FAQs

IN DEPTH TECHNICAL DETAILS:

What file types are accepted?

.AI (Adobe Illustrator), .PSD (Adobe Photoshop), .EPS, .PDF, JPG, .TIF

Illustrator Format: Make sure to flatten all transparencies in your document (See Transparencies for more information). All text must be converted to outline before submitting your artwork. Down save files to version CS6

EPS Format: Make sure to flatten all transparencies in your document (See Transparencies for more information). All text must be converted to outline before submitting your artwork.

Adobe Photoshop Format: Please flatten all files / layers before submitting at a minimum of 300 DPI and maximum of 1200 DPI with line art.

PDF Format: This method is preferred since its the industry standard to work with. Acrobat 4 or version 1.3 is recommended since it works to prevent transparency issues. All transparencies should be flattened before and to further prevent any errors during printing (See Transparencies for more information). Also set the quality to press quality.

Certain fonts may not work well with PDF formats such as CID fonts so we do require all fonts to be outlined or the file flattened before you convert to a PDF. JPEG: Make sure that you have a minimum of 300 DPI and a maximum of 1200 DPI with line art

When using a jpeg format please be aware that a slight quality difference may occur due to the compression it uses.

TIFF: Make sure that you have a minimum of 300 and a maximum of 1200 DPI with line art.

We have a wide array of printing options here at GR Print, Inc to help you create your artwork. With an assortment of paper and multiple add on services we offer many choices for you and your customer. Here are a few things to consider first before you start your order.

Files must be set up according to stated specifications. You are fully responsible for following such guidelines, which include file types, bleed setup, art resolution, orientation, and color usage. When starting on your artwork, please be aware that we have templates readily available on our website to help you create your artwork. This will give you the exact dimensions and guides to help you with your project. If one is available to you at the size, you require, we highly recommend using it (if you do not see a template for the quantity you need, please contact us for the requirements at sales@grprint.com). Please delete this guide once you are done before you upload or it may get printed along with your artwork.

Take into account the quantity. The shipping quantity for each job is very accurate. However, a 10% overrun or underrun is possible and within industry standards of being an acceptable shipment. Please take this into account when ordering an exact amount. It is recommended that you get more than needed due to this standard.

When designing artwork, refer to our website for what sizes and paper stock are available. When choosing paper stock, remember that certain add-on services may not be available as well as specific quantities. If you do not see a size that fits your project, we have a custom cut feature on our calculators that allow you to change the dimensions at 1/4" increments.

Look over the time frame when designing and creating artwork to allow your self an ample amount of time during production. Our time frame given on our calculator is an estimate of how long your project will take. Problems with your artwork, add-on services, and unforeseen issues (UPS delays, weather conditions, etc.) will always add to the production time, and we recommend giving yourself a few days to cushion the deadline on any project. Also, if you place several jobs in the same order it will always wait for the latest order before it ships (Example: if you have a presentation folder which takes 7 to 9 business days and a business card order that takes five business days the ship by date will be determined by the presentation folders).

Please be aware that we have no rush services and can not speed up your project. Shipping methods and addresses can be made during the first production days of the order. Once the order reaches a certain point in production, any changes to shipping must be done so manually and will incur a fee of $25. The deadline for your order to go in the next day is noon Pacific Standard Time (Example: If you place your order after noon Pacific Standard Time on Monday, your order will not go into production till Wednesday).

Should my fonts be outlined?

YES! We accept print ready artwork only. Breaking the fonts helps us by making sure that the fonts don't change on our side when we open up the file.

Should my fonts be outlined?

YES! We accept print ready artwork only. Breaking the fonts helps us by making sure that the fonts don't change on our side when we open up the file.

What color specs should I send my files in?

All files should be sent in CMYK. Any files submitted in RGB may experience unacceptable color shifting. All files submitted in RGB are automatically converted to CMYK. When ordering, if you want to print on the front side only select 4/0. If you want a double-sided print select 4/4.

Color

Due to an industry-wide gang-run limitation, we do not guarantee color - a shift in color may occur. Please make sure all files are in CMYK mode. We do not use any spot colors or Pantone colors, and they must be converted to CMYK before uploading through our website. If you use RGB or any other mode aside from CMYK, there will be a color shift. Please start and finish all artwork in CMYK mode. Check your values carefully before submitting any artwork.

Certain colors may look differently on your computer screen, or personal printer (even printers that are in CMYK) compared to when it's printed on our offset presses. We highly recommend using a process color guide to help you choose your colors to lessen the chance of a color shifting.

Your print may also vary from printer to printer due to the press model, paper stock, and calibration, inks. If you have any questions please feel free to contact customer service at sales@grprint.com.

Color Calibration

While we do our best to accurately represent accurate color and texture of the final printed product, please remember that due to color calibration and differences in color between monitors, we cannot guarantee the colors you see on the screen will match the printed product exactly. The actual product may be slightly darker or lighter than what you see on your screen. We print 200lpi.

Ink Coverage

Avoiding Problems with Heavy Ink Coverage

An essential part of designing a good print project is staying within the recommended constraints of printing presses and binding equipment. For example, there are specific guidelines for printing a job that has areas of heavy ink coverage because these areas can create problems with ink saturation, such as 'streaking' or with paper, such as 'fluting' and 'buckling.'

The best way to avoid problems due to heavy coverage is to automatically check all sizable black color areas on supplied images and ad files to make sure that ink coverage is 'within spec' (not too heavy). The measurement used for this is TAC (total area coverage), calculated by adding the percentages of C, M, Y, and K used in an area of color. The generally accepted limit is 280% - at the most.

Grey scale

If a greyscale image converts to CMYK a shift will occur in the final printed piece. Always check the values of your greyscale images on your final CMYK document. If you have any other color aside from black then a shift may occur.

Rich Black

Oversaturation of black can lead to many complications in your order. It may cause the UV not to be applied well and create your request to become splotchy due to improper drying. To prevent this, we recommend using printers black due to its low saturation but still offer a rich black.

Cyan: 40 Magenta 30 Yellow: 20 Black: 100

Silk Lamination

Orders on silk lamination will tend to cause artwork to be slightly darker or greyer, so we do advise orders placed on silk to be lightened (about 10% to 15%) before submitting. However, there is no guarantee that your colors will turn out correctly. Some color shift is to be expected due to gang-run limitations (See Color for more information)

14pt Cover - this stock is a C2S stock; coated both sides. You have the option of adding additional gloss coating or none.

Multiple Files on A Single Document

The only time you may submit a multi-page document is on booklet orders (See Booklet Setup for more information). All other artwork must be separated (Example: A 4/4 14 pt business card with spot UV would have a total of 4 files. Front, Back, UV Mask Front, UV Mask Back). If your order requires a front, back, and a UV mask, you must submit a separate file for each. If you do not need spot UV on the front or back, but it is offered, just upload a blank white file. This will allow the automated system to move the artwork forward for production.

Transparencies

Avoid using glows, shadow effects, and transparent objects unless they are flattened or rasterized at 300 to 1200 DPI. These transparencies could cause unwanted effects on your artwork when sent to print.

What are the bleed requirements?

All files must include a 1/8" (0.125 inch) bleed regardless if your design bleeds to the edge or not. An example of the bleed setup for a 4" x 6" postcard would be 4.125" x 6.125".

Dimensions

Your dimensions should be the exact trim size plus a .125 bleed on each aspect (Example: 2 x 3.5 business card will be 2.125 x 3.625). Even if a file has no bleed image, you still must add the bleed allowance. You should not have more canvas size than required. The only exception to this is on Booklets (please see Booklet Requirements for more information) If a template is available on our website, we highly recommend using it to create your artwork.

Safe Area

The safe area is exactly 1/8" inside of the trim area. This safe area is for important text and artwork since the trim may shift during the trimming phase of production. If a template is available on our website, we highly recommend using it to create your artwork. Templates are available on our website. Please remove the template before submitting your artwork. If you cannot find a template for the sizes, we offer to send an email request to sales@grprint.com

What are your resolution requirements?

All rasterized (bitmap) images must be at least 300 dpi. However, 400 dpi for photo images and 1200 dpi for text and line art is highly recommended.

Should I include crop marks in my file?

Do not include crop marks in your artwork. Do not include any printers marks. Always submit your artwork at trim size + bleed. An example of bleed setup for a 4" x 6" postcard would be 4.125" x 6.125".

Orientation

We do a standard head to head process and we require all artwork to be print ready before submitting. If you have any question on orientation please feel free to contact customer service at 1-877-774-6818 or sales@grprint.com.

Borders

We do accept borders on jobs but if a border is too close to the cut line it may be cut off-center. Even though the machines are perfectly aligned to the paper a slight shift still may occur during the trim process.

Should overprint be turned on or off?

It is STRONGLY suggested that overprint is turned off to avoid unexpected results.

Foiling And Embossing Requirements

When creating a foil mask or embossing mask, you must create a separate file along with your regular artwork. This file must be at 100% black (no other colors, gradients, or shading) and white. The black will represent where the foil or embossing will be placed, almost like a template over your artwork. Anywhere white will not be foiled or embossed. Foiling and embossing is also done only on the front side of the paper and can not be done on both and is limited to specific paper stock.

All Foiling and embossing are done "blind" meaning after the cut so that it may shift up to 1/8th of an inch. Please compensate for this on your artwork and keep art simple. Do not align artwork against or under the embossing or foiling due to this shift. All embossing and foiling must be 5mm inside the trim line and can not bleed over the edges. Avoid using thin fonts and thin lines. Foiling and embossing is a delicate process, and due to the limitations, certain point sizes may not register (Recommended minimum 10pts or above depending on font).

If you have to foil with UV, please keep the foil 1/8" from any UV. If UV is placed under any of the foilings it will tend to flake off so, please check your artwork carefully (See When Using Multiple Add On Services for more information)

Spot UV Requirements

When creating a UV mask, you must create a separate file along with your regular artwork. This file must be 100% black (no other colors, gradients, or shading) and white. The black will represent where the UV mask will be, almost like a template over your artwork. Anywhere with white will not have UV. Paper stock of 14pt and 15pt will offer an option of having spot UV on two sides. If you wish to have UV on only one side, please go ahead and upload a blank white file the exact dimensions of your front artwork. This will tell the production team that there is no UV on that particular side as well as allow the automated system to move the artwork forward.

When Using Multiple Add On Services (Embossing, UV, Foiling)

We do not recommend using multiple services that put too much stress on the paper. When combining two or three of these services, certain imperfections may appear due to this stress. Foiling may flake, embossing may not show up as bright, and the UV may crack. Please be aware of this when creating your artwork.

Folding Requirements

All folds are standard with our brochures and no custom folds are allowed. Please compensate for a shift that may occur during the folding process (up to an 1/8").

All artwork should be within the safe area between each panel that is folded (See Safe Area for more information). Artwork that is exactly lining up against these fold lines is not recommended due to this limitation. When creating something like a greeting card or folded business card, remember to check the orientation before submitting it. We highly recommend referring to our templates to see the direction of each panel (See Orientation for more information).

For more complicated orders like vertical brochures and any custom orders that have a more complicated orientation, we do ask that you call customer service for further help. Templates are available on our website. Please remove the template before submitting your artwork.

Scoring Requirements

A score is a crease made in a sheet made of a heavy stock paper to eliminate cracking and to facilitate a straight and accurate fold. Please be aware that a slight shift in the score may happen during the scoring process (up to 1/8"). Artwork that is exactly lining up against these score lines is not recommended due to this limitation. You may have up to two scores are done on any one product. The score cannot be indifferent directions and must run parallel to each other. There must also be a minimum of .125" distance between each score. When uploading artwork with a score do not put instructions on the artwork, or they may get printed. Instead please send us a separate instructional file to sales@grprint.com (Please see Samples & Instruction)

Perforation Requirements

A perforation is a series of small holes done to a sheet of paper so that a section can tear easily in a straight line. Please be aware that a slight shift in the perforation may happen during the perforation process (up to 1/8"). Artwork that is exactly lining up against the per lines is not recommended due to this limitation. You may have up to two perforations done on any one product. The perf cannot be indifferent directions and must run parallel to each other. There must also be a minimum of .25" distance between each perf. When uploading artwork with a perf, do not put instructions on the artwork, or they may get printed. Instead please send us a separate instructional file to sales@grprint.com (See Samples & Instruction for more information)

Numbering Requirements

When using numbering, please lighten a box over the area you wish to have numbered. The dimensions of the box should be .75 x 3/8'. If you have two sets of numbers, leave at least a space of 2.25" between the two boxes. If you have a spot UV on the side that has the numbering on it please leave a space so the numbering can be printed properly. If you have foiling or embossing was done to please have it at least 1/8" away from the numbering. Numbering cannot be done on top of gloss lamination, foil, spot UV, nor embossed image. (See Foiling and Embossing Requirement for more information)

Booklets Requirements

For booklets, we require you to have a multi-page PDF of all your pages. They must be paginated in single page format, no spreads, starting from the cover first and numerically down to the back cover. Booklets also must have a 1/8" bleed on all sides. Two-page spread artwork (artwork that flows into two pages) is not recommended since the trim may shift up to a 1/16 of an inch. Please see PDF under Format Options for more information on what we require.

Presentation Folder Requirements

All presentation folders must follow the template given on our website. All presentation folders will come with a business card slit on the right panel. Templates are available on our website. Please remove the template before submitting your artwork.

Event Ticket Requirements

All event tickets must follow the template on our website. Please make sure to send us an instructional file if perforation and/or numbering is required (see Samples & Instructions and Numbering for more info). Orientation is critical for a two-sided event ticket especially if they have a perforation. We highly recommend that you double-check the orientation with us before submitting it at 1-877-774-6818 or email us at info@grprint.com (See Orientation for more information). Templates are available on our website. Please remove the template before submitting your artwork.

Samples & Instructions (Scoring, Numbering, Perforations)

Avoid sending proofs or samples along with artwork or within layers or it may get printed. You are required to send us instructions on numbering, perforations, or scoring; please send those files to info@grprint.com . To set up a perforation, scoring and numbering instruction, you would send us a copy of the front artwork faded out by 50%, then add a solid, red line where you want the score and a dashed red line where you want the perforation to be. Please put in bold red over the solid or dashed line PERF or SCORE.

Where you wish to put the numbering, place a white box with the number you want to start at. Include in the email the job number so we can reference your order and on the header type in SAMPLE INSTRUCTIONS. Please be aware that the scoring and perforations may shift during this process up to 1/8".

Once files are submitted they can move quickly into production. Once files are in production they cannot be removed; the order may not be canceled; no changes can be made. It is very important that this is understood. If artwork is submitted incorrectly, it will print incorrectly. If a bad quality file is submitted, it will be a bad quality print. We do everything we can to assist you, but it's not always possible to catch potential problems before the artwork moves forward for print.

The thumbprint you see of your artwork on the invoice is not for actual color. The thumbprint shows color break only.

Attention Please!!

1. Artwork submission is quick and easy. Once the artwork has been submitted the system will not allow you to remove it and submit a new file. Be sure you are aware of what files you are uploading.

2. GR Print will no longer check for low resolution artwork. This is now the customer's responsibility to make sure that resolution is 300 dpi and up. This includes individual photos and logos.

3. GR Print, without prior notice, will convert all submitted files that are RGB, PMS and Spot Colors to CMYK. We will not take responsibility for any color change.

Please use this check list before you submit your artwork:

• Embed Fonts (outline is the best)
• Embed Image
• Flatten Transparency
• Flatten Photoshop layers
• Convert to CMYK Mode
• Correct Dimension
• Correct Orientation
• Convert SPOT or PMS Color to CMYK
• Turn Off Overprint
• Remove ICC profile
• Make sure files have Bleeds
• Remove Template Guidelines from artwork
• Ink Coverage no more than 250% on solid area

GR Print will not honor a re-print of any order or refund the cost due to artwork that was submitted incorrectly.

Be sure to select specifications carefully when placing orders. If you use the back arrow or select items out of order, the presets may revert. Double-check all information before adding to the cart. Once all items have been double-checked, and all products entered into the cart, you will then be able to name your orders. This name should be geared toward your company naming system ie. PO# etc.

Lower on the page, you can enter your customer's ship-to name and address for blind shipping. GR Print will never include an invoice in the package, nor will our name appear in the ship from the section. The ship from the part should list you or your company's information. You should then click "get shipping rates." The FedEx manager will then show the shipping methods and rates. Make your selection, double-check everything on the page for accuracy, and click "proceed to checkout."

The check out page is where you will enter the payment information. The billing address is that of the card that is being used to pay for the order. Once you have verified that all the information is correct on this page, we highly recommend reading the terms and conditions. Reading and understanding the terms and conditions is your responsibility as this is a binding contract between you, our customer, and GR Print. Once you mark the box that you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions, click on submit an order and wait for the order confirmation to appear. There is no need to click the submit order button again, as this may get you two orders.

Once orders have been placed the changes that can be made are limited. Send an email to sales@grprint.com to request the changes. Be sure to include the invoice number given to you at the time of ordering. We do not reference orders by what you named the order nor your PO number. We will do our best to accommodate you, but not all requests are possible.

You will receive a response through email if we were successful at making the requested changes, if there are any additional fees, if the order must be voided/refunded and you reenter a new order or if it is too late to make the changes. There are many different cases by case situations that will be dealt with in due course.

Turnaround Times

We start counting the turnaround time when we send your order to press. Orders sent to press after 12pm Pacific Standard Time will begin counting turnaround time the next business day. Allow additional business days for delivery based on the shipping method you selected. Business days are Monday through Friday. Holidays, Saturdays and Sundays do not count when calculating turnaround.

Turnaround does not begin until acceptable artwork has been provided. Please note that if we are unable to print your files because they do not conform to our file requirements, your job status will return to "A certain exception" and your turnaround time will be reset within our internal system.

For jobs that do not have complete digital source files provided, and in some cases instruction files, turnaround begins when we have the artwork needed to print your order, not from when the order is first submitted.

GR Print, Inc assumes no responsibility for delays caused by delivery carriers or any damages resulting from the failure to receive a job on time. Our expected delivery date is not guaranteed. Your order may arrive late due to unforeseen delays in delivery service, the breakdown of equipment, illness, etc.

If we find that a product does not pass a quality inspections we will enter the artwork back in for a reprint at our discretion. No notification will be automatically sent out informing the customer of this. We will do what we can to have the reprint completed and shipped in a timely manner.

Over Runs and Under Runs

Over runs or under runs not to exceed 10% on quantities ordered up to 10,000 copies and / or the percentage agreed over or under quantities ordered above 10,000 copies shall constitute acceptable delivery. Printer will bill for actual quantity delivered within this tolerance. If customer requires guaranteed “no less than” delivery, percentage tolerance of coverage must be doubled or above.

There can be variations in materials, including paper, ink, coating, shipping supplies as well as slight variations in finish size up to 0.125"

Color Reproduction

Color reproduction is not guaranteed and by placing an order with GR Print, Inc you agree to this limitation. We accept no responsibility for color variations between submitted files and the final printed piece. Because of differences in equipment, paper, inks and other conditions between color proofing and production pressroom operations, a reasonable variation in color between color proofs and the completed job shall constitute acceptable delivery. Under no circumstances will a reprint be honored for color variations that have occurred during the printing process.

Complaints

All complaints must be registered within 30 days of the order creation. Should the job contain manufacturing errors and/or defects, we would rerun the job at no charge. We maintain the right to judge what a manufacturing error and defect is.

Combined shipping.

When orders are placed together you are offered combined shipping rates. The products are shipped to the one address provided. We do not offer split shipping. If you have two products that require shipping to separate addresses, two separate orders are required.

Blind shipping.

All shipments are shipped blind. We never include an invoice nor GR Print information of any kind. This appears to your customer that the product is shipping directly from you.

Disclaimer on shipment dates.

We do our best to ensure orders go on to press as soon as possible.

We cannot guarantee shipment by any certain date.

The production time frame that our system shows is just an estimated time frame. This is never guaranteed.

We try to successfully get ever order out in that manner of time, but sometimes unforeseeable circumstances can arise. All orders will be produced and shipped as soon as possible.

How do I calculate turnaround time?

There are two components to turnaround time. The first is production time. This is the time to manufacture your job. The second component is the transit time. This is the time for the product to reach you. Transit time varies on the shipping method used. Both production time and transit time never include weekends or holidays. The day of ordering is not counted as the first day. I.e. Ordering Monday before cut-off with a 2 day turnaround time means the job will be ready to ship on Wednesday (Tuesday = Day 1 of Production, Wednesday = Day 2 of production).

What is your cut of times?

12:00 p.m. Pacific time is the daily time cut.

Will Call Orders.

Will Call is available between the hours of 9 am to 5 pm. Will Call times may vary depending on the number of orders waiting for pick up and holidays. We now offer local delivery at no additional charge. Please send an email requesting delivery; otherwise, the order will be held for pickup. Deliveries are limited to a 15-mile radius and are scheduled by our shipping department only. Thank you for your understanding on this.