Frequently Asked Questions

Good question! We are a full service shop and offer a wide range of products and services. To see a partial listing and description of what we offer, check out the Products and Services page.

Many layout programs have collecting or packaging functions that will automatically collect your document, fonts, all art including and a report. When possible, it is recommended to use these functions because without all of these elements we will be unable to print your project. 1. Include all screen fonts and printer fonts or convert them to outlines 2. Include all placed images/graphics 3. Make sure your files are set with proper bleed, trim and safety areas BLEED: All graphics or background color extending to the paper's edge MUST be extended out 1/8 inch beyond the trim line TRIM: This is the guideline where the art will be cut SAFETY: All art and text within this safety area will assure that nothing will be trimmed off during the cutting process. A 1/4 inch guide in from the trim should work fine.

Resolution should be set to 300 dpi. Pictures and graphics pulled form the internet are often low resolution, typically 72 dpi or 96 dpi. Avoid these graphics, as they will appear pixelated and blocky when printed. Also note that you should save all photos in the CMYK mode, not the RGB mode when possible. Images saved as RGB may not print properly. If you are unable to save your image as CMYK please let us know.

Coated paper stock is a premium, high quality paper that has been given a smooth glossy finished designed specifically for documents that require sharp details and vivid colors. Uncoated paper, by contrast, is relatively inexpensive and porous, and is best suited to the printing of black and white text documents.

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 opportunity to make sure the print job comes out the way you are expecting. By carefully inspecting the proof, you can help us assure an accurate, flawless delivery of your print job on the first run.

The Pantone Matching System or PMS color is a color reproduction standard in which colors across the spectrum are each identified by a unique number. The use of PMS colors allows us to precisely match colors and maintain color consistency throughout the printing process.

In short, printers and computer monitors produce colors in different ways. Monitors use the RGB model or red, green, blue color, which supports a wider spectrum of colors. Copiers use the CMYK model or cyan, magenta, yellow, black, which can reproduce most - but not all - of the RGB colors. Depending on the equipment we use, CMYK generally matches 85-90% of the colors in the RGB model. When color is selected from the RGB model that is out of the CMYK model spectrum, the application chooses what it thinks is the closest color that will match.

Not typically. Because white is the default color of paper, it is simply recognized as the absence of any ink. However, when using white paper, the rest of the paper can be colored and the white image is left out.

PDF or 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.

Simple jobs are often completed in less than an hour. Some jobs, however, may take several days to complete depending on their complexity and quantity. 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.

We accept cash, company check, and all major credit cards. We can also set up a business account for you as well. Contact us for details.

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. For real impact, many projects include unique graphics and content that speaks directly to the recipient.

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 printing piece. 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 pie chart illustrating something specific to the recipient.

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 utilized variable data technology can increase that response rate 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 your investment.

We work with many types of data files, but CSV files are the safest bet. These are data files that are based on commas separating each field, and returns separating each line of data. To save time and hassle, make sure your data is properly formatted with each piece of data in separate fields. 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.

A size drawings are 8.5x11 or 9x12 B size drawings are 11x17 or 12x14 C size drawings are 18x24 or 17x22 D size drawings are 24x36 or 22x34 E size drawings are 30x42 or 34x44 F size drawings are 36x46

Yes. With many projects, we have samples available for testing.

The advantages of our copy services are best realized on runs of 1,000 or less and where a fast turnaround is needed.