Frequently Asked Questions

Artwork

Preferred Specifications:

Our preferred file format is a vector PDF in CMYK color space, if possible. 300 DPI or higher is encouraged to avoid pixelated or fuzzy images. Please include either a 1/8" bleed OR 1/4" white margin on all sides.

Bleeds:

A bleed is when the printed design goes past the cut edge of the paper to hide any slight variations during the printing and cutting process. For most purposes, a 1/8" bleed added to each side provides the best outcome. For instance, if your postcard is 4"x6" then your image size would be 4.25"x6.25".

Margins:

For most printed products, we suggest keeping important text and images at least 1/4" from the edge of the paper and folds. Some small products (like business cards and tickets) may be able to go a little less. Larger items (like yard signs and banners) should be more since they will be seen from a distance.

Colors:

The CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) color space is used when printing on paper, which is different than the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color space used for screens. For the most accurate results, artwork should be designed with this in mind. PLEASE NOTE: Colors may appear different on paper than on your screen. There are many factors that can affect this, including the printing process, the type of paper, and the colors used. We do our best to recreate your desired look, but if colors are crucial, please let us know ahead of time so we can plan and price accordingly.

What About Blue?

Blue is probably the most difficult color to recreate in printing. To avoid a purplish tint, we suggest the Cyan value to be at least 30% more than the Magenta value. The super vibrant appearance of a 0,0,255 Blue RGB value is not possible to recreate exactly in printed products.
CLICK HERE for some of our favorite shades of blue!

File Formats:

A PDF is generally the most versatile file format. Other acceptable formats include EPS, SVG, and Adobe Illustrator. Please convert fonts to outlines when possible. JPG and PNG files may work as well but are commonly low resolution, which works for screens but may result in pixelated or fuzzy images when printed. Please send us your file to find out if it will result in a high quality print.

Designing on Canva?

CLICK HERE for instructions on adding Bleed to your Canva design.
CLICK HERE to see the best options for exporting your Canva design to PDF for printing.

Design Help:

Don't have a design? No problem! We'd be happy to discuss your ideas and bring them to life for you. Contact us today!

Books

Types of Books:

SADDLE STITCH BOOKS: These are made by folding sheets of paper in half and stapling them along the spine. This makes them great for smaller booklets like programs or catalogs with fewer pages.

WIRE BOUND BOOKS: These use a metal spine to hold the pages together, allowing them to lay flat when open and pages to turn easily. They're better for thicker books or ones that need frequent handling, like manuals or notebooks.

How Do I Count the Number of Pages???

The number of pages can get confusing. To keep it simple, we count the cover SEPARATELY.

SADDLE STITCH BOOKS: These come in increments of 4 pages. This is because each sheet of paper is folded in half, then stapled on the folded edge. CLICK HERE to see a diagram illustrating these page numbers.

WIRE BOUND BOOKS: These come in increments of 2 pages. Because the paper is not folded, this makes 1 sheet equal to 2 pages.
The cover is still counted separately.

File Layout:

Please send the file as a 1-up PDF, with 1/8" bleed if applicable. This allows us to arrange the pages to appear in the proper order when printed. For artwork that wraps around the cover of a Saddle Stitch Book, please send the cover artwork separately.

Book Sizes:

The most common sizes for books are 5.5"x8.5" and 8.5"x11", but other sizes are available for special uses.

Miscellaneous

Paper:

WEIGHTS: Ranging from regular bond and high quality text weight, to a variety of cover weights and card stocks, we can help you find the right paper for your project!

FINISHES: There are many paper options available! A glossy finish really makes the colors pop, especially when using photos. A matte finish is also a great option, especially for products which will be written on (such as forms, postcards, and appointment cards).

SPECIALTY: There are a variety of specialty stocks available, including colored paper and deluxe textures.

CARBONLESS: Our carbonless forms are available in 2 - 5 parts, allowing for the writing to "copy" to each of the sheets below. See our SERVICES page for carbonless options available.

Pricing:

There are many factors that play into the price of printing. Here are the most important aspects that effect the cost. We are happy to price different options or quantities, but this information will help us get you the most accurate estimate for your project.
• Final Product Size
• Paper Preference (Matte vs Glossy; Text Weight vs Cover Weight; etc…)
• 1-Sided or 2-Sided
• Black & White or Full Color
• Approximate Quantity (This helps us get in the ballpark and figure out the best quantity price breaks.)
• Design (Will you provide print-ready copy, or do you need us to do some design work?)

Turnaround Times:

Turnaround times vary, depending on the product. Please contact us for current lead times on your specific printing needs.
NOTE: Production does not begin until FINAL APPROVAL is received. If design work is needed, that would be added to the production time.

Payment:

We accept payment in the form of cash, check or card.

Terms & Conditions:

All orders must go through our office via phone, e-mail, or in-person visit. We reserve the right to refuse any order at any time for any reason. Additional terms and conditions may apply.

More Questions?

Call Us!

Sometimes it's easier to discuss your project details with a person. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
We look forward to hearing from you!