Resources & Support

Have you ever had a question and either didn't know where to find the answer or were too afraid to ask? If so, you've come to the right place.

As the name would suggest, this section is a compilation of answers to the questions our clients commonly ask. Just start by following one of the links below.

1. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
2. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
3. How do I know which paper to use for my job?
4. How long does it take for you to complete my order?
5. Is white considered a printing color?
6. Tips on how to save your design files
7. What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?
8. What is a "proof"?
9. What is the Pantone Matching System?
10. What type of products and services do you provide?
11. Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?

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 do I go about getting an estimate from you?

   Well, since you are here on our site, 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, is to give us a call and we'll talk it over with you.

3. How do I know which paper to use for my job?

   This is printing after all, and people really do judge a book by it's cover so choosing the right paper for your job is important. That being said, it can also be a bit overwhelming if you're not sure where to start. The weight of the paper, its color and texture and its brightness are all things to consider. To help you choose the right paper, click here - we've compiled a list of characteristics to consider and also provided you with links to some of our most-widely used papers. Of course, you can always give us a call and we can make recommendations based on your specific job.

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

   Some jobs can be completed quickly while others may take a bit more time. When you're ready, give us a call and we'll talk about the uniqueness of your job. Rest assured we'll do everything we can to meet even the most stringent deadlines.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. What is a "proof"?

   A proof is a way of ensuring that we have processed your files accurately and that items such as the content of your piece, the position, folding and color are all accurate.

   On color jobs, we produce a proof on our color output device to show how the different colors will appear. It's important to note though, that if you are printing with Pantone colors the proof will not be completely accurate in color. Pantone colors will be matched to exactness on press.

   Typically, we will produce a proof which will be sent to you online or printed on paper which can be delivered to you in person or viewed in our shop. Proofs on paper are printed on proofing paper rather than on the paper you specify for your job.

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 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, check out the Products & Services area in the Customer Service Section of our website.

11. 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.