Print Product FAQ
We have answers.Find answers to common questions and technical specs
If you have further questions, please contact us before placing your order.
To ensure your ink dries and your registration lines up (eg: in offset printing), it's best to understand how to work with ink colours.
Use 100% black (true black) in small text and fine linework. If you'd like to add some richness to your blacks in larger areas and larger text, you can add colour, but it's best not to exceed 60C 40M 40Y 100K.
RGB is for light (Additive). Used in digital displays.
CMYK is for print (Substractive).
Even if printers request RGB files, it's always best to design in CMYK and then convert to RGB so that colours print as closely as possible. Remember, what you see on your monitor won't always be exactly as output by a printer, but it will be much more accurate when using CMYK. The only way to get accurate colours is by using specialty inks, such as those by Pantone.
Yes. Here are some things you should know when designing business cards without a design and print background:
Some web applications allow users to design in CMYK. If you use RGB colour mode, and then convert to CMYK, blacks will become process black. This means that it will include other colours within that black area, sometimes causing the oversaturation of ink. See True Black and Rich Black for more information (also in the FAQs). When adjustments need to be made to your file, it can incur a design fee to ensure that your file is properly set up for printing.
You should always ensure there is bleed and safety on your print files. If the background is meant to be white (or the colour of the material you will be printing on), you will not need bleed.
File formats and resolution are important. Make sure you're using a preferred format to send to your printer. We prefer PDF files. 300 dpi is the minimum resolution for small format print products (eg: business cards, posters, etc). For large format products where less detail is needed, a lower dpi resolution is okay - and usually helps to make for a smaller file size.
If you're ever uncertain about your file, we can look it over for you and let you know what needs to be corrected.