83 Hamilton Drive, Suite 100
Novato, CA 94949
Phone: (415) 492-2222
Click to Contact Us

Mon - Fri, 8:30 AM to 5 PM

83 Hamilton Drive, Suite 100
Novato, CA 94949
Phone: (415) 492-2222
Click to Contact Us

Mon - Fri, 8:30 AM to 5 PM

Resources

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  • Resources >
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  1. What type of products and services do you provide?
  2. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
  3. Tips on how to save your design files
  4. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
  5. What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?
  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?

  1. 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, check out the Products & Services area in the Customer Service Section of our website.

  2. 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. Tips on how to save your design files

    Submit print-ready files.

    If file has bleeds, it must have .125" bleeds and crop marks. Crop marks preferably should be offset .125".

    ADOBE INDESIGN

    Export an open document to PDF for printing
    1. Choose File > Export
    2. Specify a name and location for the file
    3. Select Use InDesign Document Name As The Output Filename, if you want the exported PDF to have the same name as the name of the document from the next export
    4. For Save As Type (Windows) or Format (Mac OS), choose Adobe PDF (Print), and then click Save
    5. Select from the predefined set of job options, either High Quality Print or Press Quality
    6. Under Viewing > Layout, choose Single Page Continuous

    If document has bleeds, (color or elements that runs all the way to the edge of the piece) follow steps 7 and 8, otherwise skip to step 9

    7. Make sure that any printed elements extend at least .125" beyond the end of the final size of the piece.
    8. Go to the left hand Panel options, and select "Marks and Bleeds". Under Marks select Crop Marks, and make Offset .125 in. Finally, under Bleed and Slug, make sure all 4 bleed values are .125

    9. Click Export


    For further information, visit Adobe's page.

  4. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?

    Resolution should be set to 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.

  5. 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.

  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.

    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.

  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. However, when using colored paper, white ink may be used if any text or graphic requires it. This requires a special setup and would be a special order.

  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?

    Once they get to the front of our queue, simple jobs are often completed in less than an hour. 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.