Question 1

How do I go about getting an estimate from you?

Accepted Answer

The best way to ensure that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate quote is to give us a call and speak with us or send an email with details for your print order.

Question 2

How long will it take for you to complete my order?

Accepted Answer

Every job is different. Some jobs can be produced in minutes 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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The Portable Document Format (PDF) is generally the preferred file format for submitting a document for printing as it works with virtually all professional printing and digital output devices. By design, a PDF file incorporates the information needed to maintain document consistency from system to system. Most other file formats such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Microsoft Word are easily converted to PDF format.

Question 4

What is a proof and why is it needed?

Accepted Answer

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.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.

Question 5

What are the different grades of paper and their respective basis weight?

Accepted Answer

The basis weight of a given grade of paper is defined as the weight (in pounds) of 500 standard-sized sheets of that paper. With that in mind, here are different examples of paper grades and their respective basis weights:

Bond: Most commonly used for letterhead, business forms and copying. Typical basis weights are16# for forms, 20# for copying and 24# for stationery.

Text: A high-quality grade paper with a lot of surface texture. Basis weights range from 60# to 100# with the most common being 70# or 80#.

Uncoated Book: The most common grade for offset printing. Typically 50# to 70#.

Coated Book: Has a glossy finish that yields vivid colors and overall excellent reproduction. Basis weights range from 30# to 70# for web press, and 60# to 110# for sheet press.

Cover: Used in creating business cards, postcards and book covers. Can be either coated or uncoated. Basis weights for this grade are 60#, 65#, 80# or 100#.

Question 6

What is the difference between coated and uncoated paper stock?

Accepted Answer

Uncoated stock paper is comparatively porous and inexpensive, and is typically used for such applications as newspaper print and basic black-and-white copying. Coated stock, by contrast, is made of higher quality paper having a smooth glossy finish that works well for reproducing sharp text and vivid colors. It tends to be more expensive, however.

Question 7

What does "camera ready" or “print ready”mean?

Accepted Answer

In the digital age of printing, it means that an image file submitted for printing is ready to be transferred to the printing plates without any alterations.

Question 8

Is white considered a printing color?

Accepted Answer

No. White is not generally considered a printing color as typically the paper itself will
be white. If a colored paper (something other than white) is chosen, then white
becomes a printing color if any text or graphics require it.

Question 9

What are the most common sizes for catalogs and booklets?

Accepted Answer

Standard sizes for catalogs and booklets are 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", 8 1/2" x 11", 8 1/2" x 11
and 11" x 17".

Question 10

What are the most common sizes for brochures?

Accepted Answer

Common brochure sizes are 8 1/2" x 11", 8 1/2" x14" and 11" x17".

Question 11

What are the most common business envelope sizes?

Accepted Answer

Business envelope sizes are referenced by a number such as #9 or #10. The chart below
indicates the most common sizes in use today:

Question 12

What is the standard size of the address window on a business envelope?

Accepted Answer

The address window on a typical business envelope measures 4 1/2" x 1 1/8".

Question 13

What are the standard sizes for postcards?

Accepted Answer

Postcards are found in three common sizes: 4" x 6", 5" x 7" and 5 1/2" x 8 1/2".

Question 14

What are the most common card stocks used for postcards?

Accepted Answer

The most common card stocks used for postcards are:

100# stock coated on both sides: The most popular postcard stock.
100# stock coated on one side: Well suited to mailing.
16 pt stock coated on both sides: a premium paper with a high luster finish.

Question 15

What are the most popular sizes for personalized notepads?

Accepted Answer

The three most popular sizes for personalized notepads are 4" x 6", 5 1/2" x 8 1/2"
and 8 1/2" x 11".

Question 16

What are the most popular sizes for sticky notepads?

Accepted Answer

There are four popular sizes for sticky notes: 3" x 3", 3" x 4", 3" x 5" and 4" x 6".

Question 17

What different types of materials can be used for labels?

Accepted Answer

Materials for labels and their application include:

Paper, Uncoated: Use where you need the label to be easily written on by hand or
printed on by machine.

Paper, High Gloss: Use when you need good printability. Keep in mind that it cannot
be written on easily by hand.

Vinyl: Use vinyl for outdoor environments, or if applying a label to a vinyl surface.

Question 18

What are the types of bindings I can use for multi-page projects?

Accepted Answer

Some of the common methods of binding books and other multi-page documents
include:

Perfect binding: Gluing the outside edges of the pages together to create a flat edge.
Saddle-stitch binding: Using staples along the folds of the pages to bind them
together.

Spiral binding: Wires in a spiral form threaded through punched holes along the
binding edge of the papers. Allows the document to lay open flatly.

Plastic comb binding: Similar to spiral binding but using a tubular plastic piece with
teeth that fit through rectangular holes punched into the binding edge.

Three-ring binding: Holes are punched into the pages and fitted into a binder.

Case binding: Sewing the pages together and then attaching them to a hard cover.

Customer Support

Contact Us