@design-ai/cli 4.55.0

package/knowledge/print/print-fundamentals.md

@@ -0,0 +1,238 @@
+<!-- hand-written -->
+---
+title: Print fundamentals (CMYK, bleed, trim, DPI, paper)
+applies_to: [print, physical, production, prepress]
+version: 1.0.0
+last_updated: 2026-05
+stability: stable
+---
+
+# Print fundamentals
+
+Designing for print is not designing for screen. The math is different (CMYK not RGB), the resolution is different (300 DPI not 72/96 PPI), and you can't undo a print run.
+
+This file is the foundation. Read before [`stationery.md`](stationery.md), [`brochures-and-flyers.md`](brochures-and-flyers.md), [`signage-and-posters.md`](signage-and-posters.md), [`packaging.md`](packaging.md), or [`korean-print-conventions.md`](korean-print-conventions.md).
+
+## Color: CMYK vs RGB vs Spot
+
+| | RGB | CMYK | Spot (Pantone) |
+| --- | --- | --- | --- |
+| What | Additive (light) | Subtractive (ink) | Pre-mixed ink |
+| Where | Screens | Most printers | Premium print runs |
+| Range | Wide gamut | Narrower (~70% of RGB) | Specific colors only |
+| Use | Web, app | Brochures, business cards | Brand-critical color (logo) |
+
+### What this means in practice
+
+- **A bright RGB color** (e.g., `#00B4FF`) won't print as that color in CMYK. The press converts it to the nearest CMYK; result is duller, slightly shifted.
+- **Test colors on press proofs** before final run. A digital preview lies.
+- **Brand colors** in print should be specified as Pantone (PMS) numbers, not just CMYK percentages. PMS guarantees consistency across print runs.
+- **Black**: pure CMYK black is C:0 M:0 Y:0 K:100. **Rich black** (C:60 M:40 Y:40 K:100) prints darker and is used for large black areas. Don't use rich black for small text — registration mistakes show as colored fringes.
+
+### Designing in CMYK
+
+Most workflows: design in InDesign / Illustrator / Affinity with CMYK color profile from the start. Don't design in RGB and convert at the end — colors will shift and the design must be re-checked.
+
+For brand-critical pieces (business card, packaging): build the color palette in CMYK + Pantone references at the start of the project.
+
+## Resolution: DPI vs PPI
+
+- **PPI** (pixels per inch) — for digital images, screens.
+- **DPI** (dots per inch) — for printed output.
+
+Practical rule: **300 DPI at final print size** for photos. 600 DPI for line art / text-heavy.
+
+If a photo is 1000×1000 pixels and the print size is 4×4 inches: 250 DPI — borderline acceptable. If print size is 8×8 inches: 125 DPI — visibly pixelated.
+
+| Print size (inches) | Image size needed at 300 DPI |
+| --- | --- |
+| 2 × 3.5 (business card) | 600 × 1050 px |
+| 4 × 6 (postcard) | 1200 × 1800 px |
+| 8.5 × 11 (letter / A4-ish) | 2550 × 3300 px |
+| 11 × 17 (tabloid / A3) | 3300 × 5100 px |
+| 24 × 36 (poster) | 7200 × 10800 px |
+
+For posters viewed from a distance: 150 DPI can be acceptable. For business cards held in the hand: 300+ DPI mandatory.
+
+## Bleed, trim, safe area
+
+Print pieces have three concentric zones:
+
+```
+┌────────────────────────────────────┐
+│   Bleed (3-5mm beyond trim)        │   ← color extends here
+│                                    │
+│   ┌──────────────────────────┐     │
+│   │  Trim (the final size)   │     │   ← cutter cuts here (with ±1mm margin)
+│   │                          │     │
+│   │  ┌────────────────────┐  │     │
+│   │  │  Safe area         │  │     │   ← keep text + critical content here
+│   │  │  (3-5mm inside)    │  │     │
+│   │  │                    │  │     │
+│   │  └────────────────────┘  │     │
+│   └──────────────────────────┘     │
+│                                    │
+└────────────────────────────────────┘
+```
+
+| Zone | Purpose | Typical size |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| **Bleed** | Color extends past trim so cut doesn't show white edge | 3mm (Korean standard), 0.125" / 3.175mm (US) |
+| **Trim** | Final size of the piece | Per design |
+| **Safe area** | Critical content (text, logo) that won't get cut | 3-5mm inside trim |
+
+### Why this matters
+
+Cutters have ±1mm tolerance. Without bleed, a slight cut shift = white sliver on the edge. Without safe area, text gets clipped.
+
+Set up your file with bleed from the start in InDesign / Illustrator. Don't try to add bleed after.
+
+### Common sizes (Korean / international)
+
+| Name | Dimensions (mm) | Use |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| **Korean 명함 (business card)** | 90 × 50 | Korean business card |
+| **International business card** | 85 × 55 | Most Western markets |
+| **A4** | 210 × 297 | Letters, brochures |
+| **A5** | 148 × 210 | Half-letter, leaflets |
+| **A6** | 105 × 148 | Postcards |
+| **A3** | 297 × 420 | Posters (small) |
+| **A2** | 420 × 594 | Posters (medium) |
+| **A1** | 594 × 841 | Posters (large) |
+| **A0** | 841 × 1189 | Posters (huge) |
+| **DL** | 99 × 210 | Tri-fold envelopes / flyers |
+
+Korean default for most marketing pieces: A4 / A5 / 명함. International default: Letter (216 × 279mm) is rare in Korea.
+
+## Paper: weight, finish, type
+
+### Weight (gsm — grams per square meter)
+
+| gsm | Feel | Use |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| 70-90 | Thin, see-through | Inside book pages, drafts |
+| 100-120 | Standard letterhead | Stationery |
+| 150-180 | Light card | Postcards, leaflets |
+| 200-250 | Sturdy card | Quality flyers |
+| 300+ | Heavy card | Business cards, premium print |
+| 350-400 | Very heavy | Premium business cards, packaging |
+
+Korean business cards typically: **250-300gsm**. Premium: **350gsm** with finish.
+
+### Finish
+
+| Finish | Look | Feel | Use |
+| --- | --- | --- | --- |
+| Matte / 무광 | No reflection | Soft, premium | Most B2B materials |
+| Glossy / 유광 | High reflection | Slick | Brochures with photos |
+| Satin / Silk | Mid | Smooth | Magazines |
+| Uncoated | None | Natural texture | Letterhead, environmental brands |
+| Soft-touch | Velvety | Premium | High-end business cards |
+| Linen | Textured | Tactile | Wedding stationery, formal |
+
+Different finishes change perceived brand:
+- Matte = professional, calm, premium-modern.
+- Glossy = energetic, inexpensive (mass-market), or premium-photo-led.
+- Uncoated = environmental, artisanal, raw.
+- Soft-touch = luxury, modern.
+
+### Special finishes (premium)
+
+- **Spot UV** — glossy varnish on specific areas (logo). Adds tactile contrast on matte stock.
+- **Foil stamp / 박** — metallic gold / silver / copper / holographic. Premium signal.
+- **Emboss / 양각** — raised areas (logo). Tactile, classic.
+- **Deboss / 음각** — recessed areas. Subtle, modern.
+- **Letterpress** — antique-feel impression. Wedding / luxury stationery.
+- **Die-cut / 도무송** — custom shapes (rounded corners, unique silhouettes).
+
+Each of these adds significant cost (often 2-5× standard print).
+
+## File preparation checklist
+
+Before sending to print:
+
+- [ ] Color mode: CMYK (not RGB)
+- [ ] Resolution: 300 DPI at final size for photos / raster
+- [ ] Vector elements stay vector (logos, type)
+- [ ] Bleed: 3mm minimum on all sides
+- [ ] Safe area: 3-5mm inside trim for text
+- [ ] Fonts: outlined OR licensed for embedding
+- [ ] Ink coverage: total ≤ 300% (some printers say 280%) — sum of CMYK percentages
+- [ ] Black: pure 100% K for small text; rich black (60/40/40/100) only for large fills
+- [ ] Spot colors: defined as Pantone, not converted to CMYK silently
+- [ ] Final size is correct (Korean 명함 vs international card differ)
+- [ ] Crop marks + bleed marks included in PDF export
+- [ ] PDF version: PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 (printer's spec)
+- [ ] File embedded all images (no linked external paths)
+- [ ] Spell-check Korean + English (printers don't proofread)
+- [ ] Final proof signed off by client (don't print without)
+
+## File formats
+
+| Format | Use |
+| --- | --- |
+| **PDF/X-1a** | Most reliable for print; flat CMYK |
+| **PDF/X-4** | Newer; supports transparency |
+| **AI** | Adobe Illustrator native (vector source) |
+| **INDD** | InDesign (multi-page documents) |
+| **TIFF** | High-quality raster |
+| **EPS** | Older vector format; still accepted |
+
+Default for delivery: **PDF/X-1a** with bleed + crop marks. Provide source files (AI / INDD) if requested.
+
+## Color management — ICC profiles
+
+Different printers have different presses with different color characteristics. Match output to the printer's ICC profile:
+
+- **Korean coated paper press**: typically `Japan Color 2001 Coated` or printer-specific profile.
+- **US sheet-fed**: `U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2`.
+- **EU print**: `ISO Coated v2 (ECI)`.
+
+Ask the printer for their preferred profile. Embed it in the PDF export. Without ICC matching, colors shift.
+
+## Cost drivers
+
+Things that increase cost:
+- **Quantity** (lower per-unit at high volume; minimum cost at low volume)
+- **Color count** (1-color < 4-color CMYK < CMYK + spot)
+- **Paper weight + finish** (heavier / specialty stock = more)
+- **Special finishes** (foil, spot UV, emboss, die-cut)
+- **Double-sided** (~1.4× single-sided, not 2×)
+- **Variable data** (each piece personalized — premium digital print)
+- **Rush turnaround** (3-day vs 7-day vs 14-day)
+
+For pricing: get quotes from 2-3 Korean printers (충무로, 을지로 area, online platforms like Snaps, Vistaprint Korea).
+
+## Korean print market
+
+- **Major print districts**: 충무로 (specialty / quality), 을지로 (variety / volume), 인천 (large-scale runs).
+- **Online services**: Snaps, Bizhows, 컴인쇄, Vistaprint Korea — convenient, mid-quality.
+- **Premium**: Designhouse, traditional print shops with letterpress / foil expertise.
+- **Standard turnaround**: 3-7 days for standard orders; rush 1-2 days at premium.
+- **Minimum orders**: business cards typically 100-200 minimum; flyers / brochures 500-1000 minimum at most printers.
+
+For mass / cheap: online platforms.
+For brand-critical (business cards, premium brochures): traditional printer with sample proof.
+
+See [`korean-print-conventions.md`](korean-print-conventions.md) for Korean-specific format and content rules.
+
+## Don't
+
+- Don't design in RGB and convert at the end — colors shift unpredictably. Start in CMYK.
+- Don't ignore bleed — the 1mm cut tolerance will leave white slivers.
+- Don't use 72 DPI photos for print — they pixelate even at small sizes.
+- Don't trust digital preview for color accuracy — get a press proof for brand-critical work.
+- Don't use rich black for small text — registration shifts cause colored fringes.
+- Don't ship a file with linked images instead of embedded — printer might miss them.
+- Don't change the design after the press starts. Re-runs are full price.
+
+## Cross-reference
+
+- [`knowledge/print/stationery.md`](stationery.md) — business cards, letterhead, envelopes
+- [`knowledge/print/brochures-and-flyers.md`](brochures-and-flyers.md) — multi-page + folded pieces
+- [`knowledge/print/signage-and-posters.md`](signage-and-posters.md) — large format
+- [`knowledge/print/packaging.md`](packaging.md) — boxes, labels, dielines
+- [`knowledge/print/korean-print-conventions.md`](korean-print-conventions.md) — KR-specific
+- [`knowledge/typography/type-scale-fundamentals.md`](../typography/type-scale-fundamentals.md) — typography fundamentals
+- [`knowledge/colors/color-theory.md`](../colors/color-theory.md) — color theory
+- [`knowledge/patterns/brand-identity.md`](../patterns/brand-identity.md) — brand foundation

package/knowledge/print/signage-and-posters.md

@@ -0,0 +1,235 @@
+<!-- hand-written -->
+---
+title: Signage and posters (large-format print)
+applies_to: [print, signage, poster, large-format]
+version: 1.0.0
+last_updated: 2026-05
+stability: stable
+---
+
+# Signage and posters
+
+Large-format print: posters, banners, billboards, in-store signage, trade-show booths. Read [`print-fundamentals.md`](print-fundamentals.md) first.
+
+The two key differences from small-format print:
+
+1. **Reading distance** — posters are read from 1-3m, billboards from 10-50m+. Type sizing is dramatically different.
+2. **Resolution requirements** — drop to 100-150 DPI at full size for most large prints (your eye averages at distance).
+
+## Sizes
+
+### Posters
+
+| Korean / international | Size (mm) | Use |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| **A4** | 210 × 297 | In-house / café notice |
+| **A3** | 297 × 420 | Café / store window |
+| **B3** | 364 × 515 | Subway poster |
+| **A2** | 420 × 594 | Movie / event poster |
+| **A1** | 594 × 841 | Conference / large event |
+| **A0** | 841 × 1189 | Trade show / hero poster |
+| **B2** | 515 × 728 | Bus stop, subway |
+| **B1** | 728 × 1030 | Subway platform |
+| **Subway 12-sheet** | 3050 × 1525 | Subway corridor |
+
+### Banners (vinyl / fabric)
+
+| Use | Size |
+| --- | --- |
+| Roll-up banner (현수막) | 850 × 2000mm typical |
+| Pull-up retractable | 800 × 2000mm |
+| Outdoor vinyl banner | 1m × 3m up to 5m × 20m |
+| Trade show backdrop | 3m × 2.5m typical |
+| Window vinyl | Custom to window |
+
+### Billboards / 옥외광고
+
+Korean OOH (out-of-home) regulations specify approved sizes per location. Check with the OOH vendor for spec sheets.
+
+## Reading distance and type size
+
+The "viewing distance × 1cm = letter height" rule:
+
+| Distance | Min letter height |
+| --- | --- |
+| 1m (close-up poster) | 1cm = ~28pt |
+| 3m (standard poster from across room) | 3cm = ~85pt |
+| 10m (across street poster, large signage) | 10cm = ~283pt |
+| 30m (billboard from car) | 30cm = ~850pt |
+| 50m+ (highway billboard) | 50cm+ |
+
+Real-world: large posters in subway stations need **80pt+ for headlines, 24pt+ for body**.
+
+Korean 한글 reads slightly larger than Latin at same point size due to character density. You can usually go 1-2pt smaller for Korean than Latin and stay legible.
+
+## Composition rules
+
+### One message
+
+A poster is read in 1-2 seconds. **One headline. One image. Optional one detail (date/place/QR).**
+
+```
+┌─────────────────────┐
+│                     │
+│      [HEADLINE]     │   ← read in 1 second
+│                     │
+│      [Image]        │   ← supports headline
+│                     │
+│   Date | Place      │   ← detail layer
+│                     │
+│   [QR]   [Logo]     │   ← signature
+└─────────────────────┘
+```
+
+Don't pack a poster with paragraphs. People walk past.
+
+### Hierarchy
+
+| Layer | Size | Content |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| Hero | 60-80% of poster height | Image OR headline |
+| Headline | 10-20% | What this is |
+| Detail | 5-10% | When / where |
+| Signature | 3-5% | Logo, QR, attribution |
+
+### Visual weight
+
+Posters work because of strong figure-ground contrast:
+- Big shape on contrasting background.
+- Bold type cutting through.
+- Clear focal point — the eye lands somewhere specific.
+
+Avoid:
+- Even visual weight across the whole poster (no focal point).
+- 5+ images of equal size.
+- Tiny type covering 50% of the canvas.
+
+## Resolution rules for large format
+
+The "your eye averages at distance" effect means lower DPI is acceptable as size scales up:
+
+| Print size | Reading distance | Recommended DPI at print size |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| A4 poster (close hand) | 30cm | 300 DPI |
+| A3 poster (close wall) | 1m | 200 DPI |
+| A2 poster (room wall) | 1-2m | 150 DPI |
+| A1 / A0 poster | 2-3m | 100-150 DPI |
+| Subway poster | 1-3m | 100-150 DPI |
+| Billboard | 10m+ | 30-72 DPI |
+| Highway billboard | 30m+ | 15-30 DPI |
+
+**Don't waste resolution**. A 300 DPI billboard at 30m is invisible to the viewer and costs 100× more in file size and processing.
+
+## Color and contrast for outdoor / large-format
+
+Outdoor environments + distance reduce perceived contrast:
+
+- **Higher contrast than digital screen** — black on yellow, white on red, etc.
+- **Avoid subtle gradients** at large size — banding becomes visible.
+- **Brand colors** may need adjustment — the bright red of a logo may print muddy at billboard scale; ask the printer for a press proof.
+- **UV stability** — outdoor prints fade. Specify UV-resistant ink + lamination for any print exposed to sun.
+
+Korean subway / outdoor regulations sometimes restrict color for safety (e.g., no flashing red near traffic). Check OOH vendor's compliance sheet.
+
+## Materials
+
+### Paper posters
+
+- **Standard offset poster**: 150-200gsm coated paper.
+- **Premium poster**: 300gsm matte cover stock (photo prints, sold posters).
+- **Window cling**: PVC vinyl, removable.
+
+### Banners
+
+- **Vinyl banner**: weatherproof, durable, 13oz / 18oz weights.
+- **Mesh banner**: wind-permeable; for windy outdoor use.
+- **Fabric banner**: premium look; trade show backdrops.
+
+### Signage
+
+- **Foamboard / KT 보드**: lightweight, indoor.
+- **Acrylic / 아크릴**: premium, indoor.
+- **Aluminum / 알루미늄 컴퍼지트**: durable, outdoor.
+- **Vinyl on coroplast**: cheap, election-sign quality.
+
+Material affects perceived brand. A laser-print poster on copy paper signals "temporary / cheap." A fabric trade-show backdrop with grommets signals "premium / professional."
+
+## Subway / outdoor print requirements (Korean)
+
+Korean subway poster specs (most common):
+- **Size**: B3 (364 × 515mm) or B2 (515 × 728mm)
+- **Bleed**: 5mm all sides
+- **Resolution**: 200-300 DPI
+- **File**: PDF/X-1a CMYK
+- **Submit deadline**: 7-14 days before posting
+
+Each subway operator (Seoul Metro, KORAIL, Busan Metro) has their own spec sheet. Ask for the latest.
+
+Korean billboard / OOH:
+- Specs vary by vendor and location.
+- Many have safety-content review (no offensive content, certain industries restricted).
+- Lead time: 2-4 weeks for production + posting.
+
+## Trade show booths
+
+For 3m × 2.5m backdrops:
+- Headline at human-eye-level (1.5-1.7m from floor).
+- Logo at top OR centered above headline.
+- Don't put critical content below 0.5m or above 2.2m (people block view; eye height varies).
+- Tile-friendly design (some booths have visible tile seams every 1m).
+
+## Posters for subways: special considerations
+
+Korean subway riders look at posters at **1-2m for 5-30 seconds** (waiting for train). This is more reading time than a billboard.
+
+You can include:
+- A clear headline.
+- One supporting fact OR image.
+- A QR code (people scan with phone while waiting).
+- Brand signature.
+
+Don't include:
+- Long body copy paragraphs.
+- More than one CTA.
+- Tiny type at the bottom (lost on most viewers).
+
+## Production checklist (large format)
+
+- [ ] Color mode: CMYK
+- [ ] Resolution at print size: per category above
+- [ ] Bleed: 5mm minimum (more for very large pieces)
+- [ ] Safe area: 10mm+ inside trim for text
+- [ ] Material specified (paper / vinyl / fabric)
+- [ ] Finish specified (matte / glossy / lamination / UV-coated)
+- [ ] File format: PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4
+- [ ] Fonts outlined or embedded
+- [ ] Sample test print at 1:1 corner section if going to billboard scale (catch resolution / color issues)
+- [ ] OOH compliance check (if outdoor / public space)
+- [ ] Lead time confirmed with vendor
+
+## Common large-format mistakes
+
+- **Tiny type** — minimum legible size at distance is bigger than designers expect.
+- **Wasted resolution** — 300 DPI on a billboard is overkill.
+- **Center-aligned everything** — gets lost. Pick anchor positions.
+- **Photography upscaled too far** — pixelation visible at large size.
+- **Brand color shifts** — RGB-bright color → CMYK-muddy. Test on press.
+- **Forgot bleed** — subway posters cropped, white edges.
+- **Logo in corner so small nobody reads it** — if branded, brand it.
+
+## Don't
+
+- Don't design a poster like a brochure. Brochures have time. Posters have seconds.
+- Don't put paragraphs of body copy on a poster nobody will stop to read.
+- Don't ship 300 DPI files for a 4m × 6m billboard. Wasteful, slow.
+- Don't ignore reading distance when sizing type. Test by stepping back.
+- Don't choose vinyl banner material for a long-term sign. UV degradation.
+- Don't skip sample proof for billboards. Color shift at scale is real.
+
+## Cross-reference
+
+- [`knowledge/print/print-fundamentals.md`](print-fundamentals.md) — CMYK, bleed, DPI
+- [`knowledge/print/brochures-and-flyers.md`](brochures-and-flyers.md) — small format
+- [`knowledge/print/korean-print-conventions.md`](korean-print-conventions.md) — KR specifics
+- [`knowledge/typography/type-scale-fundamentals.md`](../typography/type-scale-fundamentals.md) — type sizing
+- [`knowledge/illustration/hero-illustrations.md`](../illustration/hero-illustrations.md) — hero illustration use