HELP + RESOURCES FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Red, Green, Blue (RGB) This color mode produces images on a screen, made of pixels. Each color can be represented as a number between 0-255. A color made in RGB is considered an additive color. Additive meaning that you start with no color (a blank screen) and add color to produce light. When all three are added together (255, 255, 255) it produces white. This color mode is used for screen, for example, your TV, Computer, and phone. RGB is the ideal color mode for any design to be used on screen.

When using RGB remember LIGHT ON A SCREEN

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, also known as Key color (CMYK) This color mode is produced using ink and is known as subtractive color. Colors made in CMYK are represented by a combination of numbers. Each individual color of CMYK is assigned a number between 0-100. For example, if you wanted 100% black the combination would be (0,0,0,100). CMYK is the preferred color mode when designing items to print, i.e., books, cards, magazines, etc.

When using CMYK remember INK ON A PAGE.

The color calibration from monitor to monitor differ greatly. Although there are steps you can take to minimize the variance when you go from screen to print there will always be a bit of shift because of the difference in possible colors that can be reproduced in each color mode (color gamut). If you are wanting to match a specific color we can use the Pantone Matching System or request a printed sample of the piece and color you are wanting to match.

This term is used in the print industry when a file is 100% final and ready to be transferred to plate without any edits, revisions or alterations.

We accept many different file formats. Our preferred file format is a Portable Document Format (PDF). A PDF file is the most consistent when transferring and minimizes the chances of file transfer issues.

Most programs used to design make it easy to generate a PDF. If you are wanting to print a piece that bleeds or has multiple pages we ask that you send us single pages including the bleeds. No imposition is necessary when transferring files.

The first decision to make when starting a design is choosing a size. When placing an order or requesting an estimate this is one of the most important details that will determine cost and turn-around time. If you need a reference guide for standard dimensions, see our print resources below for printable size charts and helpful links!

Click here to upload your own design. 

When uploading your own design please remember to include bleeds and all necessary items to print. Have questions? Call our Customer Service Team 816.474.8211

Click here for design templates. Safe zones are specific margins on a page or printed piece that are there to avoid cutting off important text or images (usually 0.25” in from the edge). When using our design templates you will see a trim line, safe zone and sometimes fold-lines these are there so you can visualize and layout a piece with minimum error in production. The bleed requirements we have for most of our printed pieces is minimum of 0.0625″. To be safe you can include a 0.125″ bleed or call our customer service team to see what is best for your custom print 816.474.8211.

When printing images or photographs it is very important to know the resolution. The preferred resolution for clear and crisp image reproduction is 300 dots per inch (DPI). Resolution at a lower DPI ratio will reproduce fuzzy or unclear images. Images taken with cameras or phones will automatically be saved in an RGB color mode. A good practice when sending images to print is converting the color mode from RGB to CMYK. The color mode conversion will give you, on screen, a more realistic visual of the final print.

A common problem with many file transfers are fonts. When uploading or emailing a file to print outlining all fonts will help reduce errors. A quick and easy way to do this is to select all of your type and ‘Create Outlines’ or flatten your pdf before transfer. If you’d like to keep the live text for an editable file, we prefer that you package your file with all links and fonts included. Packaging or outlining fonts will help us move your prints on to production as effectively and efficiently as possible.