Below you'll find a compilation of answers to questions we commonly hear from customers. If you cannot find what you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact us.

1. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
   Use our simple online form to request a  "No Surprise Quote".  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 speak with one of our customer service representatives.
   
   
2. How long will it take for you to complete my order?
   Every job is different. Some jobs can be produced in minutes while some may take several days or more to complete. Generally speaking our normal delivery time is 3-5 working days from final approval; digital jobs can be turned around more quickly and 4 color printed jobs require 7-10 days.|
    
   Let us know when you need your job completed and we'll let you know if it can be done. We take our promises very seriously and will do everything possible to keep any commitments we make.
   
   
3. What is the best file format for submitting a document for printing? Do I have to submit a file?
   The Portable Document Format (PDF) is generally the preferred file format for submitting a document for printing as it works with virtually all professional printing and digital output devices. By design, a PDF file incorporates the information needed to maintain document consistency from system to system.
   
   We recommended a minimum of 300dpi, converted to CMYK colorspace, all fonts outlined and embedded. Specify your trim area with crop marks (Don't place crop marks inside the work area). Make sure you have a minimum of 1/8" (0.125") BLEED on all edges of your job, and a 1/8" (0.125") SAFE area that has all critical design element such as text, pulled away from trim.
   
   If you prefer to submit an original file, please include all fonts and images associated with the file. ZIP compression is highly recommended for any file submission and is particularly useful for multiple files.
   Every order sent through the system does require a file upload. If you do not have a print ready file, but wish us to prepare one for you, create a text file with the information needed to setup your job and submit that.
   
   
4. I do not have the full version of Adobe Acrobat, how do I create a PDF file?
   There are many free PDF utilities available on the internet. We have used and recommend the free version of PrimoPDF available here. There is an output option called "Prepress". which will deliver the best results.
   
   
5. How well will what I see on my monitor match what I see on paper?
   The technology of design, layout and printing has come a long way to the point where much of the work is done in a WSYWIG (What You See Is What You Get) digital environment. However, there are sometimes noticeable differences in color calibration and spatial conformity from monitor to monitor and consequently from screen to print.
   
   The process for minimizing any variance begins with adjusting your monitor for optimal color and clarity according to the manufacturer's recommendations as outlined within its product manual or website. Doing this will alleviate a number of potential issues.
   
   Beyond that, for the greatest conformity in color from screen to print, there are tools available that will ensure exact color calibration. Perhaps you have already invested in such a tool. If so, let us know what you use and we'll work with you to achieve the best results. If you are considering investing in a color calibration tool, talk to us first and we'll be happy to offer our advice.
   
   
6. What is a proof and why is it needed?
   A proof is a one-off copy of your printed document used for visual inspection to ensure that the layout and colors of your document are exactly how they are intended to be. A proof is made prior to sending the document to the press for final printing.
   
   Typically, we will produce a proof that will be sent to you online in PDF format or on printed paper, which can be either viewed in our store or delivered to you in person. For multiple-color jobs, we can produce a proof on our output device to show you how the different colors will appear on the final product.
   
   Your approval on the final proof is the best assurance you have that every aspect of our work and your own is correct, and that everything reads and appears the way you intended. Mistakes can and sometimes do happen. It benefits everyone if errors are caught in the proofing process rather than after the job is completed and delivered.
   
   
7. What are Pantone colors?
   Pantone colors refer to the Pantone Matching System (PMS), a color matching system used by the printing industry whereby printing colors are identified by a unique name or number (as opposed to just a visual reference). This helps make sure that colors turn out the same from system to system, and print run to print run.