Printing and Production

Dimension sizes: flat and finished
Many printed pieces have 2 dimension sizes. The flat size of a printed product after trimming, but before any finishing operations that affect its final size, such as folding. For example: An event program’s flat size could be 8.5”x11” then fold and stapled to 8.5”x5.5”.

Is a proof required
Once we receive your file(s), we can print one proof for you to approve before printing the entire project. This process verifies that we have received the correct information for size, text, ink colours and finishing of your project.

Finishing required
Finishing operations could include bindery work, such as folding, trimming, bookbinding, die-cutting or inserting.

Production time
This is the time that it takes to manufacture your order. Production time begins after your proof approval. Most projects are completed next day from proofing. Booklets, catalogs, multi-page calendar printing, pocket folders may have longer production times.

Image resolution
Image resolution, like those made with Photoshop, should be set at 300 dpi. Enlarging an image will lower the resolution while reducing an image will increase the resolution. Enlarging an image in a layout program is not recommended. Images less than 300 dpi could reproduce poorly looking fuzzy or pixilated. Images from the Internet are not recommended as most images on the web are 72 dpi and will print fuzzy or pixilated. An unfavourable image cannot be resaved as a different type of file. For example, you cannot place a gif file in Photoshop and resave it as an EPS format. This does not change the print quality of the file. If you have to use low resolution images, we will proceed only after you have approved the quality of print.

Sending large files
We have a convenient online (ftp) file transfer. However, you can supply us with a CD or USB flashdrive. Be sure to include contact information and quote reference. Print Digital will not be responsible for any loss of data or damage of media.

Viewing files on a monitor
RGB stands for Red, Green and Blue. These colours are used for digital cameras, scanners, computer monitors and TV screens. Files must be converted from RGB to CMYK when printing on a digital press. CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black and are the ink colours used in the printing process. Printing with these four colours is often referred to as full-colour or 4-colour printing.

Bleed
If you are wanting the colour to go to the trimmed edge of your printed piece one important custom printing term to know is a bleed. Bleed refers to an extra .125” / 5mm of image that extends beyond the trim area of your printed piece. To accommodate a bleed, we print the bleed larger than the final trim size. Bleeds require more paper and production time.

What is your file's safe area?
The safe area or inner margin in which to keep all important file elements, and to prevent them from being trimmed off, should be at least .25” / 8mm inside the edge of the final trim size.

Folding
A customer supplied folded mock-up should be included with fold-line indicators as part of the file to assist us in the correct panel layout, and fold direction.

Trim to size
Trim marks indicate where to trim the printed sheet or the edge of the paper. Similar to crop marks.