Category Archives: How To

Gives easy instructions how to create and explains process in detail

How To Save Time & Money Creating Files For Color Printing

  By colorppblog | May 9, 2017 - 4:59 pm |
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Being an online printing service we get a lot of customer files with production errors that slow down the job and can cost more money if the printing service has to fix it for you. Here are some tips and a checklist on how to create your own files.

File Submission Checklist:
Before uploading your files, make sure you check this list:

• RESOLUTION
All images must be 300 DPI to print the highest detail. Any DPI lower than 300 will diminish the printing quality. You cannot use images copied from your monitor, as they are only 72 DPI.

• CMYK
All files must be converted from RGB to CYMK (process colors). Do not use any other color system or the color will not be accurate to the image.

• BLEED
If you want to extend printing to the edges of the paper (bleed), be sure to extend a 1/8-inch (.125) all around. This will make sure you get a perfect edge.

• TRIM AREA
All borders that include text or images should be within 1/4 inch (.25) from the edge of the trim. Free templates are available with most online printing services.

• CROPMARKS
Cropmarks are very important if you are using spot UV coating or any place a mask is needed. They give the exact positioning of the mask or layer.

• RICH BLACK
Black backgrounds should have percentages of 60% cyan, 40% magenta, 40% yellow and 100%. Black. Blacks on your screen will look the same but when it prints, it will be dramatically different. Make sure type is only at 100% black especially fonts under 28pt. for readability.

• FONTS
High resolution PDF are preferred and it will speed up processing. Fonts should be embedded to avoid problems.

• SPOT UV or Foil masks
Jobs with spot UV coating or foil need an additional 100% grayscale black mask that specifies the position of the UV or foil positioning.

If you follow the above 8 steps, your files will pass the preflight test that will speed up the process and save a lot of time & money.

CREATING A CYMK BLUE FOR PRINTING

  By colorppblog | January 19, 2017 - 11:46 pm |
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Many people are surprised when they receive their printed piece to find that the color blue they wanted has now become purple. What they are not aware of is that blue is close to purple in the CMYK spectrum. Because monitors as well as some programs being used are in RGB, they do not see the changes that are made when printing converts their files from RGB to CYMK.

WHAT IS CYMK?

RGB refers to the primary colors of light, Red, Green and Blue, that are used in monitors, television screens, digital cameras and scanners. CMYK refers to the primary colors of pigment: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. These are the inks used on the press in “4-color process printing”, commonly referred to as “full color printing”. The combination of RGB light creates white, while the combination of CMYK inks creates black. Therefore, it is physically impossible for the printing press to exactly reproduce colors as we see them on our monitors.

Many programs such as photoshop and illustrator have the capability to convert the layout/images from the RGB color space to the CMYK color space. We request that you convert your colors from RGB to CMYK if your tools allow you to. By doing it yourself, you have maximum control over the results. Especially with blues, You willy notice a shift in color when converting from RGB to CMYK. If you do not like the appearance in CMYK, we recommend that you make adjustments while working in CMYK.

WHAT TO DO SO YOUR BLUE IS NOT PURPLE?

blue rgb vs Cymk blue

BLUE in RGB vs CYMK

When using a blue in your design, always make sure to leave at least a 30% difference in your Cyan and Magenta values.
Here is an example of how your screen blue can print completely different from your print blue. (100% C 100% M 0% Y 0% K) See the result…

Remember, use a low amount of magenta whenever using high amounts of cyan to avoid purple. This problem does not always show up on proofs due to RGB monitors.

SUGGESTION FOR THE COLOR BLUE

A pleasing shade of blue may be 100-70-0-15. The more black added the darker the color. For those of you wanted to use a reflex blue, it is impossible for the printing to achieve this. The process can not duplicate this color.

SO YOUR COMPANY LOGO IS BLUE, WHAT TO DO…

The best suggestion is to work in CYMK. That is the only way you can be sure what color blue you will achieve. Keep in mind the rule of 30% and use black to darken or lighten your color. When designing for printing, you must use the CYMK color mode. That is the only way you can be sure that what you have designed will print correctly. Having your blue not turn purple is possible, Printing a pleasing blue can only be achieved by following the CYMK rule.

Five Brochure Colors That Increase Sales

  By colorppblog | July 15, 2016 - 10:20 pm |
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Your company brochures are extremely important. The best way to find a color printing service that provides cheap color brochure printing is online. It is very important to consider the design and the colors used to make the brochure stand out.

Simply put, there are some colors that are better than others when it comes to making sales. Finding a color printing service that provides top quality color brochure printing is one thing, but you still need to ensure that you are using the right colors to attract eyes to your product.

With that in mind, here are the top five colors to use in a sales brochure.

  1. Green

Green is the color of choice for any company that wants to put forth an environmentally-friendly image. It is reminiscent of plant life and is a warm and inviting color that will instantly attract the attention of those who are conscious of the natural world and what is happening around them

Beyond that, it is also a powerful color. After all, green is the color of money in the United States so it is always going to evoke thoughts that are desirable for your customers to have about your products.

  1. Purple

If you want your marketing materials to have a touch of class to them then purple is the color for you. Not only does it have a rich texture that makes it instantly attractive to the eye, but it also carries regal overtones that will reflect well on the products in your brochure.

With the British royal family so prominent in today’s media, you can take advantage of the color purple to associate your brand with their popularity and power, making your products much more appealing.

  1. Black

One of the most versatile colors around, black goes with practically any color scheme you can think of and can make for a perfect contrast in brochures that predominantly use lighter and softer colors. IMPORTANT TIP: When making a black for printing, use a rich CYMK black 60C 40M 40Y 100K.

This means that you can use black to make an important aspect of the brochure stand out and catch the attention of the reader. Use it to highlight special offers and any other aspects of the brochure that you believe are quality selling points.

  1. Blue

The color of cool is the perfect choice for those who want to give their brand a trendy look that is sure to appeal to a younger and tech-savvy crowd.

Blue also comes with the added advantage of having multiple shades that can be used for many purposes. Lighter blues can be used to meld into a softer color scheme without looking too jarring, whereas darker blues are perfect for highlighting important aspects of the brochure.

  1. Red

Red is the color of power and is one of the most prominent colors in branding today. You simply need to think about how much it is used by fast food chains to realize how good the color is for catching the eye and drawing people towards it.

If you use red in your brochure it should be placed front and center to ensure the color is used to its maximum potential.

So there you have it. Five colors that you should consider when you are looking for a company that can provide color brochure printing cheap. With clever use of these colors in your branding you will draw more people to your brochure, increasing your chances of selling your products or services in the process.

Making Your Postcards Standout

  By colorppblog | July 14, 2016 - 4:41 pm |
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Postcards are often considered low tech. They don’t boast the near-instant messaging power or energy of the Internet and online social networks. Yet businesses and organizations of all kinds rely on cost-effective, easily produced and distributed postcards from custom postcard printing services to convey important information.

In the U.S., most people generally receive custom printed postcards by direct mail six out of seven days a week. In Canada, it’s 3 to 5 days a week depending on the location. Chances are good that on any given delivery day, some postcard collateral will be in your mailbox. Why, because they deliver highly profitable returns. If you believe a direct mail campaign doesn’t work any more then why do so many big and small companies use postcard printing services as a primary marketing strategy to create more business.PR_PostCards_02

Postcard Power

Take the most important points of your message and try scaling them to a postcard format. You’ll be amazed at how creative you or your graphic designer can be. Custom postcards printed with your name, logo and a powerful call to action can be the perfect solution for increasing sales and profits.

Here are seven ways why custom postcards can receive high ROI.

  • Using EDDM:  EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) offers businesses a tightly targeted direct mail solution for their market using carrier routes. EDDM has the advantage of not needing expensive mailing lists and address imprinting. The cost for EDDM mailing is only 18.3 cents each piece. The best part is you can target your market right down to every home and/or business using carrier routes. Delivery generally takes one to two days instead of weeks for bulk mail.
  • Easy to send: Postcards streamline the mailing process because there is no stuffing, sealing or printing of labels and envelopes to be done. For spread out target marketing, use bulk direct mail. If you don’t have a bulk permit, most online postcard printing services have an affordable full service direct mail process that you can use. They help you distribute your message as quickly and easily as possible.
  • Strategic marketing: Postcards are a lower-cost marketing collateral format with high impact potential. Your message in a customized postcard is instantly visible; its smaller format challenges you to be creative and concise with your message and call to action.
  • Time saving: Postcard can be created by using free templates from one of the online custom postcard printing services and you then can upload your own design to their website.   Select the desired stock, finish, and quantity, and place your order. Turnaround time is usually very fast, usually 2 to 4 business days.
  • Unique Design: Many custom postcard printing services offer design and production services from creating copy and design, as well as assistance in choosing format size and finishes (gloss UV and matte are almost always included, It’s your choice). Customer service is usually just a mouse click or phone call away.
  • Greater affordability: Online printing companies often offer product pricing at considerable savings when compared with offline/local printing services.
  • Used as Appointment Reminders: Professional services such doctors, dentists, veterinarians use customized postcards to remind clients of upcoming appointments.

Remember the flexibility, impact, and cost-effectiveness of custom postcard printing services when planning your next important mailing. Don’t underestimate the power of a postcard campaign.

BROCHURE PRINTING TIPS

  By colorppblog | May 11, 2016 - 5:08 pm |
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Brochures, pamphlets and leaflets are a printed and folded piece of paper used as an advertising tool for business and organizations to sell products, services, promote their brand and corporate image.  They are designed to tell a story about the benefits, products and or services a business provides. Most businesses need cheap brochure printing to achieve their marketing objectives.   Color Printing Pros offers free tips on printing and designing a brochure at our Help Center.
Your brochure design determines the success of your promotion.
brochure
Here are some design tips you should think about.
• Know your market and the competition before you design a unique brochure.
•  Don’t use more than 3 fonts, one for the heading, one for the subhead and one for the body copy. Make sure they are easily readable. Fine line serif fonts may not print well on busy or some come color backgrounds.
•  The paper stock should be at least 100 lb. book weight, 100 lb. cover weight or 14 pt. card stock. 16 pt. or heavier may crack when folded. For more information on choosing the right paper stock, read Choosing the Best Paper for Online Printing
• Avoid dark colored backgrounds on folds of heavier card stocks. They will call attention to any cracking.
•  Your design must be appropriate for the targeted market you want to reach. Ask yourself is the brochure for a handout at a trade show, to be mailed, used as a counter pickup or have some other use. Remember simple design works best.
•  Don’t try to impress the reader with fancy words or long detailed sentences.
Stay on point. Brochures should focus on the benefits to the customer. Explain how you product or service will make their life better. The reader doesn’t care about you or your company, Write as if you’re speaking with a friend.
 Remember brochures are a good way for professionals providing needed services to promote their businesses or practices.