What is the best file format for submitting a document for printing?

We accept print ready PDF files as artwork. On occasion, we will ask for a packaged InDesign file. Please make sure that anything that touches the edge of the page extends beyond the page 1/8 of and inch (bleed) so we have room to trim without having a white border. For more information about bleeds, please visit here: Adobe Creative Cloud 

PDF’s should be sent as single pages and NOT spreads. Please send your files one up. Our imposition software will automatically determine the most efficient way to run your project. This will save you money and valuable time. Please contact us if you need guidance in preparing your file for print.

At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?

Pictures and graphics pulled from the internet are often low resolution, typically 72 dpi. You should avoid using these low-resolution graphics, as they will appear pixilated and blocky when printed. If possible, picture resolution should be set to 300 dpi at the final use size.
 

How do I upload a file?

Please see “Place an Order” page on our website.

How long will it take to complete my order?

Every job is different. Some jobs can be produced same day while some may take several days to complete. Let us know when you need your job completed and we'll let you know if it can be done. We go to great lengths to meet even your most demanding timelines.

What is a proof and why is it needed?

We recommend a proof for larger print jobs. A proof is a one-off copy of your printed document used for visual inspection to ensure that the layout and colors of your document are exactly how they are intended to be. A proof is made prior to sending the document to the press for final printing.

Typically, we will produce a proof that will be sent to you online in PDF format or on printed paper, which can be either viewed in our store or delivered to you in person. For multiple-color jobs, we can produce a proof on our output device to show you how the different colors will appear on the final product.

Your approval on the final proof is the best assurance you have that every aspect of our work and your own is correct, and that everything reads and appears the way you intended. Mistakes can and sometimes do happen. It benefits everyone if errors are caught in the proofing process rather than after the job is completed and delivered.

What are the different weights and finishes of paper?

Cover VS Text Weight Papers: A cover weight paper is going to be thick, similar in feel to card stock. Text weight papers are thinner, more similar to catalog and magazine paper. A paper labeled “cover” is always going to be thicker than a “text” paper. For example, 100# Gloss Cover is going to be much thicker than 100# Gloss Text.

20/50# Text (non-glossy): Standard “copier paper”. This is an economical paper most commonly used for black and white, low cost printing. This is relatively thin and may have show through with heavy coverage.

60# Text (non-glossy): This paper is slightly thicker than 20/50# “copy paper” An economical paper most commonly used for color, low cost printing. This is relatively thin and may have show through with heavy coverage.

28/70#, 32/80# & 40/100# Text (non-glossy): These range from premium to ultra-premium stocks from left to right. Feels thick and substantial in your hands, and is the best type of uncoated paper stock available for full-color printing. Show through is typically not an issue with heavy coverage. This would be a good choice for standard to higher end pieces like annual reports, newsletters or portfolio projects.

80# Gloss Text (glossy, coated surface): Standard glossy paper provides an excellent opaque base for rich full color printing. This is an good choice for vibrant colors and photo’s. This is a standard paper for brochure printing, magazines, flyers, annual reports, etc.

100# Gloss Text (glossy, coated surface): Similar to the 80# gloss text, but 25% thicker and heavier, for a more substantial feeling piece. This is an good choice for vibrant colors and photo’s. This is a good choice for higher end pieces like brochure printing, magazines, flyers, annual reports, posters, etc.

80# Uncoated Cover (non-glossy): This paper is the thickness of a light weight business card. This bright white, uncoated smooth cover stock. You can easily write on this stock. This is suitable for low cost book covers, posters, business cards, etc.

100# Uncoated Cover (non-glossy): This paper is the thickness of a standard business card. Bright white, uncoated smooth #1 grade cover stock is 14pt in thickness. You can easily write on this stock. This heavier option is a great companion to our 70# uncoated text for texture consistency across your marketing materials. This is a suitable option for appointment or reminder cards and business cards, book covers, etc.

80# Gloss Cover (glossy, coated surface): This paper is the thickness of a postcard or baseball card. Coated with a glossy finish, making photographs and other images look beautiful. Standard uses: durable, heavy-weight brochures, catalog covers, and packaging.

100# Gloss Cover (glossy, coated surface): This paper is the thickness of a standard business card. Coated with a glossy finish, making photographs and other images look beautiful. Not a good choice to write on. This a good choice for high quality magazine covers, business cards, postcards, fold-over greeting cards, etc.

12pt coated two-side cover (glossy, coated surface): This paper is the thickest standard cover stock we offer. Coated with a glossy finish, making photographs and other images look beautiful. Not a good choice to write on. This a good choice for business cards, postcards, rack cards, bookmarks, etc.

12pt coated one-side cover (premium thickness, a glossy coated surface on one side & a non-glossy surface on the second side) This paper is the thickest standard cover stock we offer. Our most popular paper for postcards and greeting cards. This is an good choice for vibrant colors and photo’s on the coated side with the added benefit of being able to write on the second side.

What types of binding can I use for my project?

There are many different methods of binding documents together, so here’s your go-to guide to learning about the different types of binding printed product. See below for illustrations of each.

Perfect Bind: Perfect binding refers to the method of binding where the cover and pages of the book are glued together at the spine and then the edges are “perfectly” trimmed to give your book its sharp, even edges. Perfect bound books are lightweight, flexible, and sleek.

Saddle Stitch: Saddle stitching refers to the method of binding where the pages are gathered together, folded and stapled along the crease, from the outside, to create a book. When setting up a booklet for saddle stitching you need your page count to be in multiples of four pages.

Spiral Binding: Spiral binding, also known as coil binding is where a continuous plastic loop is inserted into punched holes along the spine. This binding allows books to lay flat when open.
 

How do I get an estimate?

Pricing for common jobs is listed here. If the pricing you are looking for is not on the pricing page, please fill in the print request form and select "quote needed" at the top of form. If you have any questions, please give us a call or email to speak with one of our customer service representatives.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept department charge, p-card, check and all major credit cards. We can also set up a business account for you. Contact us at for details.