Small Color: FAQ
- How do I place my order?
- Why does CRS need me to PROOF my document? I don't have the time.
- How should I send my files if I want full bleed?
- I have created my file in MS Word. Can color prints be made from it?
- How should I send my Illustrator files?
- How do I transform native files into print ready docs?
- My 'original' documents are copies of copies and the text is crooked. Can you fix that for me?
- Will CRS make corrections to my file for me?
- What do I need to know about color scanning?
- Do I need to know anything about file sizes for scanned images?
- If my pictures aren't that good, can your scanner fix that for me?
- How do I submit my file?
- Can I submit my file via e-mail?
- Why do I have to pay rush fees?
- What is DPI?
- What is LPI?
- What is the difference between LPI and DPI?
Via phone, e-mail, ftp upload, digital work order, or call for pick-up.
2. Why does CRS need me to PROOF my document?
CRS requires all customers to take the time to PROOF documents. We do not accept responsibility for jobs that do not meet your expectations if you refused our standard proofing process. If we are required to re-print, you will be charged for both print runs. It's a much better idea to not take the risk. Proof your project the first time. You'll save yourself time and money.
3. How should I send my files if I want full bleed?
Leave room for bleed for any image or color that bleeds off the edge of the page. Do not change the document size. Just drag the picture box over the edge of the document.
4. I have created my file in MS Word. Can color prints be made from it?
Word processing and spreadsheet applications adjust margins and graphics based on printer descriptions and are not recommended for print production. If files are created in these types of applications, a hard copy is required when submitting your order, and additional charges for reformatting could be incurred. For best results, we recommend creating your file in one of the applications listed under supported software, or save your file as a .pdf before submitting.
5. How should I send my Illustrator files?
For EPS (vector based) graphics, convert all of your typesetting to curves (or outlines) when saving out of Illustrator. This will minimize font rejustification problems during output.
6. How do I transform native files into print ready docs?
From your desktop application, select a print dialog (driver). For color printing, we recommend the Hewlett Packard 755 plot driver. Mac users either make a .pdf, or save your document as a postscript file using the HP DesignJet Postscript Plot Driver.
7. My 'original' documents are copies of copies and the text is crooked. Can you fix that for me?
CRS can deskew your documents, we can also adjust your margins to make sure no text falls off your pages.
Cleaning up documents is very time consuming so expect your turnaround time to increase proportionately to the amount of fixing that must be done. Discuss due times with customer service. Excessive enhancement time is chargeable.
8. Will CRS make corrections to my file for me?
CRS does not make corrections to any file sent in for production without direction from the client. All files submitted for production are processed "as-is" unless other instructions have been agreed upon between CRS and the customer.
9. What do I need to know about color scanning?
Scan your file with the settings that are appropriate for the output desired. Know how your final image will be used. Is it for a computer presentation, desktop printer, professional printer, the Web, or will your images be made into slides? This information will help your customer service representative get the best results for your project.
10. Do I need to know anything about file sizes for scanned images?
You should scan the final output size of the image you're scanning, so if you want a 4x5 image, don't scan it at 8x10. This will limit your file sizes and decrease your processing time.
General size guidelines:
100 DPI ~ file size is 2.5 megabytes
300 DPI ~ file size is 22 megabytes
600 DPI ~ file size is 90 megabytes (huge)
11. If my pictures aren't that good, can your scanner fix that for me?
A scanner does not have any affect on the quality of image. If the image is of poor quality, has dirt, scratches or creases on it, the scanner will pick up on all these imperfections. Our skilled color imaging staff can repair some types of image blemishes with Photoshop. It takes a considerable amount of time to improve poor images. Photo re-touching is charged per hour.
Send us your file without leaving your desk! Order a pick-up, e-mail your files to us, or order online using a digital work order.
13. Can I submit my file via e-mail?
Yes, files can be submitted via e-mail, although we would greatly prefer you using our Digital Work Order feature. Always include your name, phone number, company name, and billing/delivery instruction on e-mail requests.
14. Why do I have to pay RUSH fees??
Normally scheduled jobs take precedence over non-scheduled jobs and non-scheduled jobs are completed in the order they are received.
When a customer has an emergency, we accommodate them. RUSH jobs often interrupt our production schedule forcing us to take in-progress jobs off the table, set up and produce the RUSH and then set up the previous job again. Having to break and reset-up takes a tremendous amount of time out of our schedule.
It is important for customers to understand that additional fees will be incurred when production of scheduled jobs is interrupted. If we are able to complete the RUSH without pushing back other jobs, we won't add the prioritization charges. CRS completes projects as efficiently and effectively as possible, so RUSH status will be determined upon receipt of the job.
15. What is DPI?DPI-dots per inch, (or pixels per inch), the number of physical dots associated with a file. Generally, the higher the dpi, the better the resolution. Higher dpi also increases file size. As a general rule, the dpi should be about twice the size of the lpi (lines per inch) of the printer. Color printers output is 300 dpi. The lpi is 60. Therefore 150 dpi is adequate for good output. Too many extra dots combined with line screens will cause your image to become very muddy.
16. What is LPI?LPI=lines per inch, the lpi is how close the lines are placed on paper during printing. For instance, newspapers use about 85 lpi, while glossy 4 color may use 133 lpi or more. This is important when considering the output of your file. Too many lines per dot will give a solorized effect when printing a gray scale image to black and white printers.
17. What is the difference between LPI and DPI?
LPI is used when speaking about the resolution of black and white document copying. DPI can be used when speaking about black and white, but mainly refers to color document resolution.