Jargon Buster
CMYK: Cyan Magenta Yellow Key (Black)
NCR: No carbon required / Non-carbon reproducing
Pantone: Leading brand of colour matching
Is my file print ready?
File Format
We prefer to work with press ready PDFs. This is the safest and quickest way of ensuring that your artwork gets printed exactly as you expect.
To Size
Please ensure that your artwork is of the correct size using the document settings on your computer.
Colours
Please send PDF files that contain colours defined in CMYK or Pantone spot colours, as opposed to RGB (this is only suitable for viewing on screen). Unless you want us to print “spot colours”, please convert your document to CMYK before submitting it.
Please contact us if you would like help in creating press-ready PDFs.
What is bleed?
If printing to the edge of the page the PDF must have 3mm bleed. We print on oversize paper and trim the finished job down to your required size. If your image does not go right over the edge of the cutting line, there’s a chance that you will see some white edges on your final job. Always allow for 3mm of bleed on all edges. For example, an A6 postcard is 148mm x 105mm so your image area including bleed would need to be 154mm x 111mm to allow for the trim. Remember that the image in the 3mm frame will be cut off.
How should my PDF look when it has bleed?
How do I know if the artwork I have is high resolution or not?
For best quality results photos should contain enough pixels to be able to be printed: a minimum of 300ppi (pixels per inch) is the desired size for print.
What’s the difference between digital and offset litho printing?
Cost
Digital printing involves only a little setting up and then a cost for each copy; offset litho printing involves more setting up and a printing plate to create the first copy, but then the cost per copy is much cheaper. As a general guide, up to 500 items is cheaper printed digitally and over 500 is cheaper using offset litho. Our quotation software automatically checks the best cost options for you.
Speed
We generally turn around digital jobs in 2-3 working days and offset litho jobs in 5 working days. Although the digital print machine prints more slowly, the printed item is dry; whereas in offset litho printing real, wet ink is used and drying time is needed before cutting and boxing.
Colour
Digital printing always uses the full colour process to create different colours; offset litho printing can also do this, but in addition allows for dedicated ‘spot’ colours, which are very accurate and can include metallic silver and gold or fluorescent inks.
How do I pay?
We accept payment by BACS (bank details are on your order confirmation and invoice). We also accept debit and credit cards by phone and payment by cheque (allow one week to clear) or cash. Contactless card transactions are available on the premises.
Is there VAT on printing?
This is a complicated area. Broadly speaking, if the item is of a promotional, informational or publicity nature (flyers, brochures, newsletters etc) the item will be zero rated; items that you write on do incur VAT; services (e.g. artwork and design) when itemised separately may attract VAT. Please check with us if you are unsure or on the HMRC website.
Can you deliver outside the UK?
Yes, our couriers work internationally, so do talk to us and we can give you a price for overseas delivery.