Tips, Tricks & FAQ.s

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 – call or contact us online.

1. What is Adobe PDF JobReady?
2. What type of products and services do you provide?
3. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
4. Tips on how to save your design files
5. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
6. What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?
7. What is the Pantone Matching System?
8. Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?
9. Is white considered a color?
10. What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?
11. How long will it take to complete my project?

1. What is Adobe PDF JobReady?

   To help you make PDF’s and send in your order we have an Adobe program called JobReady that you can download for FREE. JobReady automatically makes a PDF from your file, creates an order form and will send us your file directly from you desktop. All you need to do is follow the simply installation instructions. We promise once you have used Job Ready you will never want to use another application to transfer PDF’s again.

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

   We are a full line shop and offer a wide range of products and services. It would almost be easier to list what we don't do! Look through our portfolio to get an idea of the broad range of services or check out the Products & Services area in the Customer Service Section of our website. Do you have a unique idea or project you want to complete? Tell us about it and we'll see if it can be done - if we can't we probably know someone who can!

3. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?

   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.

4. Tips on how to save your design files

   Make them print ready and acceptable for us to print.

   COREL DRAW:
   Saving your Corel Draw file as an Adobe Illustrator EPS
   • Embed all Images
   • Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
   • Export as Illustrator EPS

   FREEHAND:
   • Embed all Images
   • Convert all your text/copy to paths
   • Export as Illustrator EPS or PDF

   PAGEMAKER:
   Saving your PageMaker file as an EPS
   • Embed all Images
   • Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
   • Export your file as an EPS using the below settings:
   Postscript Level 2
   CMYK Mode
   TIFF format and
   Binary

   PUBLISHER:
   You will need to have the full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF. If you don’t please download and use our Adobe Job Ready Program. If you do have the full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF please follow the steps below.
   Under File, Print, select Adobe PDF writer
   Under Properties select Press Quality and Save your PDF

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

   For wide format printing, picture file resolution should be 100 ppi at finished size for ideal image quality and optimum file size.

   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.

6. What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?

   A proof is a representation of what your graphic or sign will look like. It is very important for you to verify all information, phone numbers and spelling. Colors can vary in proofs due to the differances in computer monitors and desk top printers as well as the media it is printed on. If exact color is critical, you can request a "press check" or an actual sample on the material that will be used for your graphic. for more information on color see the Pantone Matching System section.

   By carefully inspecting the proof, you can help us assure an accurate, flawless delivery of your project.

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 color?

   Not typically. Because white is the default color of many substrates and print vinyls, it is simply recognized as the absence of any ink. However, when using colored or clear substrates, 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. How long will it take to complete my project?

    Simple jobs are often completed within about 24 hours after the art work is apporved. Some projects, such as dimensional letters and electric signs, may take several days or weeks 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.