Most common problems (which may lead to delays and/or additional charges)

Missing or Corrupted Files:
Remember to send/upload everything necessary to print your order (i.e. Fonts & images). Be sure to compress the files using standard file compression software such as WinZip and StuffIt. Missing and/or corrupted files can delay your order. We maintain a large library of fonts, yet there are over 20,000 different fonts out there, and we can't possibly have them all. Even if we happen to have a font with the same name as the ones you use, it's possible that they were designed by different companies, and are not identical. Any differences can cause type to reflow, lines to get cut off, hyphenation to change, etc.

Most graphic software applications only store a preview image in the files they create, and must retrieve the original graphic files prior to printing. We frequently receive files without the linked graphic files, which delays the job while we wait for these graphic files to be sent.

Make sure you properly layout how your piece folds.
It is sometimes obvious how a piece should be folded and/or backed up. However, quite frequently it is not. Please make sure that your piece is properly laid out. Once your piece is printed it's too late to adjust it for folding. We can't always check to see if you have laid out your files properly. Use our templates or contact us for help if you aren't sure.

Image Quality
Most of the problematic scans we receive have been scanned at too low resolution. Avoid low quality image sources (website images, low quality digital cameras, clip art, emailed images). We recommend using at least 300 DPI for best quality. If scanning, please scan your images at the intended print size.

Failure to make your files bleed when required.
In most graphic programs, making an image bleed is as easy as placing all images such that they extend 1/8 inch beyond the border of the page. Though it is easy to set your files to bleed while you are creating your piece, it is time consuming to alter your design once it gets to us.

Color Matching
Images must be provided in CMYK color mode. RGB images should not be sent as the automatic conversation may results in color shifts. If your images are ONLY Black & White, DO NOT save them as CMYK. Save them in GRAYSCALE Mode. Process colors and PMS colors must be specified in application color palettes.

Need help or have questions about your files? Call us toll free at 1.800.656.8883 (832.201.2000 in Houston)