FAQ

Spotlight

Here you'll find answers to common questions asked by clients. Start by selecting one of the links below. If you don’t see what you need – contact us.

  1. How do I get an estimate from you?
  2. Tips on how to save your design files
  3. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
  4. What is coated paper stock?
  5. What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?
  6. What is the Pantone Matching System?
  7. Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?
  8. Is white considered a printing color?
  9. What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?
  10. Once I submit the documents, how long will it take to finish my job?
  11. What is variable data printing?
  12. What does personalization mean?
  13. What do I need to provide for variable data projects?
  1. How do I get an estimate from you?

    Please use our online estimate request form. Otherwise, the best way to ensure that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate quote is to give us a call and talk with one of our customer service representatives.

  2. Tips on how to save your design files

    Make them print ready and acceptable for us to print.

    COREL DRAW:
    Saving your Corel Draw file as an Adobe Illustrator EPS
    • Embed all Images
    • Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
    • Export as Illustrator EPS

    FREEHAND:
    • Embed all Images
    • Convert all your text/copy to paths
    • Export as Illustrator EPS or PDF

    PAGEMAKER:
    Saving your PageMaker file as an EPS
    • Embed all Images
    • Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
    • Export your file as an EPS using the below settings:
    Postscript Level 2
    CMYK Mode
    TIFF format and
    Binary

    PUBLISHER:
    You will need to have the full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF. If you don’t please download and use our Adobe Job Ready Program. If you do have the full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF please follow the steps below.
    Under File, Print, select Adobe PDF writer
    Under Properties select Press Quality and Save your PDF

  3. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?

    Resolution should be set to 300 dpi and should not exceed 600 dpi.

    Pictures and graphics pulled from the internet are often low resolution, typically 72 dpi or 96 dpi. Avoid these graphics, as they will appear pixelated and blocky when printed.

    Also note that you should save all photos in CMYK mode, not RGB mode when possible. Images saved in RGB mode will be converted to CMYK and colors may not print properly. If you need to match a specif color please let us know.

  4. What is coated paper stock?

    Coated paper stock is a premium, high-quality paper that has been given a smooth glossy finish designed specifically for documents that require sharp details and vivid colors.
    Coated stocks are available in gloss and dull finish and do not cost more than premium uncoated recycled stocks. The coating used on the surface of the substrates hides the imperfection of the recycled paper giving a superb finish.

  5. What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?

    A physical proof will show color, fonts and graphic variances that are in the file but that are not visible on your computer screen. It will also show side effects created in the file transfer or compatibility between software versions.
    If the integrity of the file and printed piece is critical, be sure to require a proof. It is your last and best opportunity to make sure that the print job comes out the way you want. By carefully inspecting the proof, you can help assure an accurate delivery of your print job.

  6. What is the Pantone Matching System?

    The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a color reproduction standard in which colors all across the spectrum are each identified by a unique, independent number. The use of PMS allows us to precisely match colors and maintain color consistency throughout the printing process. Using a 4 color process we produce up to 16 million colors to emulate most of the Pantone colors. Use a pantone conversion swatch book to see variance. Pantone Metalic colors can not be reproduced as solid colors.

  7. Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?

    Monitors use the RGB (red, green, blue) color model, which usually supports a wider spectrum of colors. Printers use the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color model, which can reproduce most—but not all—of the colors in the RGB color model. Depending on the equipment used, CMYK generally matches 85–90% of the colors in the RGB model.

    Monitors need to be calibrated (as printers) to provide consistant color accuracy. As monitors are almost never calibrated, colors drift, and as a consequence you can not trust your computer to give an accurate reading. Make sure you require a printed proof if your print job requires a very specific color.

  8. Is white considered a printing color?

    Because white is the default color of paper, it is simply recognized as the absence of any ink or toner. When using colored paper, the color of the paper will show where white color is used in your file.

  9. What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?

    PDF (Portable Document Format) is the most common and preferred file format for submitting digital documents. With the installation of a PDF print driver on your computer, virtually any program can generate a PDF file suitable for printing. Both commercial and free PDF print drivers are available online for download from different sources.

  10. Once I submit the documents, how long will it take to finish my job?

    Simple jobs are often completed in less than an hour. Some jobs, however, may take several days to complete depending on their complexity and size. We always strive to provide an accurate estimate of the turnaround time for each job we do. And we’ll always work with you to find ways to complete your project when you need it.

  11. What is variable data printing?

    Variable data printing is technology for printing documents so that each piece is personalized to the specific recipient. At the most basic level, this means personalizing a name and address. But for real impact, many projects include unique graphics and content that speaks directly to the recipient.

  12. What does personalization mean?

    Personalization is another term for variable data—technology for printing documents so that each piece is personalized to the specific recipient.

    Personalizing can be as simple as a unique name and address on every printed piece. But more sophisticated levels of personalization can include text or images that vary based on data specific to the recipient, or data-driven graphics such as a pie chart illustrating something specific to the recipient.

  13. What do I need to provide for variable data projects?

    We work with many types of data files, but CSV files are the safest bet. These are data files that have commas separating each field, and returns separating each line of data. To save time and hassle, make sure your data is properly formatted with each piece of data in separate fields.

    Complex projects may require other files, like image files or additional data files. If you are unsure of what may be required for a particular variable project, give us a call for a free consultation.