frequently
asked questions
We recommend saving as a PDF file. You may also send the file in the following types: JPG, JPEG, TIF, TIFF, and EPS. We prefer that you send PDF with embedded or outlined fonts. PDF files are easier to handle and will likely speed up your turn-around. Remember to flatten your files before uploading.
Your designs should always start and finish in CMYK color mode. If you send us an RGB file, there is a chance that a color shift may occur and you may not be satisfied with your job.
Your artwork files should be at 300 dpi Low-resolution files may be printed as is or will be placed on hold until we receive new files, slowing your turn-around.
Bleed must extend past the cut-line and will be trimmed from the product during the final cutting phase. When the image is required to extend all the way to the edge, bleed is needed to preserve the finished look and the quality of the final product. Please keep all text at least 0.125″ inside the cut-line. o The bleed for Standard Products is 0.125″. o The bleed for Booklets and Presentation Folders is 0.25″. o For large format products, please see the Large Format FAQs for individual substrate guides. We recommend using our templates at all times.
Yes, but if the border is too close to the cutline, it may be cut off-center slightly. We cut through many sheets at a time, so watch your borders to avoid an unwanted mistake.
We require Print Ready files with proper rotation. Files submitted are printed HEAD to HEAD as-is based off your files. Make sure to set up your files so that when we print them HEAD to HEAD the final product will read the way you would like. Also, front and back files need to be set up either both sides vertically or both sides horizontally. For files not properly set up, Calico Creative will use best judgment and will not be responsible for improper rotation.
Any transparency issue can be resolved before saving your file. To prevent this, never use shadows, glows, or any other transparency (image or otherwise) on top of a spot color. Always convert your spot color to CMYK and flatten before sending. SHADOWS, GLOWS, TRANSPARENCY All of these effects will cause transparency problems.
Many things can cause banding. Banding can be caused by the program that it is exported from, such as Indesign or Corel. Also, too many gradient steps, for example going from a very light color to a dark color, in a small area will cause banding. To prevent this, check your digital files before sending. If you use a gradient, make sure it has enough room for a smooth transition.
When a job is coated with UV then scored and folded the job may begin to crack. During use, the cracks will become bigger and the ink may start to chip off. Cracking is normal when coated jobs are scored and folded. Ordering the job without UV will help but may not prevent this. As the job is used and folded more and more, cracking will eventually happen.
Please convert all PMS/Pantone colors to CMYK values. If you send in a job with Pantone colors, the CMYK conversion will change the Pantone color. Before sending your order, make sure all Pantone colors have been converted to CMYK. Not converting colors can result in unexpected color issues or delays in production while new files are submitted.
We offer 1/4″ and 1/8″ radius round corners to all of our customers.
When sending artwork, do not send extra files, like proofs or samples, because they might get printed. Only send the files you need printed. We are not responsible for these kinds of files being printed. Unless requested by one of our employees, DO NOT send files that you do not want printed.
Primarily used to intentionally overlap inks for a number of reasons, overprint can cause unexpected results. We suggest that you turn all overprint objects off before submitting your files.
When using a blue in your design, always make sure to leave at least a 30% difference in your Cyan and Magenta values. 100% C 100% M 0% Y 0% K Blue is close to purple in the CMYK spectrum. Remember, use a low amount of magenta whenever using high amounts of cyan to avoid purple. Example: C-100 M-70 Y-0 k-0
When exporting from any program such as Indesign or Illustrator, use these settings to make sure your PDF files export correctly. Export settings for PDF files Adobe PDF Preset is set to: Press Quality Compatibility is set to: Acrobat 4 (PDF 1.3) Compress Text and Line Art is set to: Off
Grayscale images that are converted to CMYK will have a color shift in the final print. That shift may be green or yellow. Always check the CMYK values of your grayscale in the final CMYK document. If there are other values other than K in your grayscale image, there is a chance that the color will vary. To eliminate all values other than K, use your Channel Mixer (adjustment layer) in Photoshop, then click “Monochrome” and adjust accordingly.
Rich black is an ink mixture of solid black, 100% K, with additional CMY ink values. This results in a darker tone than black ink alone. If you print black alone as 100% K, the resulting black may not be as dark as you might like. We recommend using C 60 M 40 Y 40 K 100. This will give you a deep, dark, rich black. *Products that are printed with dye-sublimation (9oz Premium Polyester Banner, Flags, Table Covers, Fabric Tube Displays, etc.) call for the following color values: C 100 M 100 Y 100 K 100
Bundling offers the convenience of sorting print orders into predetermined quantities for ease of use by you, your customers or for EDDM purposes. Orders will be bundled in quantities of either 50 or 100 pieces and they will be banded in accordance with USPS EDDM banding requirements. Please Note: Processing time for bundling your product may not be included in the turnaround time that you select when placing your order. Please add 1 to 2 days to your turnaround time for this service. The maximum quantity offered for bundling is 25,000 pieces.
Counter Cards are supported by 5″ double-wing easel backs with an adhesive strip. Easel backs are applied and shipped flat. Final assembly is required.
Yes, Shrink Wrapping is offered in packs of 50s and 100s on selected products.
