Skip to main content

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.

    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.

  2. How long does it take for you to complete my order?

    There really isn't a short answer to this question. Some jobs can be produced in a short time and some jobs may take days. Let us know when you need your job completed and we'll do our best to meet your deadline. We go to great lengths to meet your most stringent demands.

  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.

  4. Tips on how to save your design files

    Make them print ready and acceptable for us to print.

    InDESIGN:
    Packaging your InDesign file(s) for print
    • Save most current file
    • Under "File" then "package" select "copy fonts", "copy linked graphics", "update graphic links in package" and "include fonts and links from hidden and non-printing layers"
    • Export file as PDF and include with packaged files
    ** If files include bleeds, please include crop marks and 1/8" bleeds in the PDF as well

    QUARK:
    Collecting your Quark file(s) for print
    • Save most current file
    • Under "File" Collect for Output printer fonts, screen fonts, linked pictures and layout
    • Export file as PDF and include with the collected files
    ** If files include bleeds, please include crop marks and 1/8" bleeds in the PDF as well

    ILLUSTRATOR:
    • Make all type into outlines
    • Embed all pictures
    • Save as EPS or PDF
    ** If files include bleeds, please include crop marks and 1/8" bleeds in the PDF as well

    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

  5. What do I need to provide for variable data projects?

    We work from Excell worksheets. To save time and hassle, make sure your data is properly formatted with each piece of data in separate fields (i.e. First Name, Last Name, Address, etc.)

    Complex projects may require other files, like image files or additional data files. If you are unsure of what may be required for a particular variable project, give us a call for a free consultation.

  6. What does personalization mean?

    Personalization is another term for variable data—technology for printing documents so that each piece is personalized to the specific recipient.

    Personalizing can be as simple as a unique name and address on every printed piece. But more sophisticated levels of personalization can include text or images that vary based on data specific to the recipient, or data-driven graphics such as a pie chart illustrating something specific to the recipient.

  7. What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?
    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.

    We also accept fully packaged, native files from InDesign and Quark Xpress. When providing native files please include all fonts, pictures and the layout... Also, please extend your graphics by 1/8" where bleeds apply.

  8. What is a "proof"?

    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 Xerox 250 to show how the different colors will appear.

  9. 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.

  10. What is variable data printing?

    Variable data printing is technology for printing documents so that each piece is personalized to the specific recipient. At the most basic level, this means personalizing a name and address. But for real impact, many projects include unique graphics and content that speaks directly to the recipient.

  11. 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.

  12. What type of return can I expect from personalized or variable data marketing materials?

    Studies consistently show that personalized marketing receives a far greater response than static pieces.

    On average, the response rate of a static direct mail campaign is around 2%. A targeted, personalized campaign that utilizes variable data technology can increase that response rate by up to 30%.

    While the cost per piece of variable imaging direct mail is higher, your cost per response is much lower, increasing your return on investment.

  13. 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.

Powered by PrinterPresence