Print Product FAQ

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.

You will need to ensure that there is necessary bleed and safety on your print files. Ask us for print specs.

File formats and resolution are important. Make sure you're using a preferred format to send to your printer. We prefer PDF files. 300 ppi is the minimum resolution for small format print products (eg: business cards, posters, etc). For large format products where less detail is needed, a resolution lower than 300 ppi (generally 150 ppi - 200 ppi) 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 using our Spec Check service. Alternatively, use our free Print Prep Checklist to follow standard technical guidelines. If, however, you prefer to have us check over all of the technical print specifications and make the necessary adjustments, we can do this too! Please email us your final design file in an editable format (.svg) and include your print product details. We charge a small fee for this service. It does not include design/text/image edits.

C1S = Coated 1 Side

Slightly glossy sheen on one side. Not the best for writing on. Some ink may smudge.

The reverse side is uncoated, which makes it great for writing on. Popular C1S uses are:

• appointment cards
• business cards
• greeting cards
• postcards
• packaging

C2S = Coated 2 Sides

While you can still write with some pens on C2S if needed, it may smudge. Popular C2S uses are:

• business cards
• posters
• postcards
• customer rewards cards
• event tickets