Quality Printing : Resources & Support : faq

Frequently Asked Questions

This section is important for ensuring a positive start-to-finish experience with your project. Here are answers to key questions, frequently asked by our clients.

At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
How do I submit a project for estimate?
How long will it take for you to complete my order?
Is white considered a printing color?
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"?
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?

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.
How do I submit a project for estimate?
This customer service area of our web site includes a detailed form for requesting an estimate. It only takes a few minutes to complete the form, and it lands directly in the “in box” of one of our estimators. Of course, if you’d rather speak to someone about your specific needs, feel free to call us at (800) 771-1142 and ask for a customer service representative. Most estimate requests are returned with a quote within 24 hours.
How long will it take for you to complete my order?
Print projects vary greatly: from one-color business cards to multicolor documents with extensive finishing and bindery requirements. Because of this, there is no set timetable for the sort of work we do; however, we generally complete a print order in 5 to 7 business days. Some types of projects—those that involve die-cutting, foil-stamping, embossing or mailing—will require extra time. However, if you have a tight deadline or special need, don’t hesitate to ask if we can help. We pride ourselves in meeting tough deadlines—without sacrificing quality!
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.
Tips on how to save your design files
Make them print ready and acceptable for us to print.

COREL DRAW:
Saving your Corel Draw file as an Adobe Illustrator EPS
• Embed all Images
• Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
• Export as Illustrator EPS

FREEHAND:
• Embed all Images
• Convert all your text/copy to paths
• Export as Illustrator EPS or PDF

PAGEMAKER:
Saving your PageMaker file as an EPS
• Embed all Images
• Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
• Export your file as an EPS using the below settings:
Postscript Level 2
CMYK Mode
TIFF format and
Binary

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
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.
What is a "proof"?
A proof is a representation of how your printed piece will look upon completion. It’s not an identical match for how the project will look, but it’s a very close representation that enables you to proofread all text, verify photographic and other content, and make any necessary changes before plates are made and the presses begin operating.

We typically upload a color proof which can be viewed online, or deliver a paper proof that shows the final piece at size and with fairly accurate representation of the look of the finished piece.
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.
What type of products and services do you provide?
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, checkout out the Products & Services area in the Customer Service Section of our website.
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.