Resources

A: For instructions on uploading to our new FTP, please follow the link below;
Secure File Transfer Instructions

A: Enables you to make an element of a design transparent. The lower the opacity, the more transparent an element is. For example, 100% opacity means an object is solid.

A: File formats such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop are best to allow our prepress operators to be able to edit and make changes without having to go back to your designer for most changes.

A: A proof is a one-off copy of your printed document used for visual inspection to ensure that the layout and colors of your document are exactly how they are intended to be. A proof is made before sending the document to the press for final printing. At Webster Printing and Packaging we can supply you with a hard copy proof from our Epson printer, this is preferred if you have concerns about color and layout positions. If you mainly need a proof just to check text copy, a pdf proof is recommended.

A: The basis weight of a given grade of paper is defined as the weight (in pounds) of 500 standard-sized sheets of that paper. With that in mind, here are different examples of paper grades and their respective basis weights:
• Bond: Most commonly used for letterhead, business forms, and copying. Typical basis weights are16# for forms, 20# for copying, and 24# for stationery.
• Text: A high-quality grade paper with a lot of surface texture. Basis weights range from 60# to 100# with the most common being 70# or 80#.
• Uncoated Book: The most common grade for offset printing. Typically 50# to 70#.
• Coated Book: Has a glossy finish that yields vivid colors and overall excellent reproduction. Basis weights range from 30# to 70# for web press and 60# to 110# for sheet press.
• Cover: Used in creating business cards, postcards, and book covers. Can be either coated or uncoated. Basis weights for this grade are 60#, 65#, 80#, or 100#.

A: 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, however.

A: Color separation is the process of separating a colored graphic or photograph into its primary color components in preparation for printed reproduction. For example, to print a full-color photo with an offset printing press, we would create four separate printing plates each accounting for one of the four basic printing inks (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) needed to reproduce the image. As the paper is fed through the press, each single-color plate puts onto the paper the exact amount of ink needed at exactly the right spot. As the different colored wet inks are applied, they blend to create the rich and infinite pallet of complex colors needed to reproduce the original image.

A: Pantone colors refer to the Pantone Matching System (PMS), a color matching system used by the printing industry whereby printing colors are identified by a unique name or number (as opposed to just a visual reference). This helps make sure that colors turn out the same from system to system, and print run to print run.

A: 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.

A: 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.
• Plastic comb binding: Similar to spiral binding but using a tubular plastic piece with teeth that fit through rectangular holes punched into the binding edge.
• Three-ring binding: Holes are punched into the pages and fitted into a binder.
• Case binding: Sewing the pages together and then attaching them to a hardcover.

A: Simply use our online estimate request form. 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.

A: 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.

A: Yes! For postcards, brochures and newsletters, we will be glad to mail your material to a list of mailing addresses that you supply. The pricing is built into our estimate.

A: All RGB files must be translated into CMYK. This conversion can be easily done in most image editing or graphic arts programs.
• Our print consultants can convert your RGB files to standard value CMYK colors for print. If you have specific color concerns, you can also speak with one of our professional designers for more control over the final print.
• You will have more control over the appearance of your printed piece if you do the color conversion yourself. We want you to be happy, so please take the time to prepare your file properly.
• Certain RGB colors that you can see on your monitor (in particular, bright blue, green, and red) cannot be replicated with standard CMYK inks. These unachievable RGB colors are said to be "out of the CMYK color gamut." When selecting colors for your print project, use CMYK color builds to avoid potential RGB conversion issues.

A: Resolution should be set to 300 dpi. Pictures and graphics pulled from the internet are often a lower resolution, typically 72 dpi or 96 dpi. Avoid these 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 CMYK mode, please let us know.

A: Crop marks are printed or drawn lines indicating where the paper should be cut to produce the correct page size.

A: If any element on your document layout makes contact with the document border you will have to use bleed. The trick is to place the element so that it goes over the border where the document will be cropped after printing.
The term bleed is used for all objects overlapping the border of your document.

A: Vector images (eps, SVG, ai) use mathematical formulas to draw lines and curves that combine to create an image from geometric shapes such as circles and polygons. If you zoom in on a vector image, it appears just as crisp on the edges as it did originally because the mathematical formulas accommodate for image scaling. Vector images can be edited by altering those lines and curves using programs like Adobe Illustrator.

Vector Pros: smaller file size / infinitely scalable / best for logos
Vector Cons: less web support

Bitmap or raster images (jpeg, png, gif) are stored as a series of tiny dots called pixels. Each pixel is actually a tiny square of color arranged in a pattern to form an image. If you zoom in on a bitmap image you can actually see the individual pixels that make up the image, mostly at the edges. These types of images can be edited by erasing or changing the color of individual pixels using programs like Adobe Photoshop.

Bitmap Pros: supports a wide range of color gradation / best for photos
Bitmap Cons: larger file size / less scalable