Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

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 a PDF?
  6. What is the Pantone Matching System?
  7. Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?
  8. Is white considered a printing color?
  9. What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?
  10. Once I submit the documents, how long will it take to finish my job?
  11. Are you a “green” company?
  12. What is variable data printing?
  13. What does personalization mean?
  14. What is PURL
  15. What type of return can I expect from personalized or variable data marketing materials?
  16. What do I need to provide for variable data projects?
  17. What is a QR Code?
  18. What is a Mobile Website & Why should I have one?
  19. What is Social Media Marketing?
  20. What does SEO stand for?
  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. "Everything you need to market your business" 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 a PDF?

    Portable Document Format (PDF) is now an open standard for electronic document exchange maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). When you convert documents, forms, graphics, and web pages to PDF, they look just like they would if printed.
    You can view and interact with PDFs on virtually any platform, including Windows®, Mac OS, and mobile platforms including Android™ and iOS for iPhone and iPad.

    HIGH RESOLUTION PDF FILES for Printing

    * A Locked file format, which can eliminate file variations due to platform, software or version issues. as long as fonts are embedded or outlined.

    * A compressed file format, which means smaller files and faster upload times in single file format, which makes for faster and easier uploads.

    A PDF helps to insure that your job proceeds quickly, smoothly and with no unexpected "surprises."

    To learn more about PDF types, visit our Resources section:
    http://www.prin-tech.com/resources/tipsandtricks/article.html/title/know-your-pdf

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

    In today's world, organizations have the benefit of interacting with their customers in ways never before possible. In fact, the most cutting-edge companies actually engage in a two-way conversation with their targeted audiences, using technology like personalized URLs to provide ultra-personal communication that lets people know you value them individually.
    http://www.prin-tech.com/directmarketing/purl.html

  13. 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.

  14. What is PURL

    Personalized URLs (PURL’s)
    One of the most powerful words you can use when marketing your products and services is your customer's name.
    By using PURLs in your mail and other direct marketing pieces, you provide your customers with an opportunity to visit a web page that is set up specifically for them. This creates a fun, interactive experience for both you and your current and potential customers.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. What is a QR Code?

    QR code - Quick Response Code
    A unique barcode, that when scanned with a smartphone with QR scanning software/app, quickly directs customers to a specific webpage or contain a phone number, an SMS message, designed with a targeted message. You can use it to make your printed materials interactive. This may include business cards, flyers, brochures, signs, clothing and other items.

    Your customers, prospects, and other associates will have all of your contact points at their fingertips on their mobile device.

  18. What is a Mobile Website & Why should I have one?

    A mobile website is usually a mobile version of a company's existing site, but is formatted so that it is easy to view with smartphones, tablet PCs and other mobile devices. In many cases, however, organizations choose to develop unique mobile experiences tailored to customers who are constantly on the go.

    More than ever before, consumers and prospects choose how they prefer to interact with companies and their employees, using their mobile devices for:
    Email
    Social Media Sites: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn
    Company Website
    Text-Messages
    Phone Calls
    Photo-Sharing Apps: Flickr, Instagram
    Online Video: YouTube, Vimeo
    and more…

  19. What is Social Media Marketing?

    Social media marketing refers to the process of gaining traffic or attention through social media sites offering genuinely new ways for people to connect

    Social media is a catch-all term for sites that may provide different social actions. For example, Twitter is a social site designed to let people share short update messages with others. Facebook, in contrast is a full-blown social networking site that allows for sharing updates, photos, joining events and a variety of other activities.

  20. What does SEO stand for?

    SEO stands for “search engine optimization.”
    It is the process of getting traffic from the “free,” “organic,” “editorial” or “natural” listings on search engines. All major search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Bing have such results, where web pages and other content such as videos or local listings are shown and ranked based on what the search engine considers most relevant to users.