Commercial Printing - Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have color on any page I choose?
Yes you sure can!
What’s the best way to transfer my files to you?
You can send us files on CD, via e-mail, or by downloading them onto our FTP site. For your convenience, we can create an online account for you through our website that allows you to log in and submit files, updates, or change requests 24/7. You can also log in and see any comments or status updates we have made regarding your project anytime.
Will my finished piece look exactly like it does on my computer screen?
Normally you can expect some differences. All monitors use transmitted light for image display. Printed items are illuminated from reflected light. Your monitor displays colors using RGB, while our commercial printing uses CMYK. As a result, what you see on your screen is not exactly what your finished piece will look like. We can review or discuss any concerns and we even offer photo editing services that will improve the quality of your photos.
How do I correctly create a bleed?
The page that will bleed needs to be created with an extra 1/4” on the side that is bleeding. So if you are creating an 8.5 x 11” page you need to increase the actual page size to 9 x 11.5”. Also when you PDF the page you must change the settings for the page size to include the bleeding area. If your PDF is set for 8.5 x11” then that is the PDF you will get.
How soon can I expect my print job to be completed?
This will vary depending on the size of your print job. We provide you with an accurate estimate upfront during your initial call.
Will I always receive the exact quantity I order?
Usually we will print slightly more, free of charge. Printing industry trade standards allow for underages of up to 5%. If you plan on mailing out an exact number or need a guaranteed quantity, we recommend that you order 5% over the minimum quantity you need.
What file formats can you accept?
We can take any Mac or PC file format versions of any file output as well as PDF.
What images are the best quality to use?
For best results we suggest using .EPS or .TIF formatted images. .JPG’s and .GIF’s are associated more with the Internet than with the press. These images are lower resolution and formatted for the web so it is best to not use them for high quality printing. If however you need to use an image in one of those formats, they can be formatted into .EPS using an image editing program like Adobe Photoshop.
What type of fonts can I use?
Use PostScript Type 1 fonts only. Do not use TrueType or bitmap fonts.
What is the smallest size font I can use?
It is best to avoid using anything smaller than 8 points.
Can I put text over an image?
Yes but be careful about using images for backgrounds. Text on top of an image can become difficult to read. The key is to use very light images if you want to do this.
Do I need to include my fonts?
Yes unless you save your pages as PDF files your fonts are automatically included.
