What is the most effective way to design a brochure? 
 
1.  Firstly, you have to describe the function of the brochure by focusing the purpose of printing i.e. it is for concentration or simplicity?  Do you want to capture the reader’s attention or do you want him to easily be aware of a message.

2.  The design of brochure must be simple by using limited colors and fonts.

3.  Highlight the most important points of your message. Add visual contrast by using bold font or graphics.

4.  Make simpler your message by summarizing any long articles, also simplify text by adding charts and tables.

5.  Use a particular graphic on the cover of brochure.

What are the grades of paper and the basis weight of each? 

Weight of a paper is determined by the mass of 500 standard-sized sheets in pounds. Following are the different grades of paper and their particular basis weights.

1. Cover:
It is used for postcards, book covers, and business cards. It may be coated or uncoated. It comes in 60#, 65#, 80# or 100# weights.

2. Text:
It is a high-quality sheet. Its weight ranges from 60# to 100#, but general weights are 70# or 80#

3. Bond:
Used for quick printing jobs. Generally reserved for letterheads, business forms etc.                           It comes in 16# for forms, 20# for copying, and 24# for stationary.

1. Uncoated Book:

It is the most widespread sheet for offset printing. Generally 50# to 70# stock.

5. Coated Book:
It is a glossy sheet that gives in glowing colors and excellent copy. Usually goes from 30# to 70# for web, 60# to 110# for sheet fed.

 What are the standard sizes for brochures? 
The standard sizes of brochures are 8 1/2x11, 8 1/2x14, and 11x17 

 What's the difference between "spot colors" and "four color” process? 

Spot colors are not merging of colors that create other colors. They are individual colors that can be assigned PMS (Pantone Matching System) numbers. 

 What does (4 over 1) or (4 over 4) mean? 

4 over 1: It refers to full color on the front side and black & white on the back side.
4 over 4: It refers to full Color on both sides. 

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

Following are the different types of bindings

1. Plastic comb binding: Fitting of plastic teeth into a stack of papers.

2. Case binding: Signatures are stitch together and attached to the hard cover.

3. Saddle-stitch binding: Uses multiple staples on the fold of the signature.

4. Side-stitch binding: Affix the signatures jointly on the side rather than the fold.

5. Perfect binding: Gluing the outer border of the signatures to make a flat edge.

6. Three-ring binding: Holes are punch into the pages and fixed into a binder.

What are authors’ alterations (AA)? 

A change made by the buyer when a job is already at the printing. As a rule the buyer will be charged for these modifications. Check that you carefully check your confirmation so this can be avoided. 

What is screen printing? 
 
It is a print process where a logo or design is shifted to the substrate by way of a screen. Screen printers can generally print up to four colors.  The printer will transfer the inks from side to side the screen to the garment to achieve the most wanted outcome. The process involves heat curing, perfect pressures, and specialized inks to result in a long-term design.

What is the difference between coated and uncoated stock? 

Coated stock has a flat and smooth glossy finish. Printing on this type of paper will sharpen your text and graphic presentation. It can be a bit more expensive.  Uncoated stock is a rough and absorbent type of paper. It is usually used in newspapers and be apt to be less expensive.

How long will a screen print last? 

Screen printing goes into the filters making it last as long as the garment itself, contrasting a transfer which sits on top of a garment.

What are Halftones? 
A halftone is a method of using a template to imitate shading of a color. This can be done using patterns of diamonds, small dots, lines, or squares. As you drop focus on the pattern, your eye merges the colors of close dots and background to make a new color. 

Can a two-color press print a four-color brochure? 
 
Yes, but it requires great care and an experienced press operator because it will cross the press more than once have need of the press operator to register the colors. This usually raises your costs and results in higher level of waste. If you are looking for a four-color process than it is recommended that use a printer which specializes in full color work and has the appropriate equipment.

What is a motif and how is it used in invitations and letterhead? 
 
Motifs are small designs printed on letterhead and invitations. Often, a motif is a single chronic design throughout a personal, business or wedding stationery. 

What makes a quality T-shirt? 
Ounce weight and stuff should be your main focus. Look for shirts at an ounce weight of 5.4-6.0. Finest shirts will most often go beyond this range. 

 Does white count as a printing color? 
No. White does not usually count as a color due to the fact that this is the standard color of the paper in most cases. 

 What are the most common card stocks used in postcards? 

There are three most popular card stocks:

1. #100 lb. cover, c2s (coated two sides) is perhaps the most popular. 

2. #100 lb. c1s (coated one side) is preferably suited for postcard mailing.

3. #12 Point c2s (coated two sides) is a deluxe finest sheet with brilliant finish.

What are the standard sizes of postcards? 

There are three standard sizes of postcards i.e. 4 x 6, 5 x 7, and 5.5 x 8.5 

 Why should I print and distribute brochures?   

You have to print and distribute brochures to increase exposure, to get a sale, to get a lead. Your marketing goals, combined with information on your target market will determine the overall idea of your brochure. 

 What does camera-ready mean? 

It is a printing word used for digitally presented files. It means that the image is ready to move on the printing plates.

Why is darker colored apparel more expensive than light colored apparel? 

The dyes used to make the dark colors are relatively costly to the T-shirt manufacturer. A light colored T-shirt will have slight or no dye. 

What are the common sizes for catalogs and booklets? 

The most common sizes for catalogs and booklets offer you by commercial printers are:
5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 8-1/2" x 11", 8-1/2" x 11, and 11 x 17. 

What type of envelope should I use? 

There are several different types of envelopes available to you depending on what you are sending. Some types are:

1. Square Envelopes: Colored Square and Regular Square
2. Business Envelopes: Printed Business, Clasp, Window, Regular, and Booklet.
3. Social & Invitation: Pointed Flap, Square Flap, Black Square, and Foil Lined
4. Specialty Envelopes: Airmail, Coin, CD envelopes, Florist, and Full Face Window
5. Colored Envelopes: Square, Commercial, Open End, Booklet, and Clasp.
6. Shipping and Packaging Envelopes: Corrugated, Paperboard, Bubble, and Plastic.

What is PPI? 

PPI is abbreviation of pages per inch. It is a thickness rating of paper. A paper that is 400 PPI takes 400 pages to equal 1 inch. 

What is DPI? 

DPI is abbreviation of Dots per Inch. It is the measurement of resolution for page printers, photo type setting machines and graphics screens. Graphics screens usually reproduce 60 to 72 dpi, most page printers 300 dpi, and typesetting systems 1,000 dpi. 

What are embossed or debossed invitations? 
Embossing or debossing refers to the surface of the paper being either raised or lowered by punching or other means.  

What does the book printer mean by trim size? 
 
The trim size refers to the actual size of the finished book. 

What type of material can I print my banner or sign on? 

There are several materials (Substares) the printer can use for your sign or banner.  Here are a few of the most popular by category.

1. Rigid substrates:   Aluminum, Styrene, Foam, or Masonite.

2. Flexible Substrates:  Nylon, Vinyl, Mesh, or Polyethylene.

3. Specialty fabrics:  Canvas, Satin, or Polyester.

 What are monograms? 

Monograms can be commonly seen on personal invitations and letterhead. Personal monograms are initials traditionally representing the first, middle and last name. 

What materials can labels be made from? 

Labels can be made from following materials
 
1.  Paper-High Gloss:  High gloss paper gives good printability, not for hand writing.

2.  Paper-Uncoated: Uncoated paper can be written on by hand or by machine.

3.  Vinyl: Vinyl is best for an outdoor environment or if the label is to be applied to a vinyl surface.

4.  Acetate:  Acetate is most excellent for a clear look.

5.  Mylar/Polyester: Mylar/polyester is great for a label applied to an object with sharp corners.

How well will a pre-press proof match what I see on my monitor? 

Due to the wide differences in monitor models and the different technologies used, some printed colors in your proof may not closely match the colors on your monitor. Ensure to always ask the printer if they have any suggestions on color matching. 

What does the gutter refer to in book printing? 

The gutter is the gap between the printed area and binding (AKA margins). Make sure your gutter match to the binding being used. 

What is greeting card scoring? 
 
This process involves in part cutting through the greeting card so it will fold more neatly. 

What determines the price of a label? 

Following factors determines the price of a label
1.   Type of material

1. Square surface area
2. Number of colors
3. Total quantity of order 
4. Custom or generic

What are the postal requirements for my envelopes? 

It is essential to remember U.S. Postal Service requirements when designing your envelopes.

 What is a Baronial Envelope? 

It is a style of envelope that has a large pointed seal flap. This style envelope is generally close to being square. The most frequent usage of baronial envelope is for greeting cards or social stationary. 

What is direct printing? 

An image is printed directly onto the fabric in a computerized printing process. 

What is cover stock? 

Cover stock is a term for a heavy paper that is suitable for catalogs and other folders. It can come in "coated" with a smooth surface, or "uncoated" in its original rough surface. 

What type of banner is best for outdoor applications? 
Admesh is best for outdoor application. It has a very durable material with a lightweight reusable vinyl mesh fabric that is excellent for your outdoor banners and signs. It is screen printable, flame retardant, water resistant, and holds ink well.

What's the difference between die-cut and butt-cut? 
 
Die-cut labels have round corners and spacing between each label on the roll. Whereas, butt-cut labels have square corners and no spacing between each label on the roll.

What is a color bleed? 
 
A "color bleed" is done intentionally for effect the result of insertion different colors of ink adjacent to each other. As the ink are squeegees across the stencil, the colors “bleed” together.

How long will your catalog or booklet be used? 
 
If your catalog or booklet is to be used for a year or more, think about skip over prices and phrases that will date the stuffing. If prices are essential, you can include them on a price sheet that can be quickly updated and reprinted. 

What is the Pantone Matching System? 

It is a popular color matching system used by the printing industry to print exact colors. PMS match book is a book of color where each color has its own number that helps you make sure that your colors are the same each time you print, even if you change printing services or your monitor displays a diverse color. 

 

What are the measurements for the most common business envelopes? 

Commercial business envelopes sizes are referenced by a numeral. The chart below includes most widespread types used by printers today:

Size	Width x Length
#6	1/4 3 1/2" x 6"
#6	3/4 3 5/8 x 6 1/2"
#7	3 3/4" x 6 3/4"
#7	3/4 3 7/8" x 7 1/2"
#8	5/8 3 5/8" x 8 5/8"
#9	3 7/8" x 8 7/8"
#10	4 1/8" x 9 1/2"
#11	4 1/2" x 10 3/8"
#12	4 3/4" x 11"
#14	5" x 11 1/2"

What is camera ready art? 
 
It is a high quality black and white print that is ready to be scanned. 

What is dye sublimation? 

In dye sublimation the picture is printed on top of a specially coated paper and then heat shift onto the final fabric or media. This method in fact dyes the fabric, creating a highly durable product. 

What is the standard window measurement for business envelopes? 
 
The standard window measurement for business envelopes is 1-1/8 x 4-1/2

Can I print labels myself? 
 
Yes, this can be done by using a laser printer, inkjet printer, a direct thermal printer or a thermal transfer printer. Many companies print their own custom designed and independently sole labels which may include text, graphics, and bar codes.

What is cotton paper? 

Cotton paper is made from 100% cotton. It is very durable nevertheless very soft. It is considered to be the finest choice for letter writing. 

What is engraving? 
 
It is one of the oldest and most graceful processes for printing. Engraving involves etching the text on top of a copper plate. The plate is covered with ink and then pressed onto the paper, creating the printed text in a slightly raised impression. Engraved stationery is considered to be the essence of good taste and sophistication. The process is relatively expensive but result in the first class finished product. 

 

What are the standard substance weights for envelopes? 

The standard substance weights for envelopes are:

1. 16 lb. Used for abroad air mail envelopes.

2. 20 lb. Used for commercial envelopes where strength and opacity is not a factor.

3. 24 lb. Used for most open side official and commercial envelopes.

4. 28 lb. Used for most open and catalog envelopes and large (i.e. 11, 12 and 14) size commercial envelopes.

5. 32 lb. Used for strong envelopes and clasp envelopes.

6. 40 lb. Used for large envelopes, long-lasting envelopes or envelopes used for storage and frequent reference.

What are color separations? 

A color separation is an image that describes where one specific color will be printed. Colors can be mixed by lie on top areas of different color separations, so that one ink is applied on top of the other. By joining this method with halftones, many variations of colors are made possible.

How do I prepare my text for the printer? 

Adobe PDF is the ideal text format used by most printers. It works with almost all image setters, plate setters and digital output devises. Most popular file formats like MS Word, Word Perfect, and MS Publisher can easily be converted to PDF. PDF contains a “locked” format so there is no risk of reflow when the files are opened on different computers. PDF can be read on any PDF reader which is free at the Adobe website.  

What is digitizing? 

A method used to make an accurate copy of your design into a computer program that can be read by embroidery equipment. 

What's the difference between "structured" and "unstructured" hats? 

These terms refers the shaping of the hat. A structured hat will have a support behind the front two panels for shape. An unstructured hat does not have this feature so it’s more form fitting. 

What are the different ways that my mousepads can be printed? 

The ways a printer can transfer your designs and logos onto a mousepad are screen printing, digital thermal transfer, dye sublimation, digital offset, and standard offset printing.

What are the most popular sizes for personalized note pads? 

The three most accepted sizes for personalized note pads are 4 x 6, 5-1/2 x 8-1/2, and 8-1/2 x 11.

What is a lupe (loupe)? 

A lens used by printers, photographers, and designers to examine details in printed materials.

What is hexachrome? 
 
It is a color separation process developed by Pantone. It uses six colors (CMYK + Orange and Green) instead of the four standard colors.

  What are the most popular sizes for Post-it-Notes? 

 The most popular sizes for Post-it-Notes are 3 x 3, 3 x 4, 3 x 5, and 4 x 6