Skip to main content
627 South Earl Ave.
Lafayette, IN 47904
Phone: 765.447.6868
Toll-Free: 800.953.0044

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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 feel free to call us!

  1. What type of products and services do you provide?

    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. If you are looking for something that is not listed please contact us to see if we can help with your project.

  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

    Adobe InDesign:
    You will need to package your fonts and images before sending files for print. You can do this by selecting FILE > PACKAGE. Be sure your fonts are available, links and images are saved in the correct file format and that your colors are set for the correct printing format. If you need assistance with this please contact us directly.

    Adobe Illustrator:
    Illustrator CC now features a package feature similar to InDesign. In addition Illustrator documents can be set up as multiple pages and with bleeds.

    Publisher:
    Use Publisher's "PACK AND GO" feature. Under FILE>PACK AND GO, choose TAKE TO A COMMERCIAL PRINTER. Then SAVE to a location you can find. The result should be a packaged, zipped folder that includes everything necessary to successfully print your document.

  4. 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.

    Take a look at our Preparing Files for Print page.

  5. 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 pixelated 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. Once I submit the documents, how long will it take to finish my job?

    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.

  12. Are you a “green” company?

    Absolutely! We take very seriously our role in preserving the environment and integrate numerous green practices into our daily operations. In addition to energy-efficient equipment and chemical-free technologies, we can perform many print jobs using recycled paper stock. If you would like to use recycled paper for your next print job, let us know. You’ll be pleased with the results and feel good about helping the environment, too.

  13. Why does a graphic image taken off the Web look bitmapped when printed?

    Graphics that are meant to be viewed over the Internet are typically saved in a low resolution format (such as .jpg or .gif) because this creates a small file size which allows for faster downloading. The resolution of these files is typically 72 dpi, which is an insufficient resolution for high quality printing. An image should be rendered at 300 dpi when it is intended to be used in a printed piece. This captures the maximum amount of detail.

  14. 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.