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MAILING & PRINT GUIDELINES

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PAPER AND FINISHING GUIDELINES

100# Linen Cover
You may be familiar with this type of stock from business cards or notecards with a subtle, woven, fabric-like finish. This sturdy paper offers a unique non-glossy look enhanced with a subtle, woven linen finish.

70 # Linen Text
This thinner linen option offers a unique non-glossy look enhanced with a subtle, woven linen finish. Unlike linen finish letterhead stocks, this linen finish digital stock is not watermarked.

100# Gloss Text
You may be familiar with this type of stock from the covers of many popular magazines like People and Time. This paper strikes a balance between thickness and foldability, while the glossy finish on both sides gives your text a professional appearance.

100# Gloss Cover
You may be familiar with this type of stock from standard business cards. Stiffer than 100# Gloss Text, this glossy finish cover stock offers sharp folds and a sturdy product for a very professional result. This stock is coated on both sides.

70# Uncoated Offset Smooth Text
You may be familiar with this type of stock from business stationary or typical letterhead. This paper has a quality feel, folds easily, and is a good choice when you don't want a slick and shiny finish.

14 Pt. Uncoated Cover
You may be familiar with this type of stock from thick index cards, though the finish is much higher quality. This is a very versatile stock. The uncoated finish is good when you don't want a slick and shiny look, while the firm 14 Pt. stock folds precisely.

14 Pt. Gloss Cover
You may be familiar with this type of stock from presentation folders. This thick and stiff stock is coated on both sides with a glossy finish.

4/4 (Full Color Both Sides)
Full color on both sides of the sheet. This option can reproduce the range of colors you see in a typical photograph out of the standard 4 printing colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Typical examples of this are magazine covers and high-end catalogs.

4/1 (Full Color Front / B&W Back)
Full color (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black as above) on the front and black on the back. A typical example of this is a flyer.

4/0 (Full Color Front Side Only)
Full color (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black as above) on the front and no printing on the back. A typical example of this is a poster.

AQ 2 Sides
AQ is short for Aqueous Coating. This is a semi-gloss, environmentally friendly, water-based coating applied over the entire front and back of the printed piece. It provides additional gloss and protection, and it can be written on with a ballpoint pen.

Satin AQ 2 Sides
AQ is short for Aqueous Coating. This is a matte finish, environmentally friendly, water-based coating applied over the entire front and back of the printed piece. It reduces the gloss of the printing and it can be written on with a ballpoint pen.

UV 2 Sides
UV is short for Ultra Violet Light-Cured Coating. This is a high-gloss coating applied over the entire front and back of the printed piece. It is not recommended for products you need to write on after being printed.

Soft Feel Finish
Soft Feel is a coating that when applied, creates a velvety texture. The paper feels "soft" to the touch, increasing its tactile appeal. This coating gives your brochures a richer, more sophisticated look, while providing protection from fingerprints and scuff marks. When ordering, please select 14 pt C2S (Gloss Cover) paper.

Explanation of Turnaround Time
Turnaround times begin when the proof is approved. All times are based on standard business days Monday through Friday excluding federal holidays. Please note that turnaround time does not include shipping or mailing time. You may select from available production turnaround times and your preferred shipping time as you place your order. Same Day Service is available on 8.5" x 11", 11" x 17", and 8.5" x 17" brochures with the following conditions: Complete (must include ALL photos, text and agent info) order must be submitted no later than 10:00 AM and approval must be received by 1:00 PM to be ready for pick-up or shipping by 4:00 PM. Same Day Service does not include shipping time. Our products are the same great quality for every turnaround time we offer.

Next Day
If you order a proof (Online PDF or Hard Copy Proof), your turnaround time begins as soon as you approve your proof in our system. If you order "No Proof, Run As Is" (only recommended if you are certain you want us to print what you sent as is), your turnaround time begins as soon as your order begins the imposition process. Once your order is in imposition, you should receive an email with your estimated order completion date (does not include shipping or mailing).
Files must be uploaded before 9:30 am. If you request a proof, you must approve your proof by 10:45 a.m. in the time zone your order is produced for turnaround time to begin.
Next Day Shipped Orders Orders will ship the next business day if you follow the guidelines. Files uploaded after the cut off time will be processed the following business day.

Next Day + 1 Day Turnaround
If you order a proof (Online PDF or Hard Copy Proof), your turnaround time begins as soon as you approve your proof in our system. If you order "No Proof, Run As Is" (only recommended if you are certain you want us to print what you sent as is), your turnaround time begins as soon as your order begins the imposition process. Once your order is in imposition, you should receive an email with your estimated order completion date (does not include shipping or mailing).
Files must be uploaded before 10:30 am. If you request a proof, you must approve your proof by 12:45 p.m. in the time zone your order is produced for turnaround time to begin.
Next Day + 1 Day Shipped Orders Orders will ship the next business day after 4:00 p.m. or in 2 business days if you follow the guidelines. Files uploaded after the cut off time will be processed the following business day.

2-3 Day Turnaround
If you order a proof (Online PDF or Hard Copy Proof), your turnaround time begins as soon as you approve your proof in our system. If you order "No Proof, Run As Is" (only recommended if you are certain you want us to print what you sent as is), your turnaround time begins as soon as your order begins the imposition process. Once your order is in imposition, you should receive an email with your estimated order completion date (does not include shipping or mailing).
Files must be uploaded before 10:30 am. If you request a proof, you must approve your proof by 4:00 p.m. in the time zone your order is produced for turnaround time to begin.
2-3 Day Shipped Orders Orders will ship between 2 business days after 4:00 p.m. and 3 business days if you follow the guidelines. Files uploaded after the cut off time will be processed the following business day.

3-4 Day Turnaround
If you order a proof (Online PDF or Hard Copy Proof), your turnaround time begins as soon as you approve your proof in our system. If you order "No Proof, Run As Is" (only recommended if you are certain you want us to print what you sent as is), your turnaround time begins as soon as your order begins the imposition process. Once your order is in imposition, you should receive an email with your estimated order completion date (does not include shipping or mailing).
Files must be uploaded before 10:30 am. If you request a proof, you must approve your proof by 4:00 p.m. in the time zone your order is produced for turnaround time to begin.
3-4 Day Shipped Orders Orders will ship between 3 business days after 4:00 p.m. and 4 business days if you follow the guidelines. Files uploaded after the cut off time will be processed the following business day.

5 Day Turnaround
If you order a proof (Online PDF or Hard Copy Proof), your turnaround time begins as soon as you approve your proof in our system. If you order "No Proof, Run As Is" (only recommended if you are certain you want us to print what you sent as is), your turnaround time begins as soon as your order begins the imposition process. Once your order is in imposition, you should receive an email with your estimated order completion date (does not include shipping or mailing).
Files must be uploaded before 10:30 am. If you request a proof, you must approve your proof by 4:00 p.m. in the time zone your order is produced for turnaround time to begin.
5 Day Shipped Orders rders will ship in 5 business days after 4:00 p.m. if you follow the guidelines. Files uploaded after the cut off time will be processed the following business day.

5-7 Day Turnaround
If you order a proof (Online PDF or Hard Copy Proof), your turnaround time begins as soon as you approve your proof in our system. If you order "No Proof, Run As Is" (only recommended if you are certain you want us to print what you sent as is), your turnaround time begins as soon as your order begins the imposition process. Once your order is in imposition, you should receive an email with your estimated order completion date (does not include shipping or mailing).
Files must be uploaded before 10:30 am. If you request a proof, you must approve your proof by 4:00 p.m. in the time zone your order is produced for turnaround time to begin.
5-7 Day Shipped Orders Orders will ship between 5 business days after 4:00 p.m. and 6-7 business days if you follow the guidelines. Files uploaded after the cut off time will be processed the following business day.

Rounded Corners
Rounded corners use extra finishing to convert regular square corners into rounded corners. Rounded corners represent 1/4 of a circle. We offer them in 4 sizes. Sizes are described by the radius of the full circle.

  • 1/8" on all 4 corners
  • 1/4" on all 4 corners
  • 3/8" on all 4 corners
  • 1/2" on all 4 corners

If you prefer rounded corners on only 1, 2, or 3 corners, please submit a custom estimate.

 

Perforation
Perforation is a straight line composed of small holes that makes tearing along the line easy and accurate. You may choose a perforation 2" from the bottom of your Door Hanger, which makes it convenient to include a coupon or contact information that can easily be removed.

None
This option is a flat piece of paper like a flyer. Each size refers to the flat sheet (horizontal by vertical), so the final size of your brochure will depend on folding options. For a flyer (which has no folding), the final size will match the selected size in the calculator.

Tri-Fold
A classic brochure fold, this option creates three two-sided panels with the folds oriented vertically. Note that one panel is slightly shorter than the others in order to tuck inside and will be hidden until the brochure is opened. Sometimes this folding option is also referred to as a 3 Panel Roll Fold.
Each size refers to the flat sheet (horizontal by vertical), so the final size of your brochure will depend on folding options. For example, an 11" x 8.5" brochure with a Tri-Fold has a finished size of 3.6875" x 8.5" (3 11/16" x 8 1/2" which creates a portrait orientation.

Half-Fold
This option creates two two-sided panels with the fold at the top and oriented horizontally. (If you would like the fold vertically on the left, please look at Vertical Half-Fold.)
Each size refers to the flat sheet (horizontal by vertical), so the final size of your brochure will depend on folding options. For example, an 8.5" x 11" brochure with a Half-Fold has a finished size of 8.5" x 5.5" which creates a landscape orientation.

Z-Fold
This option creates three two-sided panels with the folds oriented vertically. Note that the middle panel is not visible on either side until the brochure is opened. Sometimes this folding option is also referred to as a 3 Panel Accordion Fold.
Each size refers to the flat sheet (horizontal by vertical), so the final size of your brochure will depend on folding options. For example, an 11" x 8.5" brochure with a Z-Fold has a finished size of 3.668" x 8.5" which creates a portrait orientation.

Double Parallel Fold
This option creates four two-sided panels with the folds oriented vertically. Note that two panels are folded inside and will be hidden until the brochure is opened.
Each size refers to the flat sheet (horizontal by vertical), so the final size of your brochure will depend on folding options. For example, an 11" x 8.5" brochure with a Double Parallel Fold has a finished size of 2.75" x 8.5" which creates a portrait orientation.

4 Panel Roll Fold
This option creates four two-sided panels with the folds oriented vertically. Note that two panels are slightly shorter than the others in order to tuck inside and will be hidden until the brochure is opened.
Each size refers to the flat sheet (horizontal by vertical), so the final size of your brochure will depend on folding options. For example, a 17" x 11" brochure with a 4 Panel Roll Fold has a finished size of 4.3125" x 11" (4 5/16" x 11") which creates a portrait orientation. Since a 4 Panel Roll Fold tucks in upon itself, the interior panels are shorter than the exterior panels. In this example, panels 1 and 2 (which form the outside of the folded brochure) are 4.3125" x 11". Panel 3 is 4.25" x 11" and panel 4 is 4.125" x 11".

4 Panel Accordion Fold
This option creates four two-sided panels with the folds oriented vertically. Note that two panels are folded inside and will be hidden until the brochure is opened.
Each size refers to the flat sheet (horizontal by vertical), so the final size of your brochure will depend on folding options. For example, a 17" x 11" brochure with a Double Parallel Fold has a finished size of 4.25" x 11" which creates a portrait orientation.

11 x 17 Fold to #10 Envelope
This option creates six two-sided panels and folds to fit inside a #10 envelope. Note that four panels are folded inside and will be hidden until the brochure is opened.
Each size refers to the flat sheet (horizontal by vertical), so the final size of your brochure will depend on folding options. For example, this 11" x 17" brochure with an 11 x 17 Fold to #10 Envelope has a finished size of 3.6875" x 8.5" (3 11/16" x 8 1/2") which creates a portrait orientation. Picture this finished piece as a combination of two folds. First, your 11" x 17" gets a Half-Fold down to 11" x 8.5". Your 11" x 8.5" then gets a Tri-Fold down to the finished size of 3.6875" x 8.5". To help visualize this, please look at our description of Half-Fold and Tri-Fold.

Double Close Gate Fold
This option creates four two-sided panels with the folds oriented vertically. Note that panels 1 and 4 tuck inside panels 2 and 3 once the fold is complete and are hidden until the brochure is opened.
Each size refers to the flat sheet (horizontal by vertical), so the final size of your brochure will depend on folding options. For example, a 17" x 11" brochure with a Double Close Gate Fold has a finished size of 4.3125" x 11" (4 5/16" x 11") which creates a portrait orientation. Since a Double Close Gate Fold tucks in upon itself, the interior panels are shorter than the exterior panels. In this example, panels 2 and 3 (which form the outside of the folded brochure) are 4.3125" x 11". Panels 1 and 4 are 4.1875" x 11".

Map Fold
This option is ideal for larger sheets. It folds both vertically and horizontally to meet your specifications. Generally, only two panels are visible until the brochure is opened. Please contact customer service to discuss what folding options you would like.
Each size refers to the flat sheet (horizontal by vertical), so the final size of your brochure will depend on folding options.

Quarter Fold
This option creates four two-sided panels with the first fold horizontal and the second vertical. This creates a finished piece that is 1/4 the size of the printed sheet before being folded with the same orientation and aspect ratio the sheet had before folding. Commonly, this option is used to create four one-sided panels of information with a single, large graphic (such as a map) spanning the sheet on the reverse side when fully open.
Each size refers to the flat sheet (horizontal by vertical), so the final size of your brochure will depend on folding options. For example, an 8.5" x ll" brochure with a Quarter-Fold has a finished size of 4.25" x 5.5" which maintains a portrait orientation.

Vertical Half Fold
This option creates two two-sided panels with the fold on the left and oriented vertically. (If you would like the fold horizontal on the top, please look at Half-Fold.)
Each size refers to the flat sheet (horizontal by vertical), so the final size of your brochure will depend on folding options. For example, an 8.5" x 11" brochure with a Half-Fold has a finished size of 4.25" x 11" which maintains a portrait orientation.

Shrinkwrap
Shrinkwrap is a thin, plastic wrapping designed to group the items you order into desired quantities. Additionally, it helps your order arrive in tip-top condition because it reduces rubbing during shipping. It is called "shrinkwrap" because after the plastic is placed around each bundle, it is shrunk with gentle heat for a better fit.

  • 5 per package
  • 10 per package
  • 25 per package
  • 30 per package
  • 40 per package
  • 50 per package
  • 75 per package
  • 100 per package

Please note that if your order quantity and the number of pieces per package will result in more than 200 individually shrinkwrapped packages, your order may require an additional 1-2 days for fulfillment. For other quantities, please submit a custom estimate.

 

Quantity
The quantity available is dependent on the order specifications you choose. To see available quantities, complete all order specifications in the pricing calculator and click on the "Quantity" dropdown menu.
Due to our printing process, we print in specific quantity increments. If you would like an amount not listed in the pricing calculator, you have two options.
• Request a custom estimate for the specific quantity you need
• Order a larger quantity and ask us to ship only what you need
Ordering one of our specified quantities is generally more affordable than a custom estimate. Let us know how many units you would like shipped and we will recycle the excess for you. Simply choose the amount of items you would like recycled under the "shipping" section after placing your order.
For example, if you would like 700 units, you can order 1000 units and let us know you only want 700 shipped. We will responsibly dispose of the extras.
We typically print more than the quantity ordered. Because printing is a manufacturing process, the total finished quantity may vary. We usually ship a few more than you order, but sometimes quantities can vary +/- 5%. Standard industry procedure is to consider this range shipment in full.

Design Online
You can create a personalized design in just a few minutes. Once you click the "Start Your Design" button, you're taken to a huge library of design templates. You can search by specific category or select "generic" for personal use. Making changes to the text, font size and uploading a picture or logo on your chosen template is as easy as using a basic computer program. After you're done making changes, you are able to instantly view an online proof and order it for print.
There are professional design templates for almost any personal and business need.

Assisted Design
If you like one of the Design Online templates but would prefer not to handle the designing yourself, this option is ideal. Simply let us know which template you like and supply the information you would like to appear on your design. We will handle the rest!
Keep in mind that the images on the template will remain the same. Only text can be edited and basic logos added.
There are professional design templates for almost any personal and business need.
>Check out all your Design Online template options.

Custom Design
We create fully custom designs that help represent your company, brand or product in a professional way. Custom Design includes consulting to come up with a concept and design revisions, so you're truly part of the process. You can also add either a basic or corporate custom designed logo to your design.
There are 3 design packages to meet your needs:
1. Full Custom Design: With this option you get complete, professional custom design for the product of your choosing. This includes consulting to discuss the concept, images, text, and revisions.
2. Full Custom Design plus a Basic Logo With this option you get the complete design just like Custom Design Option 1 plus a basic logo. Basic logo design consists of a single font with a simple icon. See the examples under the "Logo Samples" tab.
3. Full Custom Design plus a Corporate Logo With this option you get the complete design just like Custom Design Option 1 plus a corporate logo. Your corporate logo design has no limit to font styles so long as they are in our library. You also get a fully designed graphic to accompany your text. See the examples under the "Logo Samples" tab.
Keep in mind that this price is estimated and includes limits on the amount of images and revisions that can be made before incurring additional charges. We will notify you prior to performing any services that cost more money.

File Preparation
In order to ensure your files are print-ready, we recommend that you upload them in PDF format. When you generate a print-ready PDF, your computer will use the settings in Adobe Acrobat Distiller or any other PDF generating programs you may use. Please make sure that these are set properly before generating your PDF file. Click here to see our preferred PDF settings.
We also accept .JPG (JPEG), .EPS and .TIF (TIFF) file types, however PDF is the preferred format.
Check your file to make sure it meets our file creation guidelines. This will help speed up the production of your project and give your printed piece the best results.

  • Use the CMYK colorspace (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, blacK). These are industry standard printing colors. CMYK colors are different than RGB (Red, Green, Blue), which are used to display colors on your screen.
  • Use a minimum resolution of 300 dpi for image files.
  • All fonts need to be outlined or embedded
  • Specify trim area with crop marks. (Don't place crop marks inside the work area.)
  • Artwork should have 1/8" (0.125") bleed extending past the trim line. This is to prevent minor cutting variations from leaving unintended results at the trim edge.
  • Safe Area is the 1/8" (0.125") area inside the trim line. Do not put critical information or images within the Safe Area. This is to prevent minor cutting variations from leaving unintended results at the trim edge.
  • If you want printed borders, they must be placed a minimum of 1/8" (0.125") inside the trim line and include bleed. This is to prevent minor cutting variations from leaving unintended results at the trim edge.

File Orientation

Bleed and Safe Area

We require that you extend any images that run up to the trim line a minimum of 1/8" (0.125") past the trim line to create "bleed". Depending on what program you use to create your file, this may or may not change the total image area of your file. Programs like Photoshop that do not allow the creation of "bleed" or the addition of crop marks will require an image area that is 1/4" (0.25") larger than your desired final overall image area in both dimensions.
Safe Area is the 1/8" (0.125") area inside the trim line. Do not put critical information or images within the Safe Area. This is to prevent minor cutting variations from leaving unintended results at the trim edge. If you choose to make less than this minimum clearance, we will NOT be responsible for items that are cut off in this area.

Proofs and File Check
We offer three proof options:

  • Online PDF Proof: You will be sent a link to view your proof via email. Please keep in mind that this is only a proof for content and positioning; the color on your screen may vary from the color of your final product, depending on your monitor and viewing conditions.
  • Hard Copy Proof: The Hard Copy Proof can either be picked up on-site or shipped to you. Please keep in mind that this is a proof for content and positioning and is not printed on your actual job stock. Color may vary slightly when printed on the stock you ordered. When ordering a Hard Copy Proof, you will receive a complimentary Online PDF Proof, as well.
  • No Proof, Run As-Is: This option is for the industry professional who is certain their project is ready to hit the press and does not require the additional security of a proof.

File Check:
If our prepress department sees anything questionable with your file, we will contact you via email with our concerns. Should prepress email you, please note that your job is not considered fully submitted until you respond to this email. This should be factored into your turnaround time.
Please Note: The charge for our technical team to review your file when first submitted is included in the price of your order. If they note technical concerns with your file, they may email you with their concerns so you can upload a corrected file. If subsequent uploads still contain errors, you may be charged an additional prepress fee to review your file again.

 



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