Blog Posts
How can I check the status of my order?
Your order status will be e-mailed to you in the following stages:
- After successful placement of order online
- After checking your files by our prepress department
- After completion & finishing of your job
You can also check the status of your order by contacting our Customer Service Representatives using our Live Chat 8:30 am – 5:00 pm PST or by visiting the My Space page on our website.
What are the different types of proofs?
PREPRESS PROOFS
- Analog Proofs – Hard proofs because they are printed on paper or other material.
- Contact Proofs – A contact proof is a type of monochrome prepress proof. Bluelines and Velox are common types of inexpensive contact proofs. A contact proof is generally (though not always) meant primarily to show layout and copy.
- Blueline – Usually inexpensive, photographic proof from negatives where all colors are shown in blue (or another color) is called a blueline.
- Color Proofs – Also known as Colorkey or Laminate Proofs. These proofs are created from the film separations that places each ink color on a separate clear acetate sheet or film material then either stacked together in alignment (registered) over paper stock or laminated together.
- Digital Proofs
- Hard Proofs – A color prepress proofing method where a job is printed from the digital file using inkjet, color lasler, dye sublimation or thermal wax print technologies to give a good approximation of what the final printed piece will look like. The digital proof is generally less expensive than other prepress proofs. Digital proofs can often be produced on the actual paper stock of the job adding another element of accuracy. They aren’t as accurate for checking trapping and identifying moire problems as overlay and laminate proofs.
- Soft Proofs – Also known as PDF or Monitor Proofs are image displayed on a video monitor to visually simulate the expected printing results. It can not be used for exact color matching since it employs the RGB color spectrum of your monitor. It is useful for reviewing content and color breaks.
PRESS PROOF
- Used on press checks, it is a proof from the printing press, plates, and actual inks specified for the job. A press proof is used to verify images, tone values, colors, and imposition. Because it involves setting up the job and running a proof on the actual paper to be used, it is normally done with the designer on-site (and sometimes your customer as well). It’s your last chance to get it right and can add additional cost to the job.
What are proofs?
A general term for a variety of options to show a reasonably close result of what your file will look like when printed.
What is Direct-to-plate [digital] printing?
Digital printing is not an ink-on-paper process; it’s a toner-on-paper process. The toner lays on top of the paper, whereas ink soaks into the paper with offset printing. Digital printing can be faster than offset printing because it eliminates the step of producing film, and drying time isn’t necessary because there is no ink involve. The job can get pulled off the presses and into the finishing stages immediately. However, since digital printing is not an ink-on-paper process, the look and feel of a digitally printed piece will not be the same as a project printed on an offset machine. For example, if you plan to print solids over a fold or spine, the toner may flake off. Talk to your printer about what to expect, and ask for samples of their work on the paper stock you intend to use.
If you’re producing a project that requires variable data, such as the personalization of direct mail pieces, digital printing is a great tool to accomplish your goals.
It’s also possible to print a job using a combination of offset and digital printing. This creates a whole new set of opportunities and challenges.
Benefits of Digital Printing
- Cost-effective for short runs (less than 1000)
- Fast
- Variable data capability on some presses
Disadvantages of Digital Printing
The print techniques you may be used to with an offset press may vary with digital equipment. Here are some highlights.
- Looking for a full bleed? You’ll need a larger sheet. Toner won’t extend off the edges. For example, if you want to print a full bleed on an 8.5 x 11.5 sheet, you’ll need to print your image on a larger sized sheet and trim it down.
- Thin lines or small type reproduced in color may not print as well on digital presses as on offset presses because registration is not always exact. Avoid knock-out type.
- Digital equipment does not offer spot colors or special finishing techniques such as varnishes.
- Large blocks of solid may present problems such as flaking and banding.
- Not as exact in reproducing match colors.
- Screen (match colors printed at less than 100%) may appear pixelized.