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.
- What type of products and services do you provide?
- How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
- Tips on how to save your design files
- Tips on file format setups
- At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
- What is coated paper stock?
- What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?
- What is the Pantone Matching System?
- Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?
- Is white considered a printing color?
- What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?
- Once I submit the documents, how long will it take to finish my job?
- What forms of payment do you accept?
- What is variable data printing?
- Do you offer warehousing and fulfillment?
- How can I eliminate paper jams and curls on my forms?
- Is NCR paper safe for laser printers?
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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, Click here, or check out the Products & Services area in the Customer Service Section of our website.
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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 friendly and knowledgeable customer service representatives.
251.432.2936
800.633.1228 -
Tips on how to save your design files
Make them print ready and acceptable for us to print. Adobe PDF is our preferred file format. Other formats may require a delay due to necessity for a proof or cross platform incompatibilities. For starters embed all fonts or convert to outlines and make sure that all graphics are embedded or included in the file. Graphics should be a minimum of 300dpi.
COREL DRAW: X4 and down.
Saving your Corel Draw file as a PDF file
• Embed all Images
• Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
• In the File menu select "Publish To PDF".FREEHAND:
• Embed all Images
• Convert all your text/copy to paths
• Export as PDFINDESIGN: CS4 and down.
• Embed all Images
• Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
• Export your file as a PDFPAGEMAKER: 7.0 and down.
Saving Pagemaker File to PDF
• Embed all Images
• Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
• Export your file as a PDFMICROSOFT PUBLISHER:
You will need to have the full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF. 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 PDFSCANNING FILES:
When scanning copy for art, please use the following settings.
• Scan at a minimum of 600 dpi
• Scan in black and white
• Save as an uncompressed tif file. -
Tips on file format setups
NOTE: Our preferred file format is Adobe PDF.
Many layout programs have collecting or packaging functions that will automatically collect your document, fonts, all art including and a report. When possible, it is recommended to use these functions because without any or all of these elements we will be unable to print your postcard.
• Enclose all screen fonts and printer fonts
• Include all placed images
• Make sure your files are set with proper bleed, trim and safety areas.
BLEED: All art trimming off the edge MUST be pulled out 1/8” beyond the trim line
TRIM: This is the guideline where the card will be cut
SAFETY: All art and text within this safety area will assure that nothing will be trimmed off during the cutting process. A 1/4” guide in from the trim should work fine. -
At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
Resolution should be set to at least 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.
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What is coated paper stock?
Coated paper stock is a premium, high-quality paper that has been given a smooth glossy finish designed specifically for documents that require sharp details and vivid colors. Uncoated paper, by contrast, is relatively inexpensive but porous, and is best suited to the printing of black and white text documents.
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What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?
In printing terms, a proof is a one-off copy of your document after all modifications and printing setup processes have been completed. It is your last and best opportunity to make sure that the print job comes out the way you want. By carefully inspecting the proof, you can help us assure an accurate, flawless delivery of your print job on the first run.
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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. CLICK HERE for more information on the Pantone Matching System and printing ink in general.
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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.
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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.
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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. PDF's should always be produced using a high quality setting of at least 300 DPI.
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Once I submit the documents, how long will it take to finish my job?
Current turnaround is 3 to 5 days. Some jobs, however, may take several more 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.
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What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, company check and all major credit cards. We can also set up a business account for you, as well. Contact us for details.
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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.
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Do you offer warehousing and fulfillment?
Yes. We offer free storage of products. When a product is shipped, there is a $5.00 charge per box plus the shipping cost.
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How can I eliminate paper jams and curls on my forms?
It is important to store your laser forms in a humidity-controlled environment when possible. Store your forms in the same room as your laser printer at least 24 hours before printing.
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Is NCR paper safe for laser printers?
Appleton Papers, eCARBONLESS® paper, is made specifically for use in laser printers to produce form sheets that can be used loose, edge glue padded or corner stapled. SEF stocks eCARBONLESS rolls and can produce forms that already have back printing, numbering, or perfing.