The Answers to Your Printing Questions (Printing FAQ):
Here at Lexington Printing, we want all of our customers to be comfortable with our processes and have access to information that guides you in your print ordering. And that’s why we created the Printing FAQ. Below, you will find some common questions that our customers often ask. If you cannot find the answer to your question below, please visit our contact page and send us a message.
1. What type of products and services do you provide?
Please view our “Services” page for more products and services.
2. How do I get a quote/estimate from you?
There are several ways to contact us. You can email, call, fax or visit us at our office location. See the “Contact” page for more information. We have sales representatives that will come to you if you are unable to leave your workplace.
3. What resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
All photographs need to be at least 300dpi and in CMYK mode. We don’t use RGB mode in printing since they will not print properly. Images from the internet are normally 72-96dpi and are too low of a resolution to print; therefore avoid those types of images when possible. Vector graphics need to be saved as .EPS, .PDF or .AI There’s no need to worry about resolution with vector graphics since there are scalable and will print correctly at any size.
4. What is a proof and why is it important for me to look at it?
A proof is a copy of your document after all requested changes and modifications have been completed. Usually, this is the last step before it goes to press, so it’s important that you look over the document carefully to make sure it is what you want. This helps us delivery the correct print job flawlessly and accurately the first time around. A proof can either be a “hard-proof” which is a physical piece of paper, or a “soft-proof” which is an electronic document (usually in PDF form) that is emailed to you.
5. What is the Pantone Matching System?
The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a color standard for colors than span the entire spectrum. Each color is indentified by its own unique number, thus allowing us to match and maintain color consistency throughout production.
6. Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?
To keep things simple, printers and monitors produce colors in different ways. Monitors use the RGB (red, green, blue) spectrum that recreates a wider spectrum of color. Printers use CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) which has the capability of reproducing a majority of the color spectrum. However, there are colors in the RGB spectrum that graphics applications will try and mimic with the CMYK color mode. This results in colors that are not exactly the same as what the RGB model produces. Also, monitors use transmitted light to create color whereas printed material relies on reflective light and screen angles to achieve accurate colors. In a sense, the CMYK process is one big illusion.
7. What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?
The PDF (Portable Document Format) is the most widely used file format for submitting documents. Many popular creative and word processing applications are capable of creating PDF files. Commercial and free PDF printer drivers are available online from different sources.
8. Once I submit the documents, how long will it take to finish my job?
After you have submitted your documents, the turnaround time may vary from an hour to several days depending on the complexity and size of the job. We will do our best to give you an accurate turnaround estimate and have your job completed when you need it.