FAQS

Are you a “green” company?

Absolutely! We take very seriously our role in preserving the environment and integrate numerous green practices into our daily operations. In addition to energy-efficient equipment and chemical-free technologies, we can perform many print jobs using recycled paper stock. If you would like to use recycled paper for your next print job, let us know. You’ll be pleased with the results and feel good about helping the environment, too.

At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?

Resolution should be set to 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.

Also note that you should save all photos in CMYK mode, not RGB mode when possible. Images saved in RGB mode may not print properly. If you are unable to save your image in CYMK mode, please let us know.

Do you offer storage?

Yes. We offer free storage of most products. In some cases, minimum quantities may apply.

How Do I Install Adobe PDF JobReady?

Click the link to download a pdf file that will take you step by step through the process of installing Adobe PDF JobReady and printing your first file!

How do I go about getting an estimate from you?

Well, since you are here, we would suggest you use our online estimate request form. Otherwise, the best way to ensure that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate quote, email your sales rep. If you do not have a sales rep, email us at tikuss@e-consortium.com

How long does it take for you to complete my order?

There really isn’t a short answer to this question. Some jobs can be produced in minutes and some jobs may take days. Let us know when you need your job completed and we’ll let you know if it can be done. We go to great lengths to meet your most stringent demands.

Is white considered a printing color?

Not typically. Because white is the default color of paper, it is simply recognized as the absence of any ink.

Tips on file format setups

Many layout programs have collecting or packaging functions that will automatically collect your document, fonts, all art including and a report. When possible, it is recommended to use these functions because without any or all of these elements we will be unable to print your projects.

• 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” beyond the trim line

• TRIM: This is the guideline where the piece will be cut

• SAFETY: All art and text within this safety area will assure that nothing will be trimmed off during the cutting process. A 1/4” guide in from the trim should work fine

Tips on how to save your design files

Make them print ready and acceptable for us to print.

• Saving your Corel Draw file as an Adobe Illustrator EPS

• Embed all Images

• Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts

• Export as Illustrator EPS

Freehand

• Embed all Images

• Convert all your text/copy to paths

• Export as Illustrator EPS or PDF

Saving your PageMaker file as an EPS

• Embed all Images

• Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts

Export your file as an EPS using the below settings:

Postscript Level 2, CMYK Mode, TIFF format, or Binary

You will need to have the full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF. If you don’t please download and use our Adobe Job Ready Program. If you do have the full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF please follow the steps: Under File, Print, select Adobe PDF writer. Under Properties select Press Quality and Save your PDF.

What are the comparative advantages of producing my job on your digital devices versus producing them on your offset presses?

The advantages of our digital devices are best realized on runs of 1000 or less requiring black or full color printing and where a fast turnaround is needed. On longer runs, offset printing would be the best alternative.

What do I need to provide for variable data projects?

We work with many types of data files, but CSV files are the safest bet. These are data files that have commas separating each field, and returns separating each line of data. To save time and hassle, make sure your data is properly formatted with each piece of data in separate fields.

Complex projects may require other files, like image files or additional data files. If you are unsure of what may be required for a particular variable project, give us a call for a free consultation.

What does personalization mean?

Personalization is another term for variable data—technology for printing documents so that each piece is personalized in some way to the specific recipient.

Personalizing can be as simple as a unique name and address on every printed piece. But more sophisticated levels of personalization can include text or images that vary based on data specific to the recipient, or data-driven graphics such as a pie chart illustrating something specific to the recipient.

What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?

PDF (Portable Document Format) is the most common and preferred file format for submitting digital documents. With the installation of a PDF print driver on your computer, virtually any program can generate a PDF file suitable for printing. Both commercial and free PDF print drivers are available online for download from different sources.

What forms of payment do you accept? Do we need this?

We accept cash, company check and all major credit cards. We can also set up a business account for you, as well. Contact us for details.

What is Adobe PDF JobReady?

To help you make PDF’s and send in your order we have an Adobe program called JobReady that you can download for FREE. JobReady automatically makes a PDF from your file, creates an order form and will send us your file directly from you desktop. All you need to do is follow the simply installation instructions. We promise once you have used Job Ready you will never want to use another application to transfer PDF’s again.

What is a “proof”?

A proof is a way of ensuring that what we have to print is accurate and that all images are positioned and included according to your requirements. Typically, we will produce a proof which will be sent to you online or printed on paper.

On multiple color or black/white offset printed orders, we can produce a color or black/white proof on our color output device to show how the images, copy and different colors will appear. On digital orders, the proof will be printed on the exact machine and paper the final order will be produced on so that you get a proof that says “what you see is what you get”.

What is coated paper stock?

Coated paper stock is a high-quality paper that has been given a smooth Glossy or Matte finish designed specifically for type of project you will be printing. Documents that require sharp details and vivid colors may require Glossy paper. Projects with muted images may look best on a Matte coated paper. Uncoated paper, is generally best suited to the printing of black and white text documents that may or may not include half tones and/or black/white images.

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 technology for printing documents so that each piece is personalized to the specific recipient. At the most basic level, this means personalizing a name and address. But for real impact, many projects include unique graphics and content that speaks directly to the recipient.

What types of products and services do you provide?

Good question! We are a full service shop and offer a wide range of products and services. To see a full listing and description of what we can offer you, check out the home page of our website.

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.