You’ll have to format your file for print if you want your finished product to look anything like the image you see on the screen.
CMYK vs RGB
(image from Printninja.com)
If you're reading this blog, you're probably looking at this on a screen of some sort. Screens use RBG to display all of the colors on the screen by generating light. However, printing is an ink-based process, and thus we need CMYK.
The difference between these two is pretty clear when you put them side by side. RBG creates bright and vivid colors because it's light based and can make any color your eyes can perceive. Conversely, CMYK can't make every color because inks aren't capable of making every color. As a result, if you try to print an image that's RGB, the colors will turn out different.
(Image from angelatreatlyonart.com)
Generally, it results in the colors looking more dull since light isn't shining through the colors. It's best to make sure the print settings in your document match your printer. For the most part, the best bet is to make your files in CMYK and print CMYK to be safe.
Raster vs Vector
Another thing to look out for is the difference between raster and vector files.
(Image from http://mariahalthoff.com)
A rasterized file looks good at a certain size because it's made of small squares called pixels. Depending on the resolution, or the pixels per inch. Most often, artwork and photography are rasterized.
Vector files, on the other hand, are made of paths which are rooted in math. These files can be made any size and still look the same. This is why they work best as logos and illustrations.
Whatever your reason for making stickers, be sure to make your file matches up with your purpose. For example, if you're making a stickers of a logo that needs to be printed at many sizes, it's best to go with a vector file. For anything else, a high resolution rasterized image will work fine. A good setting is 300 pixels per inch or higher if your printer (and computer) can handle it.
When it all comes down to it, always test out your settings with a few test prints. This is the easiest way to make sure your stickers look the way you want.
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