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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Got a printing question? You’ve come to the right place. And if you don’t see the answer you need, give us a call. We’re more than happy to help.

life saver ring on a wall, printing questions
  1. Image Concepts is a full-service custom manufacturing shop. We specialize in large format printing, digital printing, specialty die cutting, bindery, promotional packaging and more. To learn more about all of our products and services, head over to the Products & Services tab.

  2. Our online estimate request form is a quick and easy way for us to get you an estimate. For a more in-depth conversation about your organization’s needs and your vision for your project, we recommend you give us a call at 216-524-9000.

  3. Tips on how to save your design files

    Here’s a brief overview of how to save certain files for print. You can always reach out to us and we can walk you through how to get your files print ready.

    CORELDRAW: Saving your CorelDraw file as an Adobe Illustrator EPS

    •  Embed all Images
    •  Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
    •  Export as Illustrator EPS

    FREEHAND:

    •  Embed all Images
    •  Convert all your text/copy to paths
    •  Export as Illustrator EPS or PDF

    PAGEMAKER:

    • Saving your PageMaker file as an EPS
    • Embed all Images
    • Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
    • Export your file as an EPS using the below settings:

      • Postscript Level 2
      • CMYK Mode
      • TIFF format
      • Binary

    PUBLISHER: You will need to have the full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF. If you don’t, please download Adobe Acrobat PDF and use our Adobe Job Ready Program. If you do have the full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF please follow the steps below:

    • Under File, Print, select Adobe PDF writer.
    • Under Properties select Press Quality and save your PDF.
  4. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?

    Resolution should be set to 300 dpi. Pictures and graphics pulled from the internet are often low resolution, typically 72 dpi or 96 dpi. Avoid these graphics, as they will appear pixelated and blocky when printed.

    Also note that you should try to save all photos in CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) mode—not RGB (red, green, blue) mode. Images saved in RGB mode may not print properly. If you are unable to save your image in CMYK, please let us know.

  5. What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?

    In printing terms, a proof is the first copy of your document with all the modifications and printing processes we plan to use for every copy. It is your last opportunity to make sure that the print job comes out the way you want. By carefully inspecting the proof, you can help us assure an accurate, flawless delivery of your print job on the first run.

  6. What is the Pantone Matching System?

    The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a color reproduction standard where all colors are identified by a unique, independent number. The use of PMS allows us to precisely match colors and maintain color consistency throughout the printing process.

  7. Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?

    In short, printers and monitors produce colors in different ways. Monitors use the RGB (red, green, blue) color model. Printers use the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color model, which can reproduce most—but not all—of the colors in the RGB color model.
    
When a digital design includes an RGB color that is out of the range of the CMYK model, the printer chooses what it thinks is the closest CMYK color. Programs like Adobe Photoshop allow you to choose which CMYK color to use. Other programs may not.

    When a color is selected from the RGB model that is out of the range of the CMYK model, the application chooses what it thinks is the closest color that will match. Programs like Adobe Photoshop will allow you to choose which color will be replaced. Others may not.

  8. Is white considered a printing color?

    Not typically. White is usually the default color of paper, so white spaces are spaces without any ink. However, white ink may be used on colored paper if any text or graphic requires it.

  9. What file format should I use when submitting my digital document for printing?

    PDF (Portable Document Format) is the most common and preferred file format for submitting digital documents. With the installation of a PDF print driver on your computer, virtually any program can generate a PDF file suitable for printing. Both commercial and free PDF print drivers are available online for download.

  10. Once I submit the documents, how long will it take to finish my job?

    Image Concepts can complete simple jobs in less than an hour. Some jobs, however, may take several days to complete depending on their complexity and size. We always strive to provide an accurate estimate of the turnaround time for each job. And we’ll always work with you to set up timelines that work within your schedule.

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