File Set up
To streamline the ordering process it’s important to make sure that your files are properly set up ready for submission.
Bleed
Make sure you have at least 3mm bleed on all sides. This is especially important if you have any images or graphics that go right up to the trim. It’s easy to add bleed in design programs like adobe, but you may need a designer to do this if you are using other programs.
Fix low resolution images
To get the best printing results, make sure all your images are set to 300pdi. You can technically go as low as 200dpi but any lower than that you risk your images coming out rather blurry. Going above 300dpi doesn’t have much effect on the final image as its pretty much indistinguishable from 300dpi when printed.
Pdf Format
Make sure you file is formatted as a pdf. This is usually quite easy to do so. With adobe programs you can export or ‘save as’ the artwork to pdf. With Microsoft office programs, like word, you can save your file as pdf by going file > save as pdf.
Export in CMYK
When exporting it’s a good idea to make sure you are exporting your files in CMYK. If it exported as RGB you may find that the final printed artwork is a little less vibrant in its colours than you expect due to the conversion process.
This step may be complicated if you have things like spot colours in your artwork, and in that case, it would be best to have your designer export the artwork to retain both the spot inks and the CMYK values.
Getting a Quote
Once you have your file all set up you will have a better understanding of what the specifications are for your printing. When requesting a quote, it’s important to add the following information.
You name and contact information
Every time you request a quote, we will need to have a way to get back to you. It’s a good idea to include somewhere on the quote request your name, email, and best contact number so we can reply back to you or call up if we have any questions.
Size of artwork
This is the final size of the artwork after it is trimmed down to size. Do not include the additional bleed measurements.
Printing specifications
Note whether your artwork is printed one sided or two sided. This will affect the amount of stock needed to print your order.
Also note whether you need your printing to be in full colour (CMYK) or in black and white. If you are using any spot colours you would also mention this here.
Stock
Note what type of stock you would like your printing to be printed on. This includes the coating (satin, gloss, or uncoated) and the gsm.
Finishing
Make note of any finishings you would like added to your job. This can include things like round cornering, folding, celloing, die cutting and so on. If your printing is a booklet, also indicate the type of binding you would like to use
Qty
Make sure to list the quantity you would like printed. Some of our printing items have a minimum order quantity which can affect the cost. A basic rule of thumb is the more of one type of item you print, the cheaper it will be per item.
Special Instructions
If you have any special instructions about your order (or some notes you didn’t know where else to add) make sure to note them here. This can include how the items are collated together or things to look out for during the printing process.
Delivery
Note where you would like your printing job to be delivered. Delivery costs can change dramatically between local, state, and national locations. You would also need to list if there are multiple delivery location’s such as a mailout.
Artwork
When requesting a quote, you can also send through the artwork along with the listed information so we can get a better idea of what you would like to be printed.
Sending the Quote
Once we have received all this information, we will reply back to you with our price. When that price has been approved by you, we can begin the printing process, starting with pre-press.
If you are confused at all about any of this, you are of course more than welcome to contact one of our friendly team members who can help you through the ordering process either by phone or over email.