Still can't find the answer to your question, need more info or clarification? Send an email to support@creativegraphicsonline.com and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible.
Do I need a PayPal account to make my purchase? No. You do not need a PayPal account to order or pay for a purchase. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover & Bank Cards and use PayPal to process the payments and documentation. If you have an existing PayPal account, you can use your payment preferences as you would for any other purchase or enter Credit Card information for your purchase. What File Format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?
Our pricing and production times are based on receiving print ready PDF's with no proof required. We do work with a number of programs and will accept Quark Xpress, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Pagemaker, Freehand, and Microsoft Programs as long as all files are built to final size and include bleed, all images and fonts to prevent delays in production or additional costs.
If you are using a program not listed below, send us a note to support@creativegraphicsonline.com and someone from our Creative Design Team will get back to with a solution as quickly as possible.
At what Resolution should I save my Photos and Graphics?
Resolution should be set to a minimum of 300 dpi.
Pictures and graphics pulled from the internet are often low resolution, typically 72 dpi or 96 dpi. Avoid these graphics, as they will appear pixilated and blocky when printed.
Be sure to save all files in CMYK mode (see Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?). If you aren't sure how to save your image in CMYK mode, we have file tips listed below. Tips on File Format Set up
Many layout programs have collecting or packaging functions that will automatically collect your document, fonts, and supporting documents. It is recommended to use these functions because without any or all of these elements we will be unable to print your files properly. • Enclose all screen fonts and printer fonts • Include all placed images • Make sure your files are set with proper BLEED, TRIM and SAFETY areas. BLEED: All art trimming off the edge MUST be pulled out 1/8” (.125) beyond the trim line TRIM: This is the actual cut edge of the final product SAFETY: All art and text within this safety area will assure that nothing will be trimmed off during the cutting process and help prevent uneven margins
QUARK XPRESS: When printing from Quark, we need all fonts and images used to be included for the highest quality possible. Failure to include these items may cause your file to print incorrectly and at a low resolution. • Under the file menu, go to "Collect for Output." • Make sure that everything under the "Collect" header is checked. • Create a new folder for your files and click "Save." • Please either save the folder to a disk or zip/stuff the file and send it via email/ftp.
INDESIGN: When printing from InDesign, we need all fonts and images used to be included for the highest quality possible. Failure to include these items may cause your file to print incorrectly and at a low resolution. • Under the file menu, go to "Package." • It is not necessary to fill out the "instructions" pop up. Click continue. • Make sure the boxes at the bottom of the dialog box are checked. • Click "Save." • A new folder will be created containing everything we need for your file. • Please either save the folder to a disk or zip/stuff the file and send it via email or our ftp site.
ILLUSTRATOR: When printing from Illustrator, we will need all fonts and images. Be sure to create outlines of all text. • Select everything on the page. • Under the Type menu, choose "Create Outlines."
PHOTOSHOP: We will accept Photoshop files that are set to the actual print size, a minimum resolution of 300 dpi with .125 bleeds and margins.
COREL DRAW: We may be able to use your file if it is output as an Illustrator EPS. • Embed all Images • Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts • Export as Illustrator EPS The following are Older Programs and are Not Supported:
FREEHAND: We may be able to use your file if you are able to save a high resolution PDF or Illustrator EPS file. • Embed all Images • Convert all your text/copy to paths • Export as Illustrator EPS or PDF
PAGEMAKER: We may be able to use your file if you are able to save a high resolution PDF or Illustrator EPS file. MICROSOFT WORD, PUBLISHER, EXCEL, and POWERPOINT: These are NOT professional printing programs. In order to create a print ready PDF, you will need a full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF and follow the steps below. • Under File, Print, select Adobe PDF writer. • Under Properties select Press Quality and Save your PDF.
What is a "proof"?
A proof is a representation of how your order will print. It is important to review your proofs carefully before you approve for printing. Be sure that everything is positioned as you want it to appear on your final product. A PDF (Portable Document Format) is an electronic proof that can be viewed for accuracy & position. We can produce a Hard Proof (produced on paper for physical review) and ship it directly to you for an additional fee - production will not begin until we receive written approval to proceed with your order. We are not responsible for typos, poor color choices, low resolution images, etc. made by users during the order and approval process.
What is the Pantone Matching System?
The Pantone Matching System® (PMS) is a color reproduction standard in which colors all across the spectrum are each identified by a unique, independent number. The use of PMS allows us to precisely match colors and maintain color consistency throughout the printing process.
What is Variable Data printing?
Variable data printing is a technology that "personalizes" each document during the printing process. The data can be as simple as a Name and mailing address to unique graphics and content specific to the end user. A good example might be an offer from a company with your name or account number referenced in more than one place, a special discount or coupon based on a reward program, information about a recent purchase, etc. What do I need to provide for Variable Data projects?
Microsoft Excel files work best with our systems. Send an email to support@creativegraphicsonline.com for information about proper data formats and production schedules. If you are unsure of what may be required for a particular variable project, give us a call for a free consultation 1.877.447.5044.
What kind of work does your shop do?
Copy Services • Our high-speed state-of-the-art duplicators can produce Color Copies, Large format (Blueprints) or B & W (Black only) Copies efficiently and economically. Offset Printing Services • With one-color to full-color offset printing capabilities, we can offer a variety of options to best meet your needs. Digital Printing Services •
Bindery Services • We have a full bindery and finishing department to cut, fold, collate, staple, saddle stitch, GBC bind, perforate, score, number, shrinkwrap, kit pack, custom label and carton pack. Just let us know what you need and we will do what we can to fit your project requirements or offer a viable solution. Design Services • We offer a full range of design services. From logo design to marketing collateral, we will work with your camera ready copy, digital files or start from scratch to design a product that will make the most of every business contact. Mailing Services • We can do all the work needed to get your mailing project completed. From the purchase of a custom mailing list, Pre-sort, Dupe/Elim, data formatting & NCOA services for postage savings, variable data printing to delivering to your project to the post office (it's actually right across the street from us).
Why do the Printed Colors look Different from the colors on my Screen?
In short, printers and monitors produce colors in different ways. Monitors use the RGB (red, green, blue) color model, which usually supports a wider spectrum of colors. Printers use the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color model, which can reproduce most - but not all - of the colors in the RGB color model. Depending on the equipment used, CMYK generally matches 85 - 90% of the colors in the RGB model.
When a color is selected from the RGB model that is out of the range of the CMYK model, the application chooses what it thinks is the closest color that will match. Programs like Adobe Photoshop will allow you to choose which color will be replaced. Others may not.
Is White considered a printing color?
For the products we offer on this website - No. Because white is the default color of most printing projects, it is simply recognized as the absence of ink. What is a Corporate Portal? A corporate portal is basically an online ordering site that offers products and services determined by the customer. Web to print technologies were developed in response to customer requests for an easier way to place orders for frequently used items or repeat orders, maintain brand standards, allow multiple locations or ordering parties access to managed goods and decrease costs by eliminating several steps of the ordering and production process.
How long does it take for you to complete my order?
Production time (in our pricing calculators) refers to the amount of time it will take to complete your order from the time we receive proof approval. Each item has several production time options based on business days (excludes weekends and holidays). If you need something quicker just let us know - we will do everything possible to help you get your finished product on time.