FAQ

When can you have it done?

We get asked this loaded question all the time and our normal response aside from “when do you need it?” is “when can you have print ready files to us?” In all seriousness, completion is dependent on many variables and we love discussing those variables with you to make sure we do everything we can to meet your deadlines.

What services do you provide?

We provide a wide-range of services and expertise, supported by the latest technology to help each of our clients get the best solution possible. Talk to one of our solution experts today about how we can help you with:

- Small Format Digital Printing
- Wide Format Digital Printing
- Marketing Collateral
- Point Of Sale Displays
- Wall Decor
- Tradeshow Signage
- Direct Mail Campaigns
- Colour Retouching
- Bindery Services

What is the difference between digital and offset printing?

Both digital and offset printing have benefits and limitations, with your specific needs determining the optimal solution. Whereas offset can provide some efficiencies for
larger quantity print runs, the latest digital technology can create cost-effective, custom solutions such as VDP (Variable Data Printing) for direct mail campaigns with impact. Speak with one of our solution experts to help determine what’s best for your
specific needs.

What are your prices?

Each of our solutions is custom-built to the needs of our clients. Please contact us for a quote.

What file format should I submit for printing?

Our preference is to receive print ready PDF files (PDF/X-4) with crops and bleeds. At times, we’ll also ask for working files in the event that we’re required to make any file revisions or colour corrections.

What are bleeds and why are they necessary?

Bleeds are an industry term for any colour or image that extends to the edge of your page. When your colour or image needs to run off the page, it requires an extra 1/8″ (0.125″) beyond the edge of your page. This extra 1/8″ is then cut off during the finishing/ trimming stage of a print job.

All print jobs must have a minimum of 1/8″ at all trim edges (including into the spine for perfect-bound and wire-o projects).

How do I build crossovers for a perfect bound book?

Open any perfect bound book, you will see that all the pages converge into the spine. You will notice that elements disappear into the spine. This is called “spine pinch”.

We would suggest having a mock-up made so you could see how the spine pinch could affect your design. Things to look for:

- How much margin you would need so your type does not disappear.
- Keeping critical image content away from the spine if possible.
- Identify the hinge and glue allowances for the inside covers to first and
   last pages in the book.

To build a crossover, place the image or art across the 2 page spread in your layout. Due to the nature of a perfect bound book, you could lose some of the content into the spine. To compensate, you could nudge the image on the left hand page to the left and nudge the image on the right page to the right. This could visually reduce the loss of content into the spine.