PAPER SIZE FOR YOUR PROJECT

The dimensions listed for each product are for “flat dimensions” or the flat size of the sheet prior to any folding or other conversion processes. The “finished size” would be the final dimensions of a folded product. Example: a flat size of 8.5 by 11 with a half-fold would have a finished size of 5.5 X 8.5.

LAYING OUT YOUR PROJECT

All of our printed products are “gang printed” or grouped together. This enables us to maintain a significant pricing advantage for even the smallest of printing jobs. Since your project will be produced in conjunction with others we do need a certain level of standardization. We require all layouts to have a 1/8th inch waste area or “trim area” around the layout. Since we have a number of smaller projects being printed together on a large press (some of our presses use paper sizes up to 40 inches!) the 1/8th inch margin helps insure a high quality job to your exact measurements.

FULL BLEEDS

 Since we always require a 1/8th inch trim area bleeds are very easy to set up. Bleeds refer to the printed image going all the way to the edge of the finished piece. To properly set up a print job for this effect (90% of all of our printing involves bleeds) you need to extend the image to cover the 1/8th inch trim area. This will allow for slight variations in trimming without ending up with an unfinished edge. If you are using this technique review your final layout to make sure that the final product (after the 1/8th inch trim area is removed) achieves the look you expect.

TURN AROUND

Our production time is 5 to 7 days following acceptance of your layout. Occasionally, we have to follow up on layouts that do not conform to our specifications and this can result in some delay. Since we typically “gang print” to keep prices as low as possible we are not able to accommodate rush orders. However, if you plan ahead and project out a week or two for your printing needs we can save you a lot of money on your printing! Our production cycle begins at the start of the next business day following receipt of your order and approved layout.

SHIPPING

We currently ship to all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Our standard shipping method is UPS ground. We can accommodate requests for faster shipping methods if you require. Please keep in mind that any express shipping will shorten the shipping time but will not change the standard 5 to 7 day production time.

COATING

We offer a number of coating options. Coating is a process of over spraying the finished print piece. Coatings are applied for two common reasons; to protect the printed product from scuffing and for aesthetics. The print menu for your particular project will indicate which processes are available for that particular product.

·         UV Coating is a clear liquid spread over the paper like ink and then cured instantly with ultraviolet light. It can be a gloss or dull coating, and can be used as a spot covering to accent a particular image on the sheet or as an overall (flood) coating. Since it is cured with light and not heat, no solvents enter the atmosphere. However, it is more difficult to recycle than the other coatings.

·         Silk Lamination is a clear liquid is spread over the sheet and dried in a matte finish. Laminates protect the sheet from water (including perspiration from the hands) and are therefore good for coating items like menus and book covers. We also provide a combination of silk lamination and spot UV coating to provide a combination of dull and shinny elements to your printing projects. If you choose this option we will be asking you for a second layout to indicate what coatings are to be applied to specific areas.


EMBOSSING

First, be aware that embossing is a mechanical process that manipulates the paper stock--and, by default, also manipulates your design. The result is a raised or textured element within your printing project. To picture an embossed element consider the dimensional look of notaries seal.  Keep in mind that embossing tends to make the design elements appear smaller. Also, to keep the paper from wrinkling keep the embossed elements away from the paper edge.

FOIL STAMPING

Foil stamping is a special kind of printing procedure where heat, pressure, and a metallic paper (foil) is used to create different shiny designs and graphics on various materials. Foil stamping gives the stamped design a shiny metallic look. When you choose foil stamping you may choose from one of five colors. For the best effect choose bolder isolated elements for this process. Small elements and small type are difficult to read.

SCORING

Scoring is similar to embossing as a mechanical process to alter the paper. Scoring creates an indented foldable crease in the paper.

PERFORATION

Perforation is a mechanical process that punctures the paper to create a portion that can be removed without damage.

DIE CUT

We reserve die cutting for door hangers. This is the process that creates the cut and hole to allow the piece to be hung on a door.

ROUND CORNERS

Rounding corners is a finishing process where specified corners are rounded off with a cutter. Our print menu allows you to choose all or any combination of corners for rounding.

NUMBERING

This is a secondary printing process that applies a sequential series of numbers to a print run. When choosing the numbering option you may select any start number from 1 to 99999.

FILE SETUP

Files Accepted: .AI (Adobe Illustrator), .PSD (Adobe Photoshop), .EPS, .CDR (Corel Draw), .PDF, JPG, .TIF 

Color Space: All files should be sent in CMYK. Any files submitted in RGB may experience unacceptable color shifting. All files submitted in RGB are automatically converted to CMYK.

Bleed requirements: All files must include a 1/8" (0.125 inch) bleed regardless if your design bleeds to the edge or not. An example of bleed setup for a 4" x 6" postcard would be 4.125" x 6.125".

Resolution requirements: All rasterized (bitmap) images must be at least 300 dpi. However, 400 dpi for photo images and 1200 dpi for text and line art is highly recommended.

Crop marks: Do not include crop marks in your artwork. Always submit your artwork at trim size + bleed. An example of bleed setup for a 4" x 6" postcard would be 4.125" x 6.125".

Front and Back Images: Each side of your artwork must be in a separate file. Do not put both front and back in the same file.

Overprint: It is STRONGLY suggested that overprint is turned off to avoid unexpected results.

FILE SUBMISSION

File Submission: At the time you place your order MyImageManager will ask you to upload your files. Please take care in the unique naming of each file for future reference.

CHANGES

Due to our automated process it is highly unlikely that we will be able to accommodate any changes once the order is submitted.

PAYMENT METHODS

Our secure server processes all major credit cards. All of our secure transactions are placed thru Authorized Net, one of the nations leading e-commerce providers.