Every industry comes with its own language, so this is our version of printing 101.

Feel free to browse through our FAQs, glossaries, helpful hints about completing projects, downloadable software archives, and application tips and tricks.

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.

1. What type of products and services do you provide?
2. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
3. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
4. What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?
5. What is the Pantone Matching System?
6. Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?
7. Is white considered a printing color?
8. What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?
9. Once I submit the documents, how long will it take to finish my job?
10. Are you a “green” company?
11. What is variable data printing?
12. What does personalization mean?
13. What type of return can I expect from personalized or variable data marketing materials?
14. What do I need to provide for variable data projects?

1. 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.

2. 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 is to give us a call and talk with one of our customer service representatives.

3. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?

   Resolution for photographs & graphics not containing type should be set to 300 dpi.
   Any files containing type should be saved as vector art (PDF or EPS) at last 800dpi to ensure sharp readable type.

   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 fuzzy 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.

   Contact us with any questions or clarification you may need- We will be happy to help you!

4. What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?

   A proof is a copy of your document after all modifications and printing setup processes have been completed. It is your LAST and BEST opportunity to check everything and make sure that the print job comes out the way you want. By carefully inspecting the proof, you can help us assure an accurate printed piece.

   Attention to detail is the key to successful proofing.
   Below is a list of some things to look at:

   Is the pagination correct?
   Is the color accurate, pleasing?
   Are text and graphics in the right places?
   Are there any typos?
   Is any type broken?
   Are photos positioned, cropped and scaled correctly?
   Are bleeds, perforations and folds indicated properly?
   Is the trim size correct?
   Are borders correct?
   Are elements aligned at the tops and bottoms of sections or pages?
   Are screen values correct?

5. 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.

6. Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?

   In short, printers and monitors produce colors in different ways.

   Monitor calibration, lighting and the use of Pantone® colors can affect the color fidelity of PDFs and JPEGs.

7. 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. Printing white ink on colored paper is not advised.

8. 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.

9. Once I submit the documents, how long will it take to finish my job?

   Simple jobs are often completed the same day. Some jobs, however, may take several days to complete depending on their complexity and size. 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.

10. Are you a “green” company?

    Absolutely! We take very seriously our role in preserving the environment and integrate numerous green practices into our daily operations. In addition to energy-efficient equipment and soy based inks, we can perform many print jobs using recycled paper stock. We use papers supplied by Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC)certified vendors.

    If you would like to use recycled paper for your next print job, let us know.

11. What is variable data printing?

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

12. What does personalization mean?

    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 printed piece. But 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 a pie chart illustrating something specific to the recipient.

13. What type of return can I expect from personalized or variable data marketing materials?

    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 utilizes variable data technology can increase that response rate by 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 investment.

14. What do I need to provide for variable data projects?

    We work with many types of data files, but CSV files are the safest bet. These are data files that have 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.