PrintCompare.com provides frequently asked printing and design questions to help you design and place a commercial printing order

A Bleed is the portion of the image(s) or element(s) that go beyond the finished trim size of your project. This allows printers to trim your job and give the appearance that objects "bleed" off the page. Each printer has their own specifications as to how far your images should bleed so be sure and check the graphic guidelines before placing your order.

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Color

4/4, 4/1, 4/0

The numbers represent the number of colors used in the printing process. 4/4 is full color (4 colors) on both sides of the paper, 4/1 is full color on one side with one color (usually black) on the other and 4/0 means that one side is full color while the other side is blank. If you're printing a job with spot colors that is not full color printing it would be called 1/0 (one color) 2/0 (2 colors) etc. When a job is ordered in 1, 2, or 3 colors you need to submit the file with PMS colors selected in your file and noted with the order. Do not set CMYK as you would for a full color job.

Full Color/4 Color / Process Color / CMYK

CMYK, also known as Process Color, is a color model and term that is used to refer to the 4 or full colors of commercial printing. The four colors M-magenta, C-cyan, Y-yellow, and K-black, when mixed to varying degrees, create all the colors in commercial printing. Files submitted for full color commercial printing use the CMYK model. Not all software programs can convert to CMYK so check your software program, before you start on your project. See more information about converting.

Files that are converted from an RGB color space to a CMYK color space will see a distinct shift in color values as you can see below. Photographs will be less noticeable than blocks of color but depending on the image there will be color variations.

RGB

RGB is the color space that refers to the three primary colors; Red, Green, and Blue. Computer monitors, scanners, and digital cameras use a combination of red, green and blue light to create and display images. Commercial printing uses CMYK as described above. This is why what you see on your screen will not match what is commercially printed. There are special software programs available to calibrate your devices but the only way to be certain the colors you want are produced is to use the Pantone Matching Color System.

1 to 3 Color Jobs

If your project does not have more than 1 to 3 colors in the file then ordering full color printing may not be your best choice. In most cases 3 colors will be as much or perhaps even more than a full color job, however when a 1 or 2 color piece is all you have you may be better to select a Pantone (PMS) color for the ink you want and design the file accordingly. This is especially true in letterhead and envelope situations when you may have one color and black ink. The colors need to be set in PMS colors and specified within the file.

Color and the PMS - Pantone Matching System

To alleviate problems with color, designers and printers rely on the Pantone Matching System (referred to as PMS colors). Pantone, Inc. is the world-renowned authority on color and provider of color systems. If you're serious about designing and color is important then purchasing a set of Pantone color swatches is the only way to go. The swatches will give you PMS numbers that you can use to be sure your color appears correctly in your final printed piece.

Color Correction

Computer programs color correct by adjusting, changing, and manipulating color images through retouching and adjusting color balance and saturation. Color correction is not done during the Gang Run printing process so if color is extremely important to you then be sure you get a hardcopy proof as it will be a good representation of what will print in the end.

Color Density

Density is the weight of darkness or color and the degree of tone within a reproduction or photo. It is measured by a densitometer. Like color correction, color density issues are not adjusted during the Gang Run printing process. Files should be adjusted for color density prior to submitting your file if you're using a gang run process.

Rich Black

A term that refers to the mixture of colors (CMYK) used during printing - usually referring to black ink. It is often referred to as a color that is blacker than black, so that too much ink is used. Text should be set in 100% K (black) and 0% for each of Cyan, Magenta and Yellow. For non-text blacks the color selection should not be more than 40% Cyan, 40% Magenta, 30% Yellow, and 100% Black. Some individuals use rich black for small areas of black to avoid trapping issues, but most times the rich black becomes an issue when files are converted from RGB to CMYK.

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Cutting

Paper cutting is usually done in large stacks on machinery. Therefore, it can vary slightly from the top of the stack to the bottom. Although automated cutting machines are state-of-the-art, it's best to allow some tolerance in your designs to allow for this shift when cutting. Set text and important graphics about a quarter of an inch from the edges and double check that nothing important appears too close to the edge. If you do want a border to appear around the entire outline of your design make it large enough (.25" or larger) to accommodate shifts during the cutting process.

Die cutting is the process where paper is cut in a shape or form. Business card slits in pocket folders are die cut as are the holes in door hangers. Most die cutting is done with a wooden die or block in which are positioned steel rules in the shape of the desired pattern.

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Fonts

Fonts are by definition a set of characters in a specific typeface, at a specific point size and in a specific style. They are also referred to as type and text.

Converting Fonts to Outlines or Paths

When submitting a file for printing, fonts need to be converted to outlines/curves or paths whenever possible. This eliminates problems with embedding fonts when the file is .pdf'd and if you are sending the native file it eliminates the need to send along the fonts. Converting fonts is easily done in programs like InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Quark. Just search under the help menu in your program for more detailed instructions on how to outline your fonts.

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Gang Run Printing

Gang run printing is a method where multiple print projects are placed on a common printing sheet to reduce printing costs. The advantage of gang run printing is that it makes full color offset printing extremely economical. Instead of paying for all the set-up costs, prep time, and labor for your job you split the costs between many orders. The disadvantage to gang run printing is that it is hard to accommodate custom orders since paper stocks and color options are limited. A gang run project is also harder to control color quality issues since color balance can be difficult to maintain on gang run projects. Gang runs give you the most economical option for color offset printing, but if color consistency is extremely important you should consider paying the high cost of having your job run as a custom piece or at least get a hardcopy proof.

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Graphics and Photos

Resolution 72 dpi vs 300 dpi

Resolution is measured by the number of squares of color information that is held in an inch. It is referred to as "dots per inch" or dpi. Images for commercial printing need to be placed or embedded into your designed files at a high resolution of 300 dpi. Images from the web are usually 72dpi and any image that is less than 300dpi is not suitable to use for commercial printing. Images with a resolution less than 300 dpi will look fuzzy and pixilated with jagged edges in your finished product. If you enlarge an image, you lower the resolution. If you reduce an image you can increase the resolution - so as long as your original image is large enough you can increase the dots per inch and decrease the final size.

How an image was originally acquired will determine its resolution and the size that should be used for printing to ensure a crisp and clear outcome. Resolutions higher than 300 dpi do not improve the image quality enough to make a difference, it will however make a much larger file that takes longer to upload. If you are purchasing stock photography for your project, make sure you purchase the image in a 300dpi format, not 72dpi. If you are taking digital images from your camera, or using a scanner to obtain the image, be sure your settings are calculated for a high resolution of 300dpi.

Embedding Graphics

Images and graphic elements need to be placed or embedded into your design files, not linked. This is crucial when you go to .pdf your document to upload for printing. And be sure all images are 300 dpi and in CMYK color mode. If you're not sure how to place or embed elements into your program, check the individual help file as all design software programs differ in procedure.

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Paper Finishes and Coatings

Aqueous Coating

Aqueous coating is a water based coating that is applied to full color print projects to provide a high-gloss surface that is resistant to dirt and fingerprint marks. This provides a shiny appearance.

Matte Finish

This finish has a satin coating instead of a glossier coating that is applied after the ink has been offset on the paper. This provides a little resistance to dirt and fingerprint marks, but not as much as an aqueous or UV coating.

UV Coating

UV Coating is a heavy, very slick glossy coating that is applied to the printed paper after the ink. The slick and very glossy surface makes it very eye catching and the most resistant coating to dirt and fingerprint marks.

C1S, C2S

Coating can be applied to one or both sides of the paper. C1S means that coating is on one side of the project. C2S means that coating is on two sides (Coat 2 Sides). If you are planning to mail or write on one of the sides - such as the back of a business card or postcard, don't have that side printed with a coating. Check with your mail house if you are planning to have your project mailed as some mail houses cannot address properly due to their inkjet labeling process smearing from the finish. Ballpoint pens will also not write effectively on gloss products so if you are mailing the project yourself you will need to use a label instead of hand addressing.

Paper Stock

Stock is a term used to describe specifications for paper such as thickness (or weight), size, type and opacity. It is often designated by the manufacturer or mill's name and weight. Stock weights are consistent within the industry so no matter where you have your printing done the thickness will always be the same.

Cover Stock versus Text or Book

There are mainly two types of stock, cover and text (also called book). Text (or book) stock is what is commonly used for pages in magazines, flyers, and brochures. Cover stock is a thicker heavier paper used for brochures, postcards and magazine covers. It is measured in lbs but can also be measured in pt (points).

80lb, 100lb, 10pt, 12pt, 14pt

This signifies the thickness or weight of the paper. The higher the weight the heavier the paper is to the touch. A common offset paper at a 60lb thickness and is similar to a 24lb bond that you would find in a local office supply store for stationary. An 80lb or 100lb book (text) weight is perfect for a brochure, flyer, or the interior catalog pages. 10 pt (point), 12 pt and 14pt are another way we measure thicker, heavier stocks. Business cards and postcards can be printed on a range of papers but a 14 pt stock is a great way to go. It's durable and will make a lasting impression over thinner stocks that bend easily. When selecting full color printing select at least an 80lb book weight for your brochures and flyers so that the colors and images don't show through the other side when held up against the light.

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PDF

PDF (Portable Document Format) is a free file format program that was developed by Adobe. A pdf file captures formatting information from publishing applications and makes it possible to send these documents to be emailed, printed commercially, or printed on your desktop printer. PDF documents have changed over time and now most commercial printers prefer to receive files in .pdf format instead of in the native applications. They also send proofs in a .pdf format. Files that are going to be sent to a commercial printer need to be .pdf'd according to the individual printers guidelines.

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Printing Processes

Offset and Lithography

Lithography is a printing technology that dates back to 1798 and encompasses a five step process. Based on the principle that oil and water do not mix, an aluminum or plastic plate is coated with a photopolymer film and exposed to light through a photographic mask. The exposed areas are chemically "hardened," and the unexposed areas are dissolved when the plate is put through a chemical process. When printing a page, the plate is dampened, and the water adheres only to the unexposed, non-image areas, which repel ink applied to the plate. The most common lithographic printing uses the offset method, in which ink is "offset" onto a rubber-coated cylinder that is pressed against the paper. Offset printing offers the highest quality printing with the most range of products and best color accuracy. It can be more expensive but many printers offer a "gang run" process where your project is grouped with other projects to keep costs low on the highest quality printing available.

Digital Printing and Digital Presses

Digital printing is an imaging process where all graphic content is in digital form from creation to output. There is some debate as to whether the term digital printing means that a digital press is involved, or whether any offset or digital press that is computer automated from start to finish is "digital printing". Unlike offset printing presses, digital presses can only accommodate a limited paper thickness, kind of paper stock and finish, and may lose color range. They can be much faster in turnaround than an offset press and cheaper. Depending on the job and how fast you need it this can be a great option. Check with the printer you want to use to find out if they are running the job offset, or digital.

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Staccato Screening

Staccato screening is a state-of-the art technology that produces images that closely approximate continuous tone resolution and surpass the quality possible with conventional screening technologies. Some higher end printers have this technology so check before you buy.

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Proofing

Digital Proofs (PDF)

Digital proofs are a way of proofing where the file is converted into a lower resolution .pdf file for you to review. Most online companies prefer the digital proof system because the file can be easily viewed by the customer, it costs less and can be produced within a very short time frame when compared to hardcopy proofing. Digital proofs provide a great representation of what the final product will look like, but they do have some limitations that you should be aware of. If color is extremely important, .pdf proofs are not the best option. Since the file appears as an RGB file that is viewed over your monitor it is impossible to see what the final exact colors will be. Digital proofs are also compressed in resolution so that they are easier to view quickly, but they may appear fuzzy or pixilated. If the image placed in your file was 300 dpi then the final output of the image will be sharp, if the image was 72 dpi then the final output will appear close to the proof image. If either of these is extremely important to the final piece then a hard copy proof is the only way to go.

Hard Copy Proofs

Hard copy proofs are usually created on a high quality printer (not a press) that gives true color calibration to that of what the offset press will print. Images will appear in their highest resolution and colors will be crisp and sharp and true. Hard Copy Proofs take longer to receive from online companies because they must be printed and mailed. Once received, the client will need to sign or accept the proof and some companies may require that you snail mail the proof back with a signature before they will begin to print your job. If color or image quality is extremely important than a hard copy proof is a must.

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Common Questions

How do I Convert to CMYK if my document is RGB?

Commercially printed documents must be submitted in CMYK. Unfortunately many design applications available to the general consumer do not have a way to convert images from RGB to CMYK. This is especially true of those programs that come prepackaged with most computers. Some printers can convert the document for you when it reaches the printing stage, but with color shifts bound to happen it's best to send your files in CMYK so there isn't a color shift issue (See example below). The most significant differences will be noted in blocks of color - photographs can usually convert after the fact with little noticeable difference to the untrained eye.

Professional programs from Adobe - like Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign - as well as brands like Quark and Corel can convert to CMYK. Using consistent color settings and the right profiles, Photoshop can convert images from RGB to CMYK successfully. Other image editing applications geared toward professional designers can also complete the task.

If you don't own a program that converts to CMYK ask around. Perhaps a friend or business associate has a program. We're not suggesting you pirate software but perhaps your friend wouldn't mind converting an image or two for you. If that doesn't work then we suggest you talk to a graphic designer. If you're only planning to do a couple of projects the expense of having a designer set your file is much better than the aggravation you'll face trying to be a designer without the right tools. Save yourself the time and hire a pro.

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What's the Best Way to start designing a project?

There are many options available - depending on your level of design skill and knowledge many printers have software online to help. Visit our do it yourself Design pages for more information.

Everything from books to software programs are available on our products and sources page.

If you already own a professional design program, then check to see if the printer you want to use has any blank templates to help get you started. These can usually be downloaded for free and they have all the guides, crops, and bleed marks you need.

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What if my file type is not acceptable according to the printers guidelines?

Most printers accept files created with professional design programs and many can even accept desktop publishing programs like MSPublisher, MS Word, MS Excel, and others. Check with the printer first and if they can't take your file as is find out what they can use and see if you can convert it. Most printers have a design staff that as a last resort can reset the file for you.

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My images are only 72 dpi, not 300dpi, can I use them in my file?

Images less than 300dpi are not commercial print quality, therefore do not use any images or graphics at a lower resolution than 300dpi. Images from websites are usually 72 dpi, not 300 dpi. When you increase the dpi of an image you decrease the size so it is possible to resize your object to 300 dpi as long as your original image is large enough.

If your image is only 72 dpi but you want to use it anyway, be aware that the end result will be fuzzy, pixilated and the edges will be jagged. When you submit your file with 72 dpi images you may - depending on the printer - receive a notice that your file contains low resolution images and needs to be resubmitted. Some printers will process your file anyway so be aware of what you're sending.

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How will coated stock affect my mailing / mailing company?

If you are planning to mail or write on one of the sides - such as the back of a business card or postcard, do not have that side coated. Check with your mail house if you are planning to have your project mailed as some mail houses cannot address properly due to their inkjet labeling process. Ballpoint pens will also not write effectively on gloss products so if you are mailing the project yourself you will need to use a label instead of hand addressing.

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What paper stock should I select when ordering?

There are so many stock choices available it can be overwhelming if you don't know which one to use - here are some recommendations.

Business cards, postcards, door hangers, presentation folders, greeting cards, and rack cards. Always a nice heavy 14pt! A lot of printers will produce these items on 12pt or even as low as 10pt but when the price is right for a heavy 14pt you can never go wrong.

Brochures, flyers, bulletins and inserts. 80lb text (also called book) is the traditional weight most customers order, so we suggest 100lb text whenever possible to make yourself really stand out.

Letterhead - Think of a 60lb like a "copy paper" while a premium 24lb or a nice linen will show better. If you really want to impress go for a full color letterhead on a 24lb premium white stock.

Envelopes - A premium 24lb smooth is great or try a nice linen finish. If you really want to stand out order full color envelopes to match your full color letterhead.

Posters - the end use will dictate how heavy you should go. 80lb text - if they are going to hang inside, not subjected to weather, won't have lots of light going through them or you're mailing them. 100 lb text if light will be an issue or you're printing both sides. The thickest is the 80lb or 100lb cover which is perfect if they are going to be mailed (but not folded), passed around a lot, or placed in high traffic or dirty areas.

Catalogs - interior pages should be 100lb text and the cover can be a "self cover" of 100lb text or you can customize a job and do a thicker cover stock and even add UV coating. Depending on the nature of the project most catalogs are perfect using 100lb text and aqueous coated for a nice shine.

If you're ever in doubt about what stock to use contact your printer and ask for recommendations. Most reliable printers won't try to sell you more than what you really need to do the job - they want to keep you as a customer and they know eventually you'll find out there are other options!

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How do I send my file to be commercially printed?

First, check the graphic guidelines for the printer you want to use. Know if you're selecting digital or offset printing, review their submission guidelines and know your file is ready - graphics are 300 dpi, file is the right size, .pdf has been prepared correctly, etc.

Know what the turnaround times are, cancellation policies and have your questions answered before placing your order.

Once you have placed an order you usually receive an order confirmation via email and you can usually track your order right from within your account.

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How do I calculate shipping?

Most online printers have a way to go through the check out process before ordering to get shipping charges. It's usually a simple process and something you should know before you order. Remember express shipping charges can be expensive so review turnaround times, shipping times, proof times, etc., so you aren't expecting a project to arrive when it won't be coming for days.

What should I do if I need it faster than stated in the turnaround times?

Most if not all printers have some sort of rush services available for either the production end, shipping end, or both. Just remember these do cost extra and can get expensive so know the standard turnaround times and be prepared in advance.

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