Frequently Asked Questions
              

Q: What information/materials do I have to provide for my job?

A:  If you have prepared a layout of your job and wish to send it to us, remember to also include any fonts you have used, and their varieties (italic, bold, heavy, etc.) You should also include any graphics files or pictures.

Q: What is a proof and why is it necessary?

A:  A proof is a simulation of the document's appearance before printing, that shows final color, layout and text. Inspection and approval is the customer's responsibility, and represents an opportunity to detect and prevent errors.  Once you have signed off, your proof serves as our reference to match the color and layout of your project.

Q: What software and file formats do you support?

A: Please do not send any PICT, PIC, GIF, PCX, AutoCAD, VISIO or Windows META files.  We will accept files created in Photoshop, Pagemaker, Illustrator, InDesign, MS Publisher 2000 or Quark.  If you need help in saving your graphics properly, please call us prior to submitting the job to us. 

Q: What information do you need if I am mailing a disk or artwork?

A: Clearly write your name, address and phone number on all diskettes, art or proofs that are sent to us. It is also helpful to provide us with a checklist of everything you are sending.

Q: What type of papers are best for my job request?

A: The paper you select is key to the appearance of your document. Some definitions to help you with your selection are:

Finish

Finish consists of the texture, feel and appearance of a paper. These terms define a papers finish:

• Coated:A paper with a waxy finish (shiny or matte) on both sides.
  
• Uncoated: A paper with an untreated surface that is dull and unreflective.
  
• Coated One Side: A cover stock, shiny in front and dull on the back.
  
• Kromekote: A premium ultra high gloss paper available in cover weights. kromekote is available as coated both sides and coated one side.
  
• Wove: A smooth uncoated surface.
  
• Laid: Textured lines on the surface of the stock. This finish is used predominantly for corporate identity packages (letterhead, envelopes, business cards).
  
• Linen: Textured lines on the surface of the sheet. Lines are finer and more regular than on Laid papers. This finish is used predominantly for corporate identity packages (letterhead, envelopes,business cards).
  
• Laser: A paper which is guaranteed to be compatible with a copier or laser printer.

Weight

A papers thickness is measured in pounds.

Text

A thin lightweight paper often used in publication interiors, sell sheets and letterhead. Below find descriptions of common text weights:

• 50 lb.-Standard light weight paper used for digital & laser printing
  
• 60 lb.-Finch Laser opaque sheet, one grade heavier than standard.
  
• 70 lb.-Heaviest Finch Laser Opaque
  
• 80 lb.-Coated stock, equal in feel to 24 lb. Finch Laser
  
• 100 lb.-Coated stock, equal in feel to 28 lb. Finch Laser

Note: 50 lb., 60 lb.,70 lb.,80 lb.,100 lb. are measurements used for papers that are meant for offset printing. 20 lb., 24 lb.,28 lb.,32 lb. are measurements used for papers meant for laser printing and copying. Some of these weights are equivalent.

Covers

A rigid heavyweight card, not easily folded, generally used in publication covers, business cards and postcards. Find descriptions of common cover weights below:

• 67 lb.-Light weight uncoated Vellum Bristol
  
• 80 lb.-Light weight coated cover, slightly heavier than 67 lb.
  
• 88 lb.-Strathmore Card, heavier than 80 lb.
  
• 100 lb.-Mid-weight coated cover, heavier than 80 lb.
  
• 12pt.-Heavy weight coated Kromekote cover.

Our Comments and Suggestions:

Gloss papers are generally used for brochures, company publications, catalogues, posters and postcards as well as four color business cards.
Uncoated stock is best for letterhead, envelopes, business cards as well as newsletters and any documents that feed through a copier or laser printer.

Important: If you require a specific paper or finish not offered in our pricing selections, please call us for specialty pricing.