Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend saving as a .PDF You may also send the file in the following types: jpg, jpeg, psd, tif, tiff, eps, ai, and png We prefer that you send .PDF files flattened with outlined fonts. These files are easier to handle and will likely speed up your turn-around. Remember to add outside crop marks and flatten your files before uploading.

Low resolution files may be printed as is or will be placed on hold until we receive new files, slowing your turn-around.

These are 72 dpi low res images	These are the same images but at 300 dpi

We ONLY ACCEPT files with 300dpi or better.

If you send us an RGB file, there is a chance that a color shift may occur and you may not be satisfied with your job.

This is what RGB mode looks like on screen.	This is what RGB mode looks like when printed.

Bleed must extend further than the cut line. Using one of our templates can help you visualize this. Please keep all text and anything you do not want cut at least .125" away from the cut line.

When sending an .eps or .pdf, make sure you include crop marks so we can cut the job correctly.

Yes, but if the border is too close to the cutline or is too thin, it may be cut off-center slightly.

We cut through many sheets at a time, so watch your borders to avoid an unwanted mistake.

When creating a Spot UV job, you must also include a Spot UV template file along with the regular full color file.

Use 100% K to indicate where you would like the UV. White will indicate no UV.

REMEMBER "IF BLACK IS UV, IF WHITE NO UV!"

No. We are now specifically set up to process one side at a time, and this requires that each side of a job must be on a separate file.

Our Certified Templates are a great tool to create artwork that can be printed faster, easier, and more accurately. If you are using Illustrator, you can use our specialized EPS templates. If you are using something other than Illustrator, download the JPG version.

Here is what each of the lines mean inside the template:


Here is what an 8.5x11 brochure template looks like:

These templates will help you identify where the cut line, bleed line, and safety line, are located along with other information so you can design your art correctly.

Some of our templates are labeled as OUT and IN. This means that there is some folding involved with the template. OUT means the FRONT of the job and IN means the BACK. During the upload part of your order, remember that OUT is the FRONT and IN is the BACK.

Here is an example of the fold-over business card template:

As you can see, OUT is the FRONT of the job and after folding, will be facing outward. You can also see the rotation of the job. The front must be positioned upside down so it can fold correctly.

Remember, do not move or change any part of the template when using them.

When designing plastic cards, it is important to keep in mind that the frosted and clear plastic cards are transparent. Also, all plastic cards come with round corners at no extra charge!

As you can see, the difference in the transparency is shown in the image above. The clear cards (right) are completely transparent. The frosted cards (center) are semi-transparent and cannot be seen through easily. The opaque white plastic cards (left) are solid white and not transparent at all. Keep this in mind when designing your plastic cards, it will affect how your design will print.

Since there is no white ink in CMYK, it is important to keep in mind that the frosted and clear plastic cards are transparent. The three designs above are the same as in the first picture. You will notice that the white area in the clear cards (right) and the frosted cards (center) has no ink and will show the transparent material it's printed on. In this case, the clear cards and frosted cards white area show up with no ink on the printed piece. Also, keep in mind that all colors that are printed on clear cards or frosted cards will be transparent as well. With the clear plastic cards, there might be a small percentage that may have light scratches. This issue originates from the manufacturer and is due to the material and handling. To help compensate for this, we run overs of the clear plastic cards to help meet the required quantity.

Rich black is an ink mixture of solid black, 100% K, with additional CMY ink values. This results in a darker tone than black ink alone. If you print black alone as 100% K, the resulting black may not be as dark as you might like.

100% K on screen

100% K after print

We recommend using
C40 M40 Y40 K100

Cracking of the edges of a business card sometimes occurs when the card contains high values of ink, as in dark colors.