Frequently Asked Printing Questions

Call, Email or Stop By For Your Specific Printing Question Answer.

 

 

 

How do I go about getting an estimate from you?

Simply use our online estimate request form by clicking here. Otherwise, the best way to ensure that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate quote is to give us a call and speak with one of our customer service representatives.

 

How long will it take for you to complete my order?

Every job is different. Some jobs can be produced in minutes while some may take several days to complete. Let us know when you need your job completed and we’ll let you know if it can be done. We go to great lengths to meet even your most demanding timelines.

 

What is the best file format for submitting a document for printing?

The Portable Document Format (PDF) is generally the preferred file format for submitting a document for printing as it works with virtually all professional printing and digital output devices. By design, a PDF file incorporates the information needed to maintain document consistency from system to system. Most other file formats such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Microsoft Word are easily converted to PDF format.

 

What is the difference between coated and uncoated paper stock?

Uncoated stock paper is comparatively porous and inexpensive, and is typically used for such applications as newspaper print and basic black-and-white copying. Coated stock, by contrast, is made of higher quality paper having a smooth glossy finish that works well for reproducing sharp text and vivid colors. It tends to be more expensive.

 

Is white considered a printing color?

No. White is not generally considered a printing color as typically the paper itself will be white. If a colored paper (something other than white) is chosen, then white becomes a printing color if any text or graphics require it.

 

What are the standard sizes for postcards?

Postcards are found in three common sizes: 4″ x 6″, 5″ x 7″ and 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″.

 

What are the most common card stocks used for postcards?

The most common card stocks used for postcards are:

100# stock coated on both sides:

100# stock coated on one side: Well suited to mailing.

12 pt stock coated on both sides: a premium paper with a high luster finish.

 

What different types of materials can be used for labels?

Materials for labels and their application include:

Paper, Uncoated: Use where you need the label to be easily written on by hand or printed on by machine.

Paper, High Gloss: Use when you need good printability. Keep in mind that it cannot be written on easily by hand.

Vinyl: Use vinyl for outdoor environments, or if applying a label to a vinyl surface

Acetate: Use when the label needs to be transparent.

Mylar/Polyester: Best for applications where the label needs to be applied to an object with sharp, angular corners.

 

What are the types of bindings I can use for multi-page projects?

Some of the common methods of binding books and other multi-page documents include:

Perfect binding: Gluing the outside edges of the pages together to create a flat edge.

Saddle-stitch binding: Using staples along the folds of the pages to bind them together.

Spiral binding: Wires in a spiral form threaded through punched holes along the binding edge of the papers. Allows the document to lay open flatly.

Three-ring binding: Holes are punched into the pages and fitted into a binder.

 

At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?

Picture resolution should be set to 300 dpi at the final use size.

 

Pictures and graphics pulled from the internet are often low resolution, typically 72 dpi. You should avoid using these low resolution graphics, as they will appear pixilated and blocky when printed.

 

Also note that you should save all photos in CMYK mode, not RGB mode when possible. Images saved in RGB mode may not print properly. If you are unable to save your image in CYMK mode, please contact us for assistance.

 

What do I need to provide for variable data projects?

We work with many types of data files, but CSV files are the safest bet. These are data files that have commas separating each field, and returns separating each line of data. To save time and hassle, make sure your data is properly formatted with each piece of data in separate fields.

 

Complex projects may require other files, like image files or additional data files. If you are unsure of what may be required for a particular variable project, give us a call and we will be happy to assist you.

 

Are you a “green” company?

Absolutely! We take very seriously our role in preserving the environment and integrate numerous green practices into our daily operations. In addition to energy-efficient equipment and chemical-free technologies, we can perform many print jobs using recycled paper stock. If you would like to use recycled paper for your next print job, let us know. You’ll be pleased with the results and feel good about helping the environment, too.

 

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, company check and all major credit cards. We can also set up a business account for you, as well. Contact us for details.

 

What is variable data printing?

Variable data printing is technology for printing documents so that each piece is personalized to the specific recipient. At the most basic level, this means personalizing a name and address. But for real impact, many projects include unique graphics and content that speaks directly to the recipient.

 

What is full bleed printing?

Full bleed printing is when the image is completely to the edge. The requires a “bleed margin” of 0.125” on the edge with this desired effect.

 

What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?

In printing terms, a proof is a one-off copy of your document after all modifications and printing setup processes have been completed. It is your last and best opportunity to make sure that the print job comes out the way you want. By carefully inspecting the proof, you can help us assure an accurate, flawless delivery of your print job on the first run.

 

What is the Pantone Matching System?

The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a color reproduction standard in which colors all across the spectrum are each identified by a unique, independent number. The use of PMS allows us to precisely match colors and maintain color consistency throughout the printing process.

 

Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen? In short, printers and monitors produce colors in different ways.

Monitors use the RGB (red, green, blue) color model, which usually supports a wider spectrum of colors. Printers use the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color model, which can reproduce most—but not all—of the colors in the RGB color model. Depending on the equipment used, CMYK generally matches 85–90% of the colors in the RGB model. When a color is selected from the RGB model that is out of the range of the CMYK model, the application chooses what it thinks is the closest color that will match. Programs like Adobe Photoshop will allow you to choose which color will be replaced. Others may not.

 

What is the best file format for submitting a t-shirt image for printing?

The best format for garment printing is PNG. If you cannot supply a PNG, a high-resolution PDF file will also work. We will be happy to convert your PDF file into the PNG format during our preflight process.

 

 

 

Have Another Question? Call, Stop By or Email Us!

”Cornerstone literally saved the day!

 

I had another printer completely fail me. I called over 35 other printers in need of an emergency print order for my very first book. I called on Tuesday afternoon and needed the books by Thursday morning! I was speaking at a large marketing conference in Atlanta and needed to have my books on hand. Jeremy from Cornerstone took my order on short notice and literally did everything he could to help me. Customer service was excellent! He was very responsive and understanding. Cornerstone not only delivered a high quality book with perfect binding, they did in record time and with time to spare! Needless to say they are now my go to printer ! This company is excellent. Everyone there was friendly and excited for me and the book. Thank you so much to everyone at Cornerstone.  Especially Jeremy for ensuring this got done for me!“

- Timothy D. on Google

 

 

“First and foremost their customer service is AMAZING! That was one of the big selling points for me before I even placed an order. I worked with Michelle and she was very thorough allowing me to feel very comfortable and confident in what I wanted to order. I got custom business card and my polo embroidered. Everything came out perfect! I received tons of compliments on the polo. I will be using them for any and every purchase moving forward.”

- Jeremy B. on Google

 

 

“Good folks here. They do everything for us. One stop shop. I just shoot an email to them with what we need and they knock it out. Sometimes they even deliver. Really good quality work and people at Cornerstone”

-Matt D. on  Google

 

 

“Great company, quality products, reasonable pricing and fast turnaround times!”

- Alexa B. on Google

 

Lots More Reviews

on Google!