On the occasions you need to print a design project (which happens far more often than you might think), you’ll have to pick the best imprint method for your project. But that’s a pretty tall order if you don’t have much experience with print design.

To help you out, Company Folders is sharing the wisdom they’ve gained through their years of printing experience. Here are some common designs and their best imprint method partners:

1-3 colors or matching colors

PMS printing is the most affordable way to achieve designs with only 1-3 colors. These premixed inks are the same at any printer, so they also make it possible to match exact brand colors.

Neon or metallic colors

If you want neon or metallic ink, PMS printing is the way to go. Just don’t use a dark stock; it can make the colors look washed out. Foil stamping is the best way to create neon or metallic colors on a dark background.

Photo-heavy designs

When there are lots of photos involved, four color process printing is your best bet. It mixes four inks to create a range of colors, so it can recreate the colors in the photo.

Textured or 3D designs

Embossing and debossing both provide texture to your designs because they create indentations in the paper stock. Embossing can create small 3D effects on your design because unlike debossing—which is recessed into the paper—embossing stands out above the stock’s surface.

Texture and color

You can combine embossing or debossing with foil stamping, PMS printing, or four color process to create a design that has both texture and color.

Highly detailed designs

For designs with lots of details, use PMS or four color process printing; textured imprint methods often lose the details during the printing process.

And more…

Read on to learn more about these imprint methods, how they work, and their options.