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.
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.
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.
Please allow 5-10 working days for most jobs. Some jobs, may take longer to complete depending on their complexity and size. Sometimes we can accommodate rushes. Just send us an email or Call. 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.
- What files you should send?: If you have the original file (InDesign, Word, PowerPoint, Illustrator, etc.) AND a PDF, send both. If the PDF is missing a later revision we can always go to the original file and fix it there and then print your order correctly.
- If Your Files “Bleed”: Sometimes colors or images run to the edge of your piece, this is called a “bleed”. Any press (digital or traditional) requires unprinted paper on a document to “pull” the paper through the press. Thus, if your piece “bleeds”, we will need to print it on a larger size sheet to give the press enough blank paper to feed the paper through the press. This means that you have to extend the bleeds in your document by 1/8” on all sides that bleed. Be sure to include them in the native file as well as saving them to your PDF.
- Include crop marks: Crop marks let the printer know where to cut your piece after it has been produced.
- If your piece doesn’t have bleeds: Make sure there is at least ¼” margin on all sides of your piece where there’s no text or images. You need at least ¼” of white space around your piece to make it look and print correctly.
- If working in Word or PowerPoint, don’t use the “bold” and “italic” buttons. Instead of using the shortcut, go into the font window and choose the font you would like to use.
- Make sure your images are at 150 – 300 dpi:. To get good quality printed pieces, your images must be at least 150 – 300 dpi at the final printed size. So if you poster is 24” x 36”, your image must be 150-300 dpi at that size. Do not download images off the web and expect them to look good when printed. Downloaded images are at 72 dpi unless otherwise specified.
- If submitting files in InDesign or Illustrator, include all images, fonts and links.
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.
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 laser printer to show how the different colors will appear.
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.
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 Our Services page.
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.
