Frequently Asked Questions


- What type of files do you accept?

We recommend saving as a .PDF if possible.
You may also send the file in the following types: jpg, jpeg, psd, tif, tiff, eps, ai, and png

Microsoft files like Word, Publisher and Excel typically have issues with fonts and type moving from one
page to another. We recommend downloading a free pdf converter called Primo PDF. You will be able
to install this download and print your files as a PDF. Feel free to call if you need any assistance.

- Can you help me with my artwork?

To better serve our customers we have certified graphic designers full time. If you need simple
changes to complete design work let us know and we will be more than happy to provide you
with a per project estimate.

Glossary:

Accordion Fold
Folds that are parallel and alternating in direction. When finished it looks like an accordion.

Aqueous Coating
A water-based varnish added to an entire sheet as it is printed. It adds a gloss, makes paper
more durable and less prone to fingerprints and smudges.

Bind
To fasten sheets with wire, thread, glue or by any other means.

Binding
A name given for any of many procedures used to put pages together.

Bleed
Printing that goes to the edge of the sheet. Trimming is required to make the printing run to
the edge of a sheet.

Bond paper
A grade of strong, durable paper used for letterheads and business forms

Case Bind
A type of binding used in making hard cover books using glue.

Cast Coated
Coated paper with a high gloss reflective finish.

Coated Paper
Paper with a clay or other coating applied to one or both sides. The coating can be dull, gloss,
matte, or other finishes. Coated paper generally produces sharper, brighter images and has
better reflectivity than uncoated paper.

Collate
To put pages in a certain order for binding

Color Correction
Methods of improving color separations.

Color Management System
A system for ensuring that colors remain the same regardless of the device or medium
used to display the colors. This is difficult because different devices use different technologies
and models to produce colors. In addition, color is highly subjective. The same colors look
different to different people.

Comb Bind
A type of binding that uses a plastic comb inserted into punched holes.

Cover Paper
A heavy printing paper primarily used to cover books or make presentation folders.

Crop
To trim a picture, image or printed sheet.

Crop Marks
Printed lines showing where to trim a printed sheet.

Die
A stamping tool used in embossing and cutting.

Die-Cutting
Using a die to cut paper. For example, it is commonly used for cutting slits for business
cards to be inserted on a booklet or folder

Embossing
To produce a raised image in paper. The image is created by pressing a die into
the back of the paper.

Embroidery
Stitched decoration in fabric

Endpapers
In order to hold the body of a book into the covers, heavy paper is inserted in the front
and back of a book to which coverboard is glued.

Foil Emboss
Foil stamping and embossing an image on paper with a die.

Foil Stamping
Using a die to place a metallic or pigmented image on paper.

Gloss
A shiny paper coating which reflects light.

Grain
The direction in which the paper fibers are positioned

Laminate
To cover with protective film. Also used to bond or glue one surface to another.

Matte Finish
Dull paper or ink finish.

Offset Printing
Printing which involves a plate that makes an inked impression on a rubber-blanketed
cylinder, which in turn transfers it to the paper

Opacity
The amount of show-through or see-through on a printed sheet. For example, the more
opacity or the thicker the paper the less show-through.

Pattern Carbon
Special carbon paper used in business forms that only transfers in certain areas.

Perfect Binding
An unsewn, flat-spined binding of a book made with glue.

Ream
Five hundred sheets of paper.

Resolution
The degree of sharpness of a computer-generated image as measured by the number of
dots per linear inch in a hard-copy printout or the number of pixels across and down
on a display screen.

Saddle-Stitching
A type of binding that uses wire stapling at the center of a magazine or pamphlet.

Score
A crease put on paper to help it fold better.

Screen Printing
Commonly used to print on clothing and signs. The process involves using a cloth stencil
and forcing plastic ink through the stencil onto the surface.

Self-Cover
Using the same paper as the text for the cover.

Shrink-Packaging
Used to wrap printed pieces

Side-Stitching
Stapling through the spine from front to back. The publication will not lay flat when opened.

Spine
The binding edge of a book or publication.

Transparency
A positive photographic slide on film allowing light to pass through.

Trapping
The ability to print one ink over the other.

UV Coating
Liquid laminate bonded and cured with ultraviolet light. Environmentally friendly.

Varnish
A clear or tinted ink that adds a sheen, gloss or matte-surface to the paper.