Website FAQ’s

Scroll down to see our General Knowledge section that explains file formats and what they are good for, as well as why pulling a photo of the internet and dropping into your print file doesn’t work. 

File Formats and Setup.

What file format should the art that I send you be? 
High-Resolution PDF files with embedded or outlined fonts to prevent layout distortion. 

What is “bleed” and why do I need it? 
Bleed extends your background colours or images past the cut line to prevent white edges after trimming.

Bleeds are typically 0.125-inch (3mm) on all sides, and it is important to keep vital text away from edges and fold by 0.125-inch as a safety margin.

CLICK HERE to see how to add a bleed in Canva (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kyQidkudU0)

What resolution should my images be? 
Images must be at least “300 DPI” for sharp and clean print image quality.

Colour Variations

Should I design my file in RGB or CMYK?
Always design in CMYK color mode to avoid unexpected shifts when converting screen colors to ink. If your file is RGB or you don’t know, that’s ok. We can adjust it for you. 

Why does my printed color look different from my computer screen? 
Screens use RGB light, while printers use CMYK inks, causing minor color shifts.

*It is also good to note that different machines use different types of ink (Solvent, UV-Curable, Pigments…). Different machines are used for printing different sizes and substrates (paper, vinyl, foamcore, coroplast...).

Orders and Proofing

Will I see what my project looks like before you print it?
Yes, we send a digital PDF or JPG proof for every order to verify layout, text, and cropping.

Can I make changes to my order after approving the proof?
Once a proof is approved, the file goes straight to production and cannot be altered.

What is your turnaround time?
Standard production takes 2 to 5 business days depending on type of project. If the project is especially large or involved it may require more time. If you have an event date it is important to let us know up front.  Rush options are available upon request at an additional charge.

General Knowledge

Why Renaming a File Extension Breaks It
Changing the file extension at the end of a filename (e.g., renaming logo.jpg to logo.eps) does not convert the file into a vector graphic.
                       The Reality: The file remains a pixel-based raster image.
                       The Problem: It confuses your operating system and professional print software, often causing the file to                             corrupt or crash when opened.
                       The Fix: To get a true vector file, the artwork must be natively rebuilt or mathematically traced using                                           vector design software.

Why can’t you just make the picture (.jpg or .png) I sent you bigger?
Making a JPG or PNG larger destroys the print quality because these files are made of a fixed grid of tiny colored squares called pixels. [1]
                           The Problem: When you enlarge a pixel-based image, the computer cannot create new detail. It simply                                    stretches the existing pixels.
                            The Result: The image quickly becomes blurry, fuzzy, blocky, and "pixelated."
                            The Solution: For crisp large-format prints, you must provide the original high-resolution file (300 DPI at                                  full print size) or a vector file (like an AI or EPS file), which can be scaled up infinitely without                                                              losing sharpness.

I just pulled this image off the internet. Why can’t I use it?
There are two major reasons internet images fail in the printing world: image quality and legal rights.
                          It Will Print Blurry: Website images are optimized to load fast on screens. They are saved at a low                                                  resolution (usually 72 DPI) and are physically very small. While they look crisp on a phone or laptop,                                            printing them onto paper or canvas requires over four times that density. A small web graphic will look                                      tiny or incredibly blurry when printed. 
                          Copyright Infringement: Just because an image is public on Google or social media does not mean it is                                    free to use. Most internet images are the intellectual property of a photographer, designer, or brand.                                        Printing copyrighted material without explicit permission or a commercial license is illegal, and                                                        professional print shops cannot legally print them for you.
                          The Solution: Use reputable stock photography websites that sell high-resolution licenses, search                                            specifically for "public domain" or "creative commons" assets, or create original designs.

This page’s content was created with support from Gemini AI.