We want to make sure that you know exactly how we work so that we can give you the best possible experience. We’ve compiled this guide to our policies to better serve you.

 

1. Payment in full is required up front, prior to production. All work requests will be held until outstanding invoices are paid in full.
2. All work production dates begin the date Color Copies Phoenix (CCP) receives payment, not the work request (ie: If a project request is received on Tuesday but payment is not received until the following Wednesday, then Wednesday will be considered the first day of the project).
3. Once payment is received and we receive confirmation that work is to proceed, your payment becomes nonrefundable. If you contact us immediately after the confirmation we will make our best efforts to halt printing but we offer no guarantee.
4. By confirming that the work is to begin, you commit to having CCP complete the entire job as outlined and forfeit any right, to receive a refund. If we receive a request for a refund prior to the beginning of the work, CCP reserves the right to pass through any fees charged to them by payment processing vendors as a result of the refund request.

IMAGE SUBMISSION & WORK QUALITY

Sometimes images received do not meet our quality standards and we will address this when the first proof is created. At this time we will contact you for a new image to ensure the integrity of the work is maintained.

Resolution (DPI) = 300

300 DPI (dots per inch) is the recommended minimum resolution for any print document. You can submit files that are higher than 300 DPI but anything higher than 600 DPI will not have a noticeable difference in print quality. Any files uploaded that are less than 300 DPI may have noticeable quality issues such as blurred / pixilated images and text. Please be aware that we print the files that you send to us no matter the resolution so carefully check the resolution of the files before you upload.

Color Space = CMYK

For the best color reproduction design send your file in CMYK. CMYK is the recommended color space and the native printing colors of our printers. Many programs have a default color space of RGB, which is the color space of computer monitors. If you upload a file that is RGB you may see a noticeable difference between the colors of the file you upload and the final product. Since we are a digital printer and do not use inks we are unable to accommodate those looking to reproduce specific spot / Pantone colors. When a RGB file is printed in CMYK, many neon or bright colors cannot be reproduced so these colors will appear darker on the final product. For the best color reproduction design your file in CMYK.

Fonts = Embedded

All fonts should be embedded or converted to outlines/curves. If you are using third party or free fonts found on the internet it is best to embed these fonts when creating a PDF. Some programs like Adobe Illustrator have the ability to convert the fonts to outlines / curves which is essentially the same as embedding the fonts. By embedding fonts you will insure that when we receive your file that your fonts look the same on our end as they do on yours. If you do not embed your fonts and said fonts are not available on our system then you run the risk of the text and possibly the layout being different on your copies.

File Type = PDF

PDF is the preferred file type to upload. A PDF file contains the most information that is useful to our printers to successfully reproduce your digital files. You may upload other files such as Word, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign but you will be required to approve a PDF proof of these files before we can begin production. By uploading a PDF file we can begin production on your order right away without having to send you a PDF proof. We can also accept flat image files such as a JPG which require no proof approval. If you are on a time crunch and need your copies right away then please upload a PDF or JPG file.

Trim, Bleed & Margin?

Trim, Bleed & Margin is the most important concept of a print job. Everything else is just either technical application instructions or adjustments to enhance quality.

1. Trim (black) is where the product will be trimmed/cut.
2. Bleed (red) is a safe zone outside the trim area.
3. Margin (purple) is a safe zone inside the trim area. Your job will look more professional if you do not crowd your information near the edges of your paper.

Trim

Paper is a product of nature, and as such it is ”alive”. While we try to ensure that our papers are kept in check, one might, for example, be a millimeter shorter than the next. This means that if the product is double sided, the second side will not be printed in the exact same spot as the paper before. When cut, it will make the paper show. Bleed and margins makes the problem disappear (at least visually).

Bleed?

If the print shifts, bleed makes it possible to still use the product. Without bleed, there would be an ugly paper border. The first image shows what happens without bleed, the second image when properly done. Important! Always use .125″ bleed on each side. While less would be enough, .125″ is both easy to remember and somewhat of a standard so that’s what we require.  

Margin?

Bleeds are the outer safe guards and margins the inner. If text is too close to the border, it might be cut.  Straight lines too close to the trim might look skewed. Margins creates an optical illusion and fools the eye. Note! We recommend at least .25″ margins for text and straight lines. While you can use less, we can’t guarantee a good looking end result. Source: whyprint.fi