All spot colors correctly specified
Photos high quality 300 DPI
Barcode in safe area
Complete technical specifications documented

Project 3: Large-Format Catalog

Complexity: Very HighRequirements:

64-page catalog
100+ product images
Consistent page templates
File size under 200 MB
Professional quality

Skills practiced:

Large document organization
Image optimization at scale
Template/master page workflow
File size management
Batch processing

Success criteria:

All 64 pages consistent quality
File size optimized (under limit)
All images 300 DPI minimum
Fast export performance
Preflight clean

Professional Workflows

Workflow 1: Color-Critical Brand Work

Get Specifications

Request printer’s ICC profile
Get brand Pantone specifications
Understand paper stock
Confirm spot color support

Set Up with Precision

Use exact printer ICC profile
Define spot colors precisely (PMS numbers)
Enable spot color preservation
Set up soft proofing

Design and Proof

Design with brand colors
Soft proof frequently
Order physical proof print
Get stakeholder approval on physical proof

Final Export and QC

Export with approved settings
Run complete preflight check
Verify spot colors in PDF
Generate and save preflight report

Deliver with Documentation

Send PDF with specifications document
Include: Pantone numbers, ICC profile used, special instructions
Request press proof if high volume
Stay in communication during printing

Workflow 2: High-Volume Catalog Production

Pre-Production Planning

Optimize all images in batch (Photoshop)
Resize to exact needed dimensions
Create page templates
Establish naming conventions

Efficient Design

Use components for repeated elements
Maintain consistent styles
Work in sections (10-20 pages at a time)
Regular saving and backups

Batch Export

Export in batches (10-20 page chunks)
Test first batch before continuing
Monitor file sizes
Combine PDFs after all exported

Quality Control

Spot check every 5th page in detail
Verify first/last pages carefully
Run preflight on combined PDF
Check total file size

Delivery

Use FTP or large file transfer
Include page count confirmation
Provide low-res proof PDF
Request confirmation of receipt

Advanced Troubleshooting Guide

Colors Drastically Wrong

Diagnosis checklist:

CMYK conversion enabled?
Correct ICC profile selected?
Profile matches printer’s specification?
Rendering intent set to Relative Colorimetric?
Spot colors preserved (if using)?

Most common cause: Wrong or missing ICC profileFix: Select correct profile, re-exportSee: Advanced Video 1 (Color Management)

Export Hanging on Large File

Diagnosis checklist:

File size and complexity?
Available RAM?
Browser memory usage?
Network stable?

Solutions in order:

Simplify file (flatten complex groups)
Resize images before import
Export in smaller batches
Restart browser for fresh memory
Use Figma desktop app

See: Advanced Video 7 (File Optimization)

Spot Colors Converting to CMYK

Diagnosis:

Spot color preservation not enabled

Fix:

Color tab → Preserve spot colors: Enable ✓
Verify spot colors defined correctly in Figma
Re-export
Check in Acrobat: should show spot color separations

See: Advanced Video 2 (Spot Colors)

Registration Issues / Color Fringing

Causes:

Text not overprinting
Rich black used for text (should be K100)
Four-color blacks

Fix:

Use pure black (K100) for all text
Enable black text overprint
Use rich black only for large areas
Check in Overprint Preview

See: Advanced Video 3 (Black Handling)

Expert Tips and Tricks

Color Management
File Organization
Performance
Quality Assurance

Pro tips from experienced designers:

Always get printer’s profile: Don’t guess, ask for exact ICC profile
Soft proof early and often: Catch color issues during design, not after
Design in CMYK from start: Avoid RGB → CMYK surprises
Keep color swatches: Document approved CMYK values for reuse
Physical proofs for critical work: Screen proofing has limits

Certification and Continued Learning

After mastering advanced series:

Project-Based Series

Apply advanced skills to real projects

Industry Standards

Deep dive into print standards (ISO, PDF/X, etc.)

Working with Printers

Professional printer relationships

Color Deep Dive

Comprehensive color management

Advanced skill marker: You’ve mastered advanced techniques when you can confidently handle brand color matching, multi-page documents, and explain your workflow to a commercial printer.

Learn More

ICC Profiles Reference

Complete profile specifications

CMYK Values

TAC-safe color formulas

Troubleshooting

Advanced problem solving

Cost Optimization

Professional budget strategies

Video Tutorials

​Advanced Print for Figma Techniques