Where should I place ring holes or grommets in my design template? Ring holes, also called grommets, are punched through the edges of banners and similar pieces for hanging. They are typically 3/8 inch in di… Read answer How do I create a scratch-off effect on my cards? A scratch-off effect is created with a separate mask file that tells the press exactly where to lay the scratch-off material. Build that mas… Read answer What's the minimum border thickness you recommend for printing? Thin borders are one of the most common causes of a design looking off-center, so we recommend keeping any border at least 0.25 inch thick. … Read answer What is the minimum text-free area needed if I want to drill holes in my printed pieces? When a piece is drilled, you want the hole to land in empty space so it never cuts through text or an important part of the design. Keep a c… Read answer Why isn't my QR code showing up correctly on my printed cards? When a QR code does not come out right on printed cards, the design around it is usually the culprit rather than the code alone. Color choic… Read answer What is the minimum size for a QR code on printed materials? QR codes need a minimum footprint to scan reliably. The smallest recommended size is 0.75" x 0.75". Go below that and many phone cameras str… Read answer What file format should I use for color accuracy in printing? For the most accurate color, submit your files in CMYK, the color model presses actually print with. Files built in RGB are converted to CMY… Read answer How should I prepare my files for color-critical print projects? For color-critical work, do not trust your monitor. Screens display in RGB light and printing happens in CMYK ink, so the two never match pe… Read answer Why are my uploaded images showing incorrect colors? Colors that look wrong after upload usually trace back to the file's color mode or format. The fix is almost always to submit a print-ready … Read answer What happens if my image files are in RGB and low resolution? Images that are both RGB and low resolution are the two things most likely to make a print look soft or off-color. RGB colors shift when con… Read answer What black color values should I use to avoid printing issues? Solid pure black across a large area is a common cause of print trouble. When black ink is laid down too heavily it struggles to dry, which … Read answer What color format should my print files be in? All print files must be in CMYK color mode, because presses print with cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks. There is no required color pro… Read answer What color mode should my file be in? Your file must be in CMYK color mode. RGB and Pantone (spot) colors are converted to CMYK during file processing, and that conversion can af… Read answer What file format and color mode should I use for custom trading cards? Submit trading card artwork as a PDF in CMYK at 300 DPI . Any needed color profile conversion is handled during processing, but starting wit… Read answer What color space should I use for my files? Prepare all files in the CMYK color space before you submit them. Printing is done in CMYK, so files already built that way reproduce most a… Read answer Why are smaller quantities more expensive per unit? Small runs cost more each because the fixed costs of a print job do not shrink with the order. Setup, plate or die creation, and labor are s… Read answer How much more expensive is custom die-cut work compared to standard printing? Custom die-cutting adds cost because it requires a custom cutting die made specifically for your shape. That tooling is a one-time expense t… Read answer What does 'NET' pricing mean for products? NET pricing is the base or wholesale cost per unit before taxes, shipping, or any volume discounts are applied. It represents the core price… Read answer Why is my printed product color lighter than expected? Prints often look lighter or duller than they did on screen, and it usually comes down to how screens and ink create color differently. Moni… Read answer What causes white edges on printed cards? White edges usually mean the ink did not reach the very edge of the card, which comes down to bleed and cutting. Missing bleed: if artwork e… Read answer What binding method should I use for a 34-page booklet? For a 34 page booklet, perfect binding is usually the stronger choice. It creates a flat, squared spine that holds higher page counts secure… Read answer How should I set up my file layout to avoid printing errors? Most printing errors trace back to file setup, so building your artwork correctly before you upload prevents the majority of problems. A few… Read answer Should I provide booklet files as individual pages or as facing spreads? For booklet printing, files are almost always requested as single pages in reading order rather than as reader spreads. Supplying single pag… Read answer What should I do if my scanned artwork has a visible dot or halftone pattern from original printing? When you scan a piece that was originally produced with 4-color process printing, the halftone dot pattern from that first print can reappea… Read answer
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