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?
- How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
- Is white considered a printing color?
- Once I submit the documents, how long will it take to finish my job?
- Tips on how to save your design files
- What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?
- What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?
- What is the Pantone Matching System?
- What type of products and services do you provide?
- Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?
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At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
Resolution should be set to 300 ppi.
Pictures and graphics pulled from the internet are often low resolution, typically 72 ppi or 96 ppi. 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Tips on how to save your design files
Make them print ready and acceptable for us to print.
QuarkXpress:
• Make sure all fonts and images are loaded and updated
• Go to File>collect for output
• Send the collected files to usInDesign:
• Make sure all fonts and images are loaded and updated
• Go to File>Package
• Send packaged files to usPhotoshop:
• All images need to be CMYK
• All images need to be at least 300dpi
• If saving image as a TIFF, do not use LZW compressionIllustrator:
• All documents need to be CMYK color space
• AI, EPS and PDF are all acceptable file formats from Illustrator
• Fonts need to be outlined or fonts need to included with the file
• If fonts are outlined we will be limited in how much we can edit files if changes are needed -
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.