FAQ's in Printing

Our preferred file type is PDF, however we also accept Photoshop (PSD), Illustrator (AI), and JPG/JPEG. We do not accept Word Documents (DOC, DOCX), Microsoft Publisher (PUB, PUBX), Adobe InDesign (INDD), Quark (QXD), or Powerpoint files. Export a press-ready PDF for best results.

Please set your files to CMYK color mode for accurate printing. Sending in RGB may cause unexpected color shifts.

We recommend your files be at least 300dpi resolution for anything smaller than 11" x 17".

Bleed must extend past the cut-line and will be trimmed during the final cutting phase. Use our artwork templates for accuracy. Keep important text inside the safe zone.

Regular black without color correction can look washed out. For rich black, use CMYK values:
C 60% M 40% Y 40% K 100%

Ensure at least a 30% difference between Cyan and Magenta in CMYK:
C 100%
M 70%
Y 0%
K 0%
To make the blue darker, add more K (black).

Create a separate Spot UV/FOIL mask file in black and white. Black = UV/FOIL, White = untouched. Use CMYK: C 0 M 0 Y 0 K 100.

Standard 20pt plastic cards don’t use white ink. White areas stay clear/frosted. Only 30mil plastic cards support white ink (extra cost). Clear cards scratch easily but include protective film.

• Leave at least 0.25" space free of ink on glued edge.
• Avoid full-color/solid backgrounds – they reduce readability and writability.
• Light ink coverage is recommended.

Glossy UV coating adds shine, enhances colors, and protects. Matte finish reduces glare for a soft, smooth look. Spot Gloss UV highlights specific areas for vibrant contrast.

Cardstock is measured in “points” (1pt = .001”). Higher = thicker.
Bookweight paper (100lb) is lighter, glossy, and flexible.
100lb Gloss Book: medium weight, coated both sides.
100lb Gloss Cover: thicker, durable for brochures/folders.
14pt: .014” thick, standard for cards.
16pt: .016” thick, about 15% heavier, best with matte or UV coating.

We print in CMYK. RGB is for screens, and some colors (fluorescent green, bright neon) cannot be reproduced. Pantone requires custom printing at extra cost.

No, we print in batches for affordability, so exact color matching isn’t possible. Minor color shifts (up to 10%) may occur between runs or paper types. Pantone matching requires custom printing.

Cracking happens with heavy ink coverage (dark matte cards). It’s sensitive during cutting. Use lighter colors to reduce cracking.

Scored + UV coated jobs may crack when folded. Ordering without UV can reduce (but not eliminate) cracking.

Standard radius is 1/4". We also have 1/8" radius upon request.

EDDM = Every Door Direct Mail (USPS). Businesses send marketing to local routes. You must bundle postcards (50s) and label routes. USPS rules apply. We can handle setup/delivery for a fee. Learn more at USPS EDDM.

Bundling = sorting into packs of 50/100 for USPS. May add 1–2 days turnaround. Max 25,000 pieces.

14pt Metallic Pearl has embedded pearl fibers for a shimmering look. CMYK colors gain subtle shine. Often used for cards or invitations.

Light cream, smooth finish, 30% post-consumer content. Used for cards and invitations.

NCR (No Carbon Required) forms provide multicolored duplicates of handwritten/typed info. Available in 2-part (White, Canary) or 3-part (White, Canary, Pink), glued on short edge.

Yes, they are pre-collated in 2-part or 3-part sets and glued on the short edge.

By default, NCR forms are printed in black. Full-color CMYK is available if selected (same artwork on all sheets).

NCR forms are used for order forms, invoices, packing lists, applications, receipts — especially where handwritten entries are needed.