FAQ's

Q:  What resolution do I need for printing large format?

A:  The maximum resolution is 150dpi at final size. For most applications 100 to 125dpi produces great results. For tradeshow murals use 100dpi.

Q:  What file formats do you accept?

A:  We accept all file formats from Mac or PC. For best results, send us the native application file with the images as links.

Q: Why should I flatten my Photoshop file instead of sending it in layers?

A: The simple answer is; predictability. When a Photoshop file is flattened it reduces the odds of something going wrong down to nearly zero. When layers are present and have text or layered effects applied to them, the file must be flattened before the enlargement can occur or those effects may disappear.

Q: Why should I convert all my fonts to outlines or curves when I work in drawing programs?

A: Certain programs (Illustrator, Indesign, CorelDraw and Freehand) allow users to "Convert to Curves, Paths or Outlines" which removes the need to supply us with any font files. When we get a file built in a program that allows the creator to convert fonts to outlines, we ask that they do so. The reason is that this eliminates the possibility of a missing font which would only serve to delay your job as we'd need to stop it and have the file resent after being converted to outlines.

Q: When I use JPEG compression my file is smaller than when I use LZW compression. Why?

A: LZW compression, (Lemple-Zif-Welch, those are the three that created this technique.) will compress the file the most it can without causing any degradation in the pixel quality. It is true that a file can be smaller when compressing it with JPEG compression. The downside is that when there is a color transition between pixels, especially between solid areas, you will see very blotching looking pixels around the edges of that transition.

Q: Should I work in RGB or CMYK?

A:  It's best to work in CMYK for color predictability. The colour gamut of CMYK printing is smaller than the colour gamut of RBG. Therefore, many of the colours on your monitor cannot be reproduced correctly in CMYK printing.

Q: Why should I supply a printed proof along with my files?

A: For colour predictability. Once again, colours on a monitor cannot be reproduced exactly in a printed output. If you supply a colour proof then we have a much greater chance of meeting your expectations - it's easier to hit a target we can see.

Q: How long will the inks last before fading?

A: Depending on environmental conditions, our printing output will last indefinitely under indoor conditions. Outdoor applications, such as signs and banners, can last up to 5 years without fading, depending on finishing options like overlaminates.

Q: Do your inks give off harmful or harsh smelling vapours?

A: No, we use safe water-based pigmented inks. Unlike solvent or UV printers, which continuously outgas harmful and pungent chemicals.