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Baltimore [Corporate Headquarters]
6310 Blair Hill Lane
Baltimore, Maryland 21209

Monday - Friday [8:00 AM - 5:00 PM]

DC & Virginia Sales & Creative Office
#525A East Braddock Road
Alexandria, VA 22314
Nils Dailey 703.822.3212
Jared Thompson 703.725.5131
Pennsylvania
1160 Enterprise Ct.
East Petersburg, PA 17520

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Here you'll find answers to common questions our clients ask. Start by selecting one of the links below. If you don’t see what you need: ask us a question.

  1. Are you a “green” company?

    Absolutely! We take very seriously our role in preserving the environment and integrate numerous green practices into our daily operations. In addition to energy-efficient equipment and chemical-free technologies, we can print jobs using recycled paper stock, some of which can be 100% Post-Consumer Waste. We use vegetable base and UV inks and no to low VOC chemicals throughout our facilities. We also recycle all of our waste and spoilage to minimize our impact on the environment.

    We know that you you will be pleased with the results and feel good about helping the environment, too.

  2. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?

    Resolution should be set to 300 dpi.

    Pictures and graphics pulled from the internet are often low resolution, typically 72 dpi or 96 dpi. Avoid these graphics, as they will appear pixilated and blocky when printed.

    Also note that you should save all photos in CMYK mode, not RGB mode when possible. Images saved in RGB mode may not print properly. If you are unable to save your image in CYMK mode, please let us know.

  3. Can you scan and save my files to a CD?

    Yes. We can scan drawings and save electronic versions or copy files to a
    CD.

  4. Can you send samples for testing?

    Yes. With many projects, we have samples available for testing.

  5. Do you offer storage?

    Yes. We offer storage of most products. In some cases, minimum quantities may apply.

  6. Well, since you are here, we would suggest you use our online estimate request form. Otherwise, the best way to ensure that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate quote is to give us a call and talk with one of our sales or customer service representatives.

  7. Is white considered a printing color?

    Not typically. Because white is the default color of paper, it is simply recognized as the absence of any ink. However, when using colored paper, white ink may be used if any text or graphic requires it.

  8. Tips on file format setups

    Many layout programs have collecting or packaging functions that will automatically collect your document, fonts, all art including and a report. When possible, it is recommended to use these functions because without any or all of these elements we will be unable to print your postcard.
    • Enclose all screen fonts and printer fonts
    • Include all placed images
    • Make sure your files are set with proper bleed, trim and safety areas.
    BLEED: All art trimming off the edge MUST be pulled out 1/8” beyond the trim line
    TRIM: This is the guideline where the card will be cut
    SAFETY: All art and text within this safety area will assure that nothing will be trimmed off during the cutting process. A 1/4” guide in from the trim should work fine.

  9. Tips on how to save your design files

    Adobe Creative Suite and Quark have a collect for output option which make them print ready and acceptable for us to print.

    You may also output as a Press Optimized PDF if you have Adobe Acrobat.

    PageMaker or PAINMAKER if you still have it:
    Saving your PageMaker file as an EPS
    • Embed all Images
    • Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
    • Export your file as an EPS using the below settings:
    Postscript Level 2
    CMYK Mode
    TIFF format and
    Binary

    PUBLISHER:
    You will need to have the full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF. If you don’t please download and use our Adobe Job Ready Program. If you do have the full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF please follow the steps below.
    Under File, Print, select Adobe PDF writer
    Under Properties select Press Quality and Save your PDF

    REMEMBER:
    • Include bleeds
    • Include fonts
    • Check folds
    • Include images
    • Convert to CMYK
    • When in doubt, ask us!

  10. What does personalization mean?

    Personalization is another term for variable data—technology for printing documents so that each piece is personalized to the specific recipient.

    Personalizing can be as simple as a unique name and address on every printed piece. But more sophisticated levels of personalization can include text or images that vary based on data specific to the recipient, or data-driven graphics such as a pie chart illustrating something specific to the recipient.

  11. What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?

    PDF (Portable Document Format) is the most common and preferred file format for submitting digital documents. With the installation of a PDF print driver on your computer, virtually any program can generate a PDF file suitable for printing. Both commercial and free PDF print drivers are available online for download from different sources.

  12. What forms of payment do you accept?

    We accept cash, company checks and all major credit cards. We can also set up a business account for you, just contact us for details.

  13. To help you make PDF’s and send in your order we have an Adobe program called JobReady that you can download for FREE. JobReady automatically makes a PDF from your file, creates an order form and will send us your file directly from you desktop. All you need to do is follow the simply installation instructions. We promise once you have used Job Ready you will never want to use another application to transfer PDF’s again.

  14. What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?

    In printing terms, a proof is a one-off copy of your document after all modifications and printing setup processes have been completed. It is your last and best opportunity to make sure that the print job comes out the way you want. By carefully inspecting the proof, you can help us assure an accurate, flawless delivery of your print job on the first run.

  15. What is coated paper stock?

    Coated paper stock is a premium, high-quality paper that has been given a smooth glossy finish designed specifically for documents that require sharp details and vivid colors.

    Uncoated paper, by contrast, is relatively inexpensive but porous, and is best suited to the printing of black and white text documents. However, with our eight color perfecting press that utilizes H-UV inks, we can now offer vibrant full color reproduction. Whereas before, it required an expensive, pretreated paper stock to control dot gain and boost vibrancy, we can now achieve this on the most economical uncoated stock.

  16. What is the Pantone Matching System?

    The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a color reproduction standard in which colors all across the spectrum are each identified by a unique, independent number. The use of PMS allows us to precisely match colors and maintain color consistency throughout the printing process.

  17. What is variable data printing?

    Variable data printing is technology for printing documents so that each piece is personalized to the specific recipient. At the most basic level, this means personalizing a name and address. But for real impact, many projects include unique graphics and content that speaks directly to the recipient.

  18. What type of products and services do you provide?

    Good question! We are a full service shop and offer a wide range of products and services. To see a full listing and description of what we can offer you, check out the Products & Services area in the Customer Service Section of our website.

  19. Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?

    In short, printers and monitors produce colors in different ways.

    Monitors use the RGB (red, green, blue) color model, which usually supports a wider spectrum of colors. Printers use the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color model, which can reproduce most—but not all—of the colors in the RGB color model. Depending on the equipment used, CMYK generally matches 85–90% of the colors in the RGB model.

    When a color is selected from the RGB model that is out of the range of the CMYK model, the application chooses what it thinks is the closest color that will match. Programs like Adobe Photoshop will allow you to choose which color will be replaced. Others may not.

    And then there is the whole issue of monitor calibration. If you have never done this, or don't remember the last time you did, you probably need to calibrate your monitor.