File Formatting Questions
Q: What is the preferred file type when submitting our projects not through the website?
An editable .PDF in CMYK format is most preferred, but we are willing to work with you, and will let you know if your format won’t be optimal for print. Other accepted formats inclide JPEG, PSD, EPR, and TIFF.
Q: What is this DPI?
DPI stands for "dots per inch". Technically the more dots per inch per better. For small format work we prefer 600dpi but will accept 300dpi. If your file is any less than that, it may cause issues with the output of your design.
File Upload Questions:
Q: How do I submit my file to you?
There are many options to accomplish this task:
We are sorry but our telepathy method is still in beta, and not currently available at this time.
Q: What happens once my file is uploaded?
If you placed an order, it will be processed in the amount of time listed/chosen on the order page. If you uploaded it any other way, someone may be in contact to verify everything is allright, or to get more information to begin the order process.
If you requested a hard or pdf proof, you will receive the file shortly. We will not be able to process your order until you contact us and let us know you approve the proof. The sooner we hear back from you, the sooner we can deliver your job.
Questions on color:
What do they mean by CMYK?
CMYK is a color process you select when setting up your file. It is the common color process that printers use. Most color printers have 4 color types, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and BlacK. The computer uses these four colors to create your color prints.
What do they mean by RGB?
RGB, or Red, Green, Blue is for used most used to be viewed on computer and Web.
I am from Portland and only use shades of grey in my artwork. Your name is ColorHaus. Do you offer black and white prints?
We too appreciate the dark gloomy days of Portland but do not actively advertise the joys of greyscale on our website. While our focus is in digital color, we are absolutely capable of black and white prints, usually for a better rate than listed on the website itself. Please give us a call or submit a quote on our website and we will get back to you shortly.
Questions on Paper Types:
Small Format:
Matte Text - High quality paper you would use for copies and letterhead. Choose 70# or 80# Gloss Text - High quality paper you would use for copies and letterhead with a glossy finish. Choose 80# or 100# Matte Cover Stock - A 110lb card stock that does not have a shiny appearance on either site. Choose 60#, 80#, 100#, or 110# Gloss Cover Stock - C2S card stock that appears shiny on both sides. C2S refers to it being coated on both sides. Choose 12pt or 14pt Gloss Cover / Matte Back - C1S stands for glossy on one side, matte on the other. Choose 12pt or 14pt
Large Format:
- 20# Plotter bond is traditionally used for architectural and engineering projects. Great for floor plans and CAD drawings.
- 46# Presentation Bond is a thick matte paper. The ink dries to the paper creating a deep saturation of colors. This paper is perfect for prints that do not require a shiny finish.
- 8 Mil Photo Satin is a photo style paper with a satin finish.
- 10 Mil Photo Satin is a slightly stronger photo paper with a satin finish.
- Water Color Paper is a thick and textured paper stock that creates a very real touch when creating prints from your fine art or photography.
- Canvas - Print your designs on canvas material. Create digital prints that look like your original designs.
Questions on Finishing:
Types of Folds:
We can offer the other ways of folding on request, but for the sake of the website and the children, we are keeping options easy.
Types of Binding:
Plastic Comb Binding - Comb binding is a type of binding where use a piece of plastic with "teeth" that fit into rectangular holes in the paper. It allows your documents to lay flat when opened. Comb binding is an inexpensive but professional looking option.
Coil Binding - A continuous coil of wire or plastic passes through many little holes along one side of the papers.Plastic coils can add a fun, colorful look to your project. If you are interested in different color options, send us an email to see what we have in stock. We can also order colors that aren't in stock.
Wire Binding - Like the coil binding, but sturdier than both coil and plastic. The wire forms teeth or double loops that fit into rectangular holes in the paper. You see this type of binding most often with sketchbooks.
Saddle Stitch - Don't let the name fool you, it is a binding that features one or more staples in the spine of the book or booklet. Saddle-Stitched most commonly used to bind booklets and catalogs. Our saddle stitching is 100% free range grain fed and horse meat and gluten free.
Velo Binding - Used way back in the day for old accounting books of dot-matrix paper. It involves punching several small holes along the edge of an unbound book. then a plastic strips are inserted to hold the book/papers together. The advantage to velo binding, is the document lays flat, which makes it good for filing far far away. We do have this service available for the nostalgic at heart.
Perfect Binding - is an adhesive based binding and is traditionally how most paperback books are bound. While we can't do this in house, we have agreements with local partners who can get this portion of the job completed.
Types of Mounting:
Foam Core - A strong, lightweight rigid material used for the mounting of photographic prints, signs and displays. Our 3/16" foam core has a thin layer of polystyrene foam on the inside, with a paper coating on the outside. This gives structure and depth to your artwork. Choose black or white.
Gator Board - Is similar to foam core, is layer of polystyrene foam, but contains a much harder outer surface that is comprised of melamine and wood fibers. It gives a much stronger and rigid finish that is resistant to moisture. For long lasting presentation boards, retail displays, or posters, this is sure to last.
Museum Board - This is an archival grade matting and mounting board made out of 100% cotton fiber materials. Gives your posters and prints structure, without the depth of foam or gator board.
Enviroboard - An alternative to foam core but 100% recyclable. Provides a rigid backing, and strong enough to use again and again.
Sintra - A lightweight but rigid board made out of PVC. Excellent choice for outdoor use.
General Printing Terms:
Dots Per Inch (dpi):
A measurement of resolution of input, output and display devices. 300 dpi means that when printed, each square inch of your image will contain 90,000 pixels (dots), the higher the dpi (the more pixels per inch) the more crisp the printed image will be. Our electronic (digital files) have to have a resolution of at least 300 dpi. Anything less than that is considered as low resolution and may appear blurry when printed.
