Print & printed materials
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Print remains a very solid channel in Morocco: a business card, a well-printed leaflet or a carefully made sign give an impression of seriousness that a screen visual does not replace. The difference between a successful piece and a failed one is almost always technical. ## The print-ready file A good print PDF is not simply an export: it has a CMYK profile, 300 dpi images, embedded fonts, bleed and crop marks. Producing this file at source avoids corrections paid to the printer, often at a point when the deadline is already tight. ## Screen and paper: two colour ranges The colours of the site and brand must be adapted for printing, with CMYK or Pantone values. A vivid red on the web can turn brown on coated paper, and a pure black printed over a large area can look grey. Testing these values on a proof saves a lot of back and forth. ## Finishing matters more than you think The paper, weight, lamination or gold foil change how the piece is perceived as much as the design. But each one increases the unit cost and often the lead time. Choosing one simple, well-executed finish, rather than a combination of finishes not suited to the budget, is enough for most projects.When this guide is for you
- You need to print a business card, a leaflet or a catalogue and have no print-ready file
- Your files come out with off colours, cropped margins or missing fonts
- You are organising a trade fair or an outdoor campaign and must produce several formats in a short time
- Your business needs a sign, window graphics or point-of-sale displays consistent with the brand
Step by step
- Choose the medium and print run — Decide on the format, the medium (paper, card, PVC, adhesive), the finish (varnish, lamination, gold foil) and the actual print run. The run affects the unit price: ask for tiers of 100, 500 and 1,000.
- Design and message hierarchy — Build the message around its use: a business card must be read in three seconds, a catalogue must be skimmed then explored. Place essential information in easily visible areas.
- Technical preparation (bleed, cut, colours) — Allow 3 mm of bleed, convert images to 300 dpi, switch colours to CMYK and vectorise logos. Check the black (rich black rather than 100 % black alone on fine text) and that fonts are embedded.
- Proof and sign-off — Ask for a digital proof, or better a paper proof on the actual medium for important projects. Approve texts, colours and margins before production starts.
- Printing and quality control — Follow production and check a copy fresh off the press: colours, cut, folding, finishing. Allow extra time: folding or binding delays are common in high season.
What it costs (in MAD)
| Service | Indicative price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Business card (design + print of 250) | 900 – 2,500 MAD (≈ 80 – 230 €) | Depends on paper and finish; ask for a quote with the two figures separate |
| A5 flyer or tri-fold leaflet | 1,000 – 3,500 MAD (≈ 90 – 320 €) | Design + 1,000 copies on coated paper |
| Large-format poster (A1 and larger) | 1,500 – 5,000 MAD (≈ 140 – 450 €) | Design + printing, on paper or banner depending on use |
| Catalogue or brochure of 16 to 32 pages | 10,000 – 30,000 MAD (≈ 900 – 2,700 €) | Page design and pre-press; printing depends on the run |
| Sign and window graphics | 4,000 – 25,000 MAD (≈ 370 – 2,300 €) | Excluding local signage permits and installation costs |
| Point-of-sale displays and printed stands | 3,000 – 20,000 MAD (≈ 270 – 1,800 €) | Depends on the structure: card, PVC, banner or wood |
Indicative ranges for the Moroccan market in 2026, excluding tax. Prices vary with scope and provider.
Mistakes to avoid
- Delivering an RGB file without bleed: colours come out dull and text may be cut by the trim
- Ordering the whole print run based on a screen without seeing a proof: real colours always differ
- Using images pulled from the internet, too low resolution or not royalty-free
- Comparing quotes without checking what is included: design, proof, delivery, installation, retouching
- Printing in large quantities a tool that will change in a few months: a smaller, renewable run often costs less overall
Frequently asked questions
Why are my printed colours duller than on screen?
A screen displays light in RGB, while printing works by overprinting in CMYK, with a smaller colour range. Some vivid blues and greens cannot be reproduced: ask for a proof or a colour chart before approving.
What is bleed?
It is a margin of about 3 mm added around the design that will be trimmed after printing. It prevents white slivers if the cut is slightly off. It is essential on any document with a colour background or an image that goes to the edge.
How many copies should I order?
The unit cost falls with the run, but stock has a cost too: outdated information, storage, waste. For an SME, a run of 250 to 1,000 cards and 1,000 to 5,000 flyers, renewed regularly, is often more cost-effective than a very large run.
Can I make my printed materials myself?
For simple, regular items, Canva with templates lets you get started, provided you follow the printing rules. For a catalogue, a point-of-sale display or a sign, a print professional avoids costly mistakes.
Which paper should I choose for a business card?
A 350 g/m² coated paper, matte or glossy, suits most uses. For a premium effect, you can go for textured paper or a laminated finish. Always ask the printer for a paper sample before deciding.
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