Frequently Asked Questions
Custom Quotes Questions
- How long does it take to receive a custom quote?
- How long are your estimates valid for?
- How do I proceed after I receive an estimate from you?
- How do I check the status of my quote request?
- Can't I just email you all the information instead of using a custom quote form?
Printing Questions
- What is offset printing?
- What are the advantages of offset printing?
- What is digital printing?
- What are the advantages of digital printing?
- How big is the quality difference between offset and digital printing?
- What type of paper should I choose for offset printing?
- What type of paper should I choose for digital printing?
- What is better for the environment: digital or offset printing?
- I'm still not sure which printing method should I choose.
- Will you send me a proof before the printing is started?
- Can I print with PMS (Pantone Matching System) or other special inks?
Files Question
- What file formats do you require? How do I set up my files correctly?
- What are crop marks?
- Do I have to draw crop marks manually?
- Do I have to impose my artwork myself?
- What is bleed?
- Should I convert my files into CMYK?
- What resolution should I use for the images in my artwork?
Security & Privacy Questions
Site-Related Questions
Custom Quote Questions
How long does it take to receive a custom quote?
This depends on the complexity of your quote request. The vast majority of our estimates are done within 24 hours.
How long are your estimates valid for?
Estimates expire after 30 days. The estimate will be available on our website for that period of time and it will be removed after it expires. After that period we'll have to re-do the estimate.
How do I proceed after I receive an estimate from you?
Once your estimate is complete, you will receive a link to the web page with your estimate. After you have finished reviewing the estimate, please add it to your shopping cart, upload your files and proceed to checkout.
How do I check the status of my quote request?
Please select "Quotes" from "My Account" menu to check the status of your quote request.
Can't I just email you all the information instead of using a custom quote form?
Yes, you can. However, we will respond much faster if you fill out the custom quote form. This form contains all the information we need to complete the estimate. If you send us an email, there is a chance that you might forget a piece of information that is necessary to complete the estimate.
Printing Questions
What is offset printing?
Offset printing, also known as offset lithography, is a common printing technique where the inked image is transferred from a printing plate to a rubber blanket, then finally to the printing surface. This method is least expensive for large runs and provides accurate color reproduction resulting in a clean and professional product.
What are the advantages of offset printing?
- High-quality images. Offset printing can potentially produce sharper and cleaner images and type than digital printing.
- The print quality is comparable to modern digital printing.
- Per unit price is cheaper for high volume printing.
- Wide color gamut. Offset printing can accurately reproduce colors from the Pantone Matching System (when printing in spot color), while digital methods only simulate Pantone color using four-color printing.
What is digital printing?
Digital printing is a printing process that involves toner sitting on top of the piece of paper instead of being absorbed by it. The printing process uses toner colors of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black to create the image.
What are the advantages of digital printing?
- Cheaper low volume printing. While the unit cost of each piece may be higher than with offset printing, when setup costs are included digital printing provides lower per unit costs for small print runs.
- Faster turnaround time.
- Variable data printing.
- Better for the environment. Digital printing uses dry ink or toner, which doesn't emit any VOCs in printing. Also, this printing method produces much less paper waste than offset, due to less waste during setup.
- More accurate proofing.
How big is the quality difference between offset and digital printing?
The quality difference can vary from almost negligible to significant. Most photographs and text will reproduce well on our high-end digital presses.
What type of paper should I choose for offset printing?
Offset presses print great on any type of paper.
What type of paper should I choose for digital printing?
We recommend choosing a paper with a smooth, non-textured surface.
What is better for the environment: digital or offset printing?
Digital printing is more eco-friendly because it uses dry ink or toner, which doesn't emit any VOCs. Also, this printing method produces much less paper waste then offset, due to less waste during setup.
I'm still not sure which printing method should I choose.
We recommend that you use offset printing if:
- Quality is your main concern.
- You require high-volume printing.
- The size of the finished product is larger then 12"x18"
We recommend that you use digital printing if:
- You need a short turnaround time.
- You require low-volume printing.
- You need variable data printing.
Will you send me a proof before the printing is started?
Yes, if you order one. We can provide you with a soft PDF proof.
Can I print with PMS (Pantone Matching System) or other special inks?
Yes, we can with offset printing methods.
Files Questions
What file formats do you require? How do I set up my files correctly?
We need a 1-up, press-ready PDF file with crop marks and bleed. Please see the "Preparing PDF Files" section of this web page for information about creating press-ready PDFs.
What are crop marks?
Crop marks are printed or drawn lines indicating where the paper should be cut to produce the correct page size.
Do I have to draw crop marks manually?
No. Most desktop publishing software can create crop marks automatically when you export your file into a PDF. In this case, you have to make sure that the trim size is the same as your document size. For example, if the final trimmed size of your business card is 3.5" x 2" then your document size must be the same. There are exceptions to Photoshop files.
Do I have to impose my artwork myself?
No. All files are imposed automatically by our workflow. If you submit the imposed file yourself, chances are that we will have to break it apart and re-impose it.
What is bleed?
If any element on your document layout makes contact with the document edge you will have to use bleed. The trick is to place the element so that it goes over the edge where the document will be cropped after printing.
The term "bleed" is used for all objects overlapping the edge of your document.
Should I convert my files into CMYK?
It depends on the printing method. If you're not sure, please ask us, but generally, all artwork should be CMYK prior to sending your files to us. Some RGB colors do not convert well to CMYK, and a color shift will occur.
What resolution should I use for the images in my artwork?
We recommend that all images be saved at 300 dpi.
Security & Privacy Questions
Do you keep credit card information on file?
No. For your security, we don't keep any credit card information on file.
Is your website secure?
Yes. Our secure checkout system uses the latest secure server technology. Your order is submitted and retrieved with a secure connection to our server and remains secure at all times.
Will you share my information?
Absolutely not. We keep all customer information internal. Occasionally, you may receive offers and announcements from Ace Printing, Inc. via e-mail. You may unsubscribe from these messages at any time.
Site-Related Questions
What browsers work the best with your site?
Our site should work with all browsers.