FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

1: What kind of Files do you take?
Please use industry standard graphics programs such as Photoshop, Quark, Illustrator, Indesign and Corel Draw. If you are using any other programs like Pagemaker, Power Point, etc. please save the file as a tiff, bmap, eps, or jpeg at 300dpi quality.

2: Can I send you a Word file?
No you can't because it loses all formatting when imported into our graphics programs. Please see our Computer File Specifications Sheet for proper file formats.

3: What is bleed?
When you print a color card on white stock you don't want the card to have a white edge if your business card has an image or background that goes to the edge of your card. In order for us to print you a card that is 2x3.5 or 4x6 etc. You need to design your card larger than it will be when it is cut down. A 2x3.5 card should be set up at 2.125x3.625 with the image or color extending to fill that entire space. Add .062 inches all the way around your card for bleed. If you don't do this and you leave a white border or black border for bleed, when your card is cut down it will have an edge of white or whatever color you put in there. If you have a photograph some of the image HAS to get cut off so you don't get a white edge. Accept that and design accordingly. If you want to leave a border make sure it's a 1/4 inch thick otherwise it will not look even when it is cut down. See our templates for detailed instructions.

4: What size file should I make for my card?
For business cards, you should make your card 2.125 x 3.625 which will be cut down to 2” x 3.5”. The extra 1/16th inch around the card is required for cutting purposes and is called a bleed. For 4” x 6” postcards you will make your file 4.125” x 6.125”. For all other sizes, just add the required bleed of 0.125 inch. Note: Make sure your type is set in at least another 1/8th inch from the final cut down size of card.

5: What kind of paper are my cards printed on?
All business and postcards are printed on 14 pt C2S. premium stock which is coated on both sides.

6: How do I calibrate my monitor?
E-mail us and ask for a calibration file and printed postcard. You will need Photoshop to calibrate your monitor properly.

7: What resolution should my images be in?
To ensure that your pictures come out as crisp and clear as you see them on your monitor, we highly recommend that you save all your .tiffs at 300 dpi. Note: Do not expand, blow up or re-image a low resolution image to 300 DPI. (This process does not enhance the actual picture it just creates a larger file size.) Sometimes you can bypass this rule if you have a large ( ie. 8" x 11") low resolution picture (72 DPI) and you want to reduce its size to (1 x 1.38) and increase its resolution to 300 dpi.

8: Are your operations MAC or PC based?
We are both. We have the latest G5 Power Macs. for Macintosh users and Pentium IV processers for PC users.

9: What do I do if I don’t have a computer file?
Many prospective customers don't have the resources or know how to create a computer file but would like to get postcards and business cards in color. We recommend you hire a professional Graphic Designer, who will be able to create it for you. If you do not know of one we can recommend one for you.

10: I live in the United States, do I have to pay those horrendous Canadian taxes?
Fortunately No! Free Trade has brought down the tax barriers and US customers can freely place orders without worrying about paying tax.

11. Can you print my business or postcards on a different color paper stock?
For larger businesses who order 30 or more business cards or 12 or more postcards we can. Otherwise our routine printing is on 12 pt premium, double coated, white stock.

12. Do you print in pantone colors?
We recommend that you convert your pantone colors into the nearest CMYK equivalent. However, we can print spot colors on your cards but it is expensive because you do not share the cost of this special color with the other customers on the flat.