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FAQs

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.

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

    Resolution should be set to 300 dpi for photos or pixel based graphics.

    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. Type will appear soft or fuzzy.

    Images for dies, (engraving, foil or emboss) Preferably should be vector. Type as vector is also preferred. If pixel based, a very high dpi is required. 1200 dpi or more. This is to ensure clean sharp type or die creation that will give you the best possible impression.

    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.

  2. Well, since you are here, we would suggest you 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.

  3. 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. White ink work best with the engraving process, as the inks are opaque and cover well

  4. 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.

  5. Tips on how to save your design files

    Make them print ready and acceptable for us to print.
    Make sure to allow for bleed if your document images past trim, and include or outline fonts in all instances. Make sure all images converted to cmyk, or proper pms color designated.

    Adobe ILLUSTRATOR:
    Save Illustrator files as .ai. .eps or pdf.
    • Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
    or include fonts
    • Embed or include links

    Adobe INDESIGN:
    Save files as .Indd, or export as .eps or .pdf.
    • Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
    or include fonts
    • Embed or include links

    Adobe PHOTOSHOP:
    Save files as .psd, eps, tiff, jpg or png
    • Convert to cmyk or greyscale
    • Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
    or include fonts
    • for pictures, 300 minimum dpi, for type and fine images 600-800 dpi,
    • for images that have fine detail as type, or type or images for die, use 1200-1600 dpi, (helpful convert to greyscale/bitmap).
    Dies cannot be screened, so image must be 100% of one color.
    (For images that are to print pms, either convert to duotone or use black channel, so we can designate pms from that channel).

    COREL DRAW:
    Saving your Corel Draw file as an Adobe Illustrator EPS
    • Embed all Images
    • Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
    • Embed or include links
    • Export as Illustrator EPS
    (native Corel files not supported)

    FREEHAND:
    • Embed all Images
    • Convert all your text/copy to paths
    • Export as Illustrator EPS or PDF
    (native Freehand files not supported)

    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
    (native pagemaker files not supported)

    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
    Please include all images and fonts
    (native publisher files not supported)

  6. 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. Please provide fonts used as well as linked graphics, to assure your document prints correctly. Converting the fonts to outlines is helpful as well and eliminates the need to provide the fonts. Please be sure all type is spell checked if outlined, as we will be unable to do corrections if converted to outlines.

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

    In printing terms, a proof is a one-off copy of your document after all modifications and printing setup processes have been completed. 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 us assure an accurate, flawless delivery of your print job on the first run.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

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