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?
- How long does 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 "Gang Run?"
- What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?
- What is the Pantone Matching System?
- What kind of dog is Phil and is he fast?
- 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 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.
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How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
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, give us a call and talk with one of our Project Managers.
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How long does it take for you to complete my order?
When you receive your price estimate from us, you will also receive a turnaround time estimate. This is our best guess as to how many business days it will take for us to produce your print job. The first day of production begins after we receive final proof approval and your signed order form. Production times vary from project to project, and may also be affected by the overall volume of work in our facility at that time. If you have a rush job or any special requests, just contact one of our Project Managers and they will do their best to accommodate you.
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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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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 EPSFREEHAND:
• Embed all Images
• Convert all your text/copy to paths
• Export as Illustrator EPS or PDFPAGEMAKER:
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
BinaryPUBLISHER:
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.
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What is a "Gang Run?"A "Gang Run" is a cost saving program that we offer for postcards and business cards. The purpose of this program is to benefit the customers who have lower quantity print jobs, but still demand high quality results. Our pre-press department will group up, or "gang", many smaller jobs together on the press sheet. This way, all of the customers will share the set-up and production costs. Since our Project Managers are coordinating many different customers on these Gang Runs, the rules are a bit strict. Currently we have two Gang Runs each week, one on gloss cover stock and one on matte cover stock. Both runs are coated with aqueous coating on both sides, no exceptions. The weekly schedule runs as follows:
MONDAY-Artwork must be received by Zooom.
TUESDAY-Prepress & Proofing stage.
WEDNESDAY-Final proof approval (in writing) must be received from customer, or job will be bumped to the next week's gang run.
THURSDAY-Printing stage.
FRIDAY-Printed jobs are cut, boxed, & ready for pick up or shipping.For further information, please contact one of our Project Managers for assistance.
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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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What kind of dog is Phil and is he fast?
Phil is a Whippet and he is pretty speedy. He has been seen running as fast as 35 mph. Although, when it is raining he would much rather snooze all day in his dog bed. He enjoys greeting customers and rooting through the office trashcans. His dislikes include squirrels and waking up before 10AM.
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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.
