FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

What if I want to print with PMS (Pantone® Matching System) or other special inks?

No problem. We can certainly print with PMS and other special inks, just let us know.

What types of coatings do you offer?

We use only water-based eco-friendly aqueous coatings to reduce scuffing and increase water and grease resistance.

What file formats do you support and how do I properly set up my files?

We accept files from all industry-standard graphics softwares. We are happy to accept application files, such as:

* Adobe PDF
* Adobe Illustrator
* Adobe PhotoShop
* Adobe InDesign
* QuarkXPress

What is "bleed"?

Bleed is the printed content that should be added beyond the edge of the page to compensate for tolerances in the trimming process. If the artwork on your printed piece goes all the way to the edge of the paper, you need to add bleed so there won't be white edges on the page. A good rule of thumb is to extend your artwork beyond the trim edge of the page by at least 1/8" (.125"). For example, the artwork supplied for an 8.5" x 11" document that bleeds on all four sides should actually measure 8.75" x 11.25". If your document doesn't bleed, you can supply your artwork at the trim size. If you are unsure about how to add bleed, please contact us.

What are the most common problems you find with files?

Far and away the number one problem we have is with bleed (see above). If your artwork goes all the way to the edge of the page, make sure you add bleed!

The second most common problem is fonts. Please make sure to include all fonts used in your files, including and especially fonts that are used in linked graphics such as Illustrator files. If you are sending us a PDF, please make sure that the "Embed Fonts" option is chosen.

The third most common problem is image resolution. Please make sure your images are at least 300 dpi at the size used in your layout.

The fourth most common problem is incorrect color space. Our presses print in the cmyk color space, meaning there is a cyan (c) ink, a magenta (m) ink, a yellow (y) ink and a black (k) ink. Monitors, digital cameras, and other types of digital devices tend to work and display images in the RGB color space. If you supply RGB files for your job, our system will automatically convert them to cmyk, but you may not be pleased with the results. It's always best to do this conversion first, or work only in the cmyk color space when creating your files. If you intend for your artwork to print black-and-white, make sure the files you supply are in the "Grayscale" color space. If you are sending a Photoshop file that has black text in it, make sure the text is colorized with the black component only. Otherwise the type will be spread across all four inks, which can cause illegibility.

How do I indicate folds or perforations?

To indicate the location of the fold or perforation in your file, place small dashed tick-marks in the bleed area of your design. If your design includes both folds and perforations, use dashed lines to indicate folds and dotted lines to indicate perforations.

How do I send you my files?

The simplest way to send us files is to upload them via the CLIENT FTP web page. You will need to be given a username and password from us to access it. We can also accept files on removable media. CDs or DVDs and USB Keys are easiest for us. If you are unsure if your media is supported, please contact us. There are also other online file ahsing services available such as YOUSENDIT.

Should I compress my files?

We require that you compress your files prior to uploading them. This has several benefits:

* It prevents file corruption
* It reduces file size, thus decreasing upload time
* It simplifies the uploading process

If you work on the Windows platform, you should submit your compressed files in Zip (.zip) or RAR (.rar) format. If you work on a Macintosh, you should compress your files using StuffIt and submit any of the compressed formats it allows (.sit, .sitx, .hqx, .sea, etc.).

Is there any limitation on the size of files that I can upload?

We try to keep a limit on the size of the files uplaoded. We have a set limit of 200MB. If your files are bigger, please come in with them, ship them, or contact us for other transfer options.

Will I see a proof before the printing is started? Is it a hard or soft proof?

Yes. Prior to sending any order to our press, we require sign-off on a proof. All orders include a PDF "soft" proof that you can review on screen or print to your own laser or color printer. For color critical orders, we recommend a hard proof that is shipped to you or you can come in and see in person. Soft proofs are made available to you via email.

If I choose "Soft Proof", how reliable is the color?

This largely depends on your monitor. Our soft proofs are generated directly from our workflow system and will reflect any color conversion processes (RGB to CMYK) that may occur within the workflow. So the color on the PDF soft proof you receive should be very accurate to your final printed piece. However, if your monitor is older or is not calibrated to offset print specifications, the color may be considerably different from what you see in print. If your job is color critical or if you have concerns regarding color, we recommend that you order a hard proof, which our press operators will be able to match.

What if my project requires changes after I've reviewed my proof?

You may request our staff to make the changes for an additional fee, or you can make the changes yourself and resubmit the files, in which case you will be charged for an additional proof and time. In either case, you will need to contact us.