Frequently Asked Questions

You can upload your files with your order using the "upload files now" button. If you want to upload files after you have placed your order you can send them to us using this link.
http://dropbox.yousendit.com/MaxQ

We recommend saving as a .PDF
You may also send the file in the following types: psd, tif, tiff and eps (the file types are indicated on the upload box) We prefer that you send .PDF and .EPS files with outlined fonts. These files are easier to handle and will likely speed up your turn-around. Remember to add crop marks and flatten your files before uploading.

Templates
Our Certified Templates are a great tool to create artwork that can be printed faster, easier, and more accurately. If you are using Illustrator, you can use our specialized EPS templates. If you are using something other then Illustrator, download the JPG version. Here is what each of the lines mean inside the template:

Here is what an 8.5x11 brochure template looks like:

These templates will help you identify where the cut line, bleed line, and safety line, are located along with other information so you can design your art correctly. Some of our templates are labeled as OUT and IN. This means that there is some folding involved with the template. OUT means the FRONT of the job and IN means the BACK. During the upload part of your order, remember that OUT is the FRONT and IN is the BACK. Here is an example of the fold-over business card template:

As you can see, OUT is the FRONT of the job and after folding, will be facing outward. You can also see the rotation of the job. The front must be positioned upside down so it can fold correctly. Remember, do not move or change any part of the template when using them.

How to setup a spot UV job
When creating a Spot UV job, You must include a Spot UV template file along with the regular full color file. The Spot UV template file is used to show where the UV will be placed. Use 100% K to indicate where you would like the UV. White will indicate no UV.

Remember “If it’s white, you can write!”

Bleed
Printed colors that extend past the edge of a page. To cut the job to its actual size the processor has to make sure the job gets printed with 1/8 of an inch bleed some jobs may require more than that. For example if the job is a business card (3.5" x 2") the file size with bleed would be (3.625" x 2.125"). See our what is bleed page for more detail.

CMYK
If you send us an RGB file, there is a chance that a color shift may occur and you may not be satisfied with your job. We are not responsible for files supplied in RGB.

We only accept 300 dpi files and no less.
Files will be rejected if below 300dpi.

For most products we have supplied a template, a link to those can be found with each product.
If a template is not supplied in general a 0.125 bleed is required (that's 0.08 on each side) this is generally smaller than other printers and it is important your files meet the bleed requirements.
For example a 4 x 6 postcard has to be sent as a 4.125 x 6.125 document or a business card that is 2 x 3.5 should be sent as a 2.125 x 3.625 file.
Please keep all text and anything you do not want cut at least .125" away from the cut line.

Yes, but if the border is too close to the cutline, it may be cut off-center slightly. Our printers cut through many sheets at a time, so watch your borders to avoid an unwanted mistake.

Files submitted are printed HEAD to HEAD as-is based off your files. Make sure to set up your files so that when we print them HEAD to HEAD the final product will read the way you would like.
Also, front and back files need to be set up either both sides vertically or both sides horizontally. For files not properly set up, We will use best judgment and will not be responsible for improper rotation.

Any transparency issue can be resolved before saving your file. To prevent this, never use shadows, glows, or any other transparency (image or otherwise) on top of a spot color. Always convert your spot color to CMYK and flatten before sending.

Please don't send proofs or samples, this can confuse the process and we are not responsible for errors.

Unless we request multiple files in one document (as may be the case for catalogs) then we require one print ready file per side. For example business card files should be named filename_front.pdf , filename_back.pdf etc.

We prefer you to name your files in a way that indicates how they are to be printed, for example projectname_trifold_inside.pdf. This saves any confusion when printed.

When using a blue in your design, always make sure to leave at least a 30% difference in your Cyan and Magenta values. 100% C 100% M 0% Y 0% K
Blue is close to purple in the CMYK spectrum. Remember, use a low amount of magenta whenever using high amounts of cyan to avoid purple. Example: C-100 M-70 Y-0 k-0

Rich black is an ink mixture of solid black, 100% K, with additional CMY ink values. This results in a darker tone than black ink alone. If you print black alone as 100% K, the resulting black may not be as dark as you might like.
We recommend using C 60 M 40 Y 40 K 100 This will give you a deep, dark, rich black.

You may pay by check by selecting this option in the checkout, please note we will have to wait for the check to clear our bank.

You may select to ship to multiple addresses using this option in the checkout, shipping will be charged individually. This is convenient for customers who have multiple locations. Currently you can ship up to 25 addresses but more can easily be arranged just let us know.

No each order / print run is for one file only. For example if you order 2500 business cards, they must be all the same information.

Next business day turnaround means your print job will be printed the next business day if ordered and approved before 9.30am EST. If you order after 9.30 EST you cannot count that day in the turnaround. So if you order 2.00pm on Tuesday the order will print and ship by end of business on Thursday.
If your file is the wrong size, resolution or color mode this will delay printing. This is not a guaranteed service and although 99% of orders are processed next business day, there can be delays due to mechanical issues etc as well as shipping. Please be aware that we are not responsible for time sensitive materials and their delivery. Save time and money by ordering ahead.
Business days means Monday to Friday and does not include weekends or holidays.