In This Section
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you'll find answers to common questions our clients ask. Start by selecting one of the links below. If you don’t see what you need – call or contact us online.
- At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
- Can a PDF be changed or edited?
- Can you print any PDF?
- Can you scan and save my files to a CD?
- Do you offer storage?
- How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
- How long does it take for you to complete my order?
- Is white considered a printing color?
- Tips on file format setups
- What is variable data printing?
- What do I need to provide for variable data projects?
- What does personalization mean?
- What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?
- What forms of payment do you accept?
- What is Postscript?
- What is a "proof"?
- What is a PDF?
- What is the Pantone Matching System?
- What limitations are there to software used to do page layouts
- What type of products and services do you provide?
- Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?
- At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
Resolution should be set to 300 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 pixilated 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 may not print properly. If you are unable to save your image in CYMK mode, please let us know.
- Can a PDF be changed or edited?
A PDF file is basically a snapshot of your document. While the idea is that the file shouldn't need to be changed, there is software available to do a moderate amount of editing.
- Can you print any PDF?
PDF's must be properly prepared. Depending on the software you have available, this may vary.
- Colors should either be assigned as spot/pantone or CMYK (never RGB).
- Bleeds should extend 1/8" beyond the image area.
- Fonts should be either embedded or converted to outlines.
The best thing is to call or email us and we'd be happy to give you more information. - Can you scan and save my files to a CD?
Yes. We can scan drawings and save electronic versions or copy files to a
CD. - Do you offer storage?
Yes. We offer free storage of most products. In some cases, minimum quantities may apply.
- How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
One of the great features of our website is that you can easily request an estimate online. If you would prefer to discuss your job with one of our customer service representatives, simply call (609) 387-0030.
- How long does it take for you to complete my order?
Our normal turnaround time for a printing project is 5 work days. Copying is much less. If you need something faster, let us know, we pride ourselves on never missing your deadlines.
- Is white considered a printing color?
Not typically. Because white is the default color of paper, it is simply recognized as the absence of any ink. However, when using colored paper, white ink may be used if any text or graphic requires it.
- Tips on file format setups
Many layout programs have collecting or packaging functions that will automatically collect your document, fonts, all art including and a report. When possible, it is recommended to use these functions because without any or all of these elements we will be unable to print your postcard.
• Enclose all screen fonts and printer fonts
• Include all placed images
• Make sure your files are set with proper bleed, trim and safety areas.
BLEED: All art trimming off the edge MUST be pulled out 1/8” beyond the trim line
TRIM: This is the guideline where the card will be cut
SAFETY: All art and text within this safety area will assure that nothing will be trimmed off during the cutting process. A 1/4” guide in from the trim should work fine. - 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, company check and all major credit cards. We can also set up a business account for you, as well. Contact us for details.
- What is Postscript?
Postscript is a printing language. It is the universal language of graphic arts equipment. It is similar to a PDF but is not designed to be viewed on a computer monitor, just printed. A PDF can be made from a postscript file for proofing.
- What is a "proof"?
A proof is a way of ensuring that we have set your type accurately and that everything is positioned according to your requirements. Typically, we will produce a proof which will be sent to you online or printed on paper which can be viewed in our store or delivered to you in person.
On multiple color jobs, we can produce a color proof on our color output device to show how the different colors will appear.
- What is a PDF?
PDF stands for Portable Document Format. It is an almost universally accepted printing format. A properly prepared PDF can be printed on virtually any printer or graphic arts output device.
- 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.
- What limitations are there to software used to do page layouts
Different software is designed for different purposes. It is best to know what the limitations are. Even though you may be able to create a beautiful layout, some applications are not designed to output to the specialized equipment printing companies use to make press plates. Some programs work great like QuarkXpress, Adobe InDesign, and Microsoft Publisher. Others like Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Adobe Photoshop are designed for specialized uses and may not produce the desired result. If you are unsure about what software to use, give us a call and we'll be happy to help.
Good question! We are a full service shop and offer a wide range of products and services. To see a full listing and description of what we can offer you, check out the Products & Services area in the Customer Service Section of our website.
- Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?
In short, printers and monitors produce colors in different ways.
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.
When a color is selected from the RGB model that is out of the range of the CMYK model, the application chooses what it thinks is the closest color that will match. Programs like Adobe Photoshop will allow you to choose which color will be replaced. Others may not.
