Frequently Asked Questions

We accept files for logos in the following formats: jpeg, gif, tiff, bmp, pdf, psd, ai, png, qxd, pmd, and cdr. All logo files should be saved at 300 dpi resolution.

All other artwork files will need to be submitted as detailed below. Any other file will be submitted for review, which will result in your order being delayed. If you do not have access to a graphic designer, we can create your artwork, free or charge, based on a word, excel or fax document.

• Software
• File Extension
• Instructions

• Adobe Freehand
• .fh
• Outline fonts, save file as EPS or send PDF*

• Adobe Fireworks
• .png
• Outline fonts

• Adobe InDesign
• .indd
• Save file as EPS or send PDF*

• Adobe Illustrator
• .ai
• Outline fonts, save file as EPS or send PDF*

• Adobe PageMaker
• .pmd
• Save file as EPS or send PDF*

• *Adobe PDF
• .pdf
• As long as the resolution is 300 dpi or more

• Adobe Photoshop
• .psd
• Save file as EPS or send PDF*

• CorelDraw
• .cdr
• Outline fonts

• Quark Xpress
• .qxd
• Save file as EPS or send PDF*

• Mailed Copy
• /
• Original must be in optimal condition. Scan fees apply.

• Microsoft Excel
• .xls
• Only along with a PDF*

• Microsoft Publisher
• .pub
• Use Pack & Go, no cliparts or WordArt allowed

• Microsoft Word
• .doc
• Embed fonts, no cliparts or WordArt allowed

Artwork and/or images must always be at 300 dpi (dots per inch) in resolution or the print will be blurry and/or pixelated.

Even though an image may print fine on your local printer, presses are far more accurate and will show a pixelation if the resolution of the file is too low.

Although this is a simple question, this answer is not so evident.

Custom products: Adding your logo in the ink color choice available does not cost extra. However, if you are ordering envelopes that only come in black ink and your logo is red and black, we have to provide you with a quote on envelopes with your own design.

Products with your own design (up to 3 ink colors): Since the price depends on the ink color(s) used, your logo will cost you extra if it is in color.

Products with your own design (full color): Since the price includes any and all colors you wish to have printed, your logo will not cost you any extra.

To check a file's resolution, open it with one of the software below and follow the instructions given for that software. All logos and files for printing with your own design should be at 300 dpi (for projects up to 3 ink colors) or 1200 dpi (for full color projects). If you see that your file is at 72 dpi, that means it is intended for the web and not for printing materials. Please do NOT use or save files from the web as your printed images, as their resolution will most likely be 72 dpi, which is too low for professional printing.

• Software
• Files Supported
• Instructions

• MS Paint
• Will open .gif, .jpeg, .tiff, .bmp, .png
• Click Properties

• Adobe Fireworks
• Will open .gif, .jpeg, .tiff, .bmp, .png, .ai, .psd
• Click Modify > Canvas > Image Size

• Adobe InDesign
• Will open .indd, .pmd, .xqx
• Click Image > Window > Info

• Adobe Illustrator
• Will open .gif, .jpeg, .tiff, .bmp, .png, .ai, .eps, .cdr, .psd
• All imported images ahould be at 300 dpi. Click on each image > Window > Document Info

• Adobe Photoshop
• Will open .gif, .jpeg, .tiff, .bmp, .png, .psd, .pdf
• Click Image > Image Size

Although we DO NOT recommend this and would rather have you start over (scan, draw or import), in some rare cases, the resolution of an image can be changed. In such case, the image must be larger than the intended output. For instance, if you would like the final image to be 1 inch wide and you start with an image that is 4 inches wide, you will be able to reduce the file size (and thus increase the resolution) without affecting its quality. To change a file's resolution, open it with one of the software below and follow the instructions given for that software.

• Software
• Files Supported
• Instructions

• Adobe Fireworks
• Works with .gif, .jpeg, .tiff, .bmp, .png, .ai, .psd
• Click Modify > Canvas > Image Size > Verify that image size is larger than desired output > Make sure "Constrain Proportions" is checked > Change resolution to 300 pixels/inch

• Adobe Photoshop
• Will open .gif, .jpeg, .tiff, .bmp, .png, .psd, .pdf
• Click Image > Image Size > Verify that image size is larger than desired output > Make sure "Constrain Proportions" is checked > Change resolution to 300 pixels/inch

Due to the enormous amount of fonts available on the market today, we may not always have the font you wish to use on our system. Whether you design on a Mac or PC, Postscript fonts or True Type fonts will work fine.

SENDING FONTS

Mac Fonts:Each font has a suitcase which is located in your System folder. This suitcase holds all the font information we will need to process your order. Every font used must be included with your artwork. We will need both printer and screen fonts, in all styles (regular, bold, italic, bold italic and condensed). DO NOT incude your entire font library. The fonts used to process your order are removed from our system upon completion of the job.

PC Fonts:Fonts are located either under Windows/Fonts or in your Control Panel. Search for the fonts you used to deisgn your file and temporarily paste them on your desktop. We will need both printer and screen fonts, in all styles (regular, bold, italic, bold italic and condensed). DO NOT incude your entire font library. The fonts used to process your order are removed from our system upon completion of the job.

If your files are under 2MB, you may either upload them once your order has been completed or email them to artwork@smartresolution.ca

To reduce your file size, you may compress them using WinZip or Stuffit.
If your files are over 2MB, they can be sent on a CD to the following address:

Smart Resolution
1120 Finch Ave. W. Suite 701-1354
Toronto, ON M3J 3H7

Please keep in mind that this will delay your order.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS PER SOFTWARE

• Software
• File Extension
• Instructions

• Adobe Freehand
• .fh
• Text > Convert to Path

• Adobe Fireworks
• .png
• Edit > Select All > Modify > Flatten Selection

• Adobe Illustrator
• .ai
• Select All > Type > Create Outlines

• CorelDraw
• .cdr
• Convert all Text to Curves

• Microsoft Publisher
• .pub
• File > Pack & Go for Commercial Printer

• Microsoft Word
• .doc
• Tools > Options > Save Tab > Embed True Type Fonts

Special Considerations for Quark & PageMaker Users

When working in Quark or PageMaker, do not use the style palette to alter the appearance of your fonts. If you want bold or italic fonts, use the actual fonts. Do not use the Shadow or Outline features as they will not work with our printing process. They might print fine on a desktop printer but not when sent to an image setter. We will not accept responsibility for output errors due to the use of the style palette.

Special Considerations for Large Black Ink Coverage

When using large areas of black ink coverage in your file, it is always best to create a "Built Black" of 75% Cyan, 50% Magenta, 50% Yellow and 100% Black. Do not use rich black in your fonts. Type using this color will be blurry.

Some software will require you to send your fonts separately. Please see our software requirements for more information.

Sending your artwork

There are 2 reasons why you would send us your artwork:

1. You have placed an order with us and could not upload it
2. You would like a quote on a custom job

In both cases, you would email your file(s) to artwork@smartresolution.ca

In the case of an order, please do mention your order number in the subject field of your email.

We offer three main product types so the first thing to do is to identify which product you need.

Custom Products

If you wish for the product to be ordered without any text, please specify it during the checkout process. Your price will not reduced. Otherwise, please follow the checkout options and customize your product as desired. You will not be able to see extra lines of type, such as terms, or your logo in the preview. Please also note that proofs of custom products will only show you the specific portion of the item being ordered. Since we offer a strong guarantee, keep in mind that your order can either be replaced or refunded if the product does not match your expectations. That's how confident we are that you will like it!

Products with Your Own Design (up to 3 ink colors)

Please enter all instructions BEFORE you hit the "Place Order" button. You will not be asked for further instructions later on. Answer all questions within the quote box or send us a file with your instructions. Your files can be uploaded during the order or emailed to artwork@smartresolution.ca later on. Please be sure to reference your order number in the subject field of your email.

Products with Your Own Design (full color)

Please enter all instructions BEFORE you hit the "Place Order" button. You will not be asked for further instructions later on. Answer all questions within the quote box or send us a file with your instructions. Your files can be uploaded during the order or emailed to artwork@smartresolution.ca later on. Please be sure to reference your order number in the subject field of your email.

Although ordering online will show you all the options available, we also offer the option of ordering by phone, fax, mail or email.

To order by phone: call 888-781-1295 to speak to one of our representatives.

To order by fax: fax one of the order forms below to 888-781-1295. If your fax is set to automatic and does not go through right away, you may need to send it manually.

To order by mail: print out and fill out one of the order forms below and mail it to the address at the bottom of the form.

To order by email: scan and email one of the order forms below to info@smartresolution.ca or simply ask for the new quantity and changes needed for a reorder.

* Please note that new orders require a credit card or advance check payment. Only existing customers and credit applicants can be billed at this time. To apply for credit, fill out the following Credit Application.To order, select one of the order forms below:

Custom Products: Order Form
Products with Your Own Design (up to 3 inks): Order Form
Products with Your Own Design (full color): Order Form
Reorders: Reorder Form
Corporate Kits & Supplies: Order Form
Holiday Products: Order Form

Custom products are usually pre-printed and customized with your information. They are limited to certain areas of print, specific colors and typestyle choices. Some products offer layout choices which are also restricted.

These products can also be stock items, such as business organizers or pricing guns which do not require any printing.

These products are crash-printed, meaning the print is done by applying pressure. For this reason, a triplicate item printed in blue ink will be blue on on the top copy but black on the second and third copy. Products with your own design, on the contrary, will be blue on all 3 copies.

Logo Choices

Most custom products come with your choice of a custom logo or one of our business designs. Products that do offer a logo option will either have an image that shows a logo or will give you the option to choose a logo during the checkout. For more information on submitting a custom logo or creating a custom imprint, check our logo requirements and artwork guidelines.

Typestyle Choices

Most custom products will offer you a typestyle (font) choice. Not all typestyles (fonts) are available on all products so the best way to proceed is to to add the product to your cart and to start a checkout. This will show you the options available on that product.

Using your own Fonts

Our custom products have been restricted to a certain number of fonts, which we have labeled "typestyles". Different products offer different typestyle choices but if you are very specific about the font, spacing or point size used to customize your products, we suggest that you go with what we call a custom imprint.

What is a custom imprint?

A custom imprint is the portion of the product that will be customized with your information. Usually, plain text can be entered in the database by our customer service representatives. When a custom logo is used, however, your file is sent to our graphic department so they can set up an image for the entire area that can be used on the final product.

For example, the area that we have to work with on item D863, the spiral-bound gift certificates, is 4" long x 7/8" high. This means that our graphic artists will resize your logo and text so that everything fits within this area.

However, if you would like to use a specific font which we do not offer, have specific spacing or formatting, we can accept files that you have designed on your own.

How can I know the area of imprint for the product I choose?

You will need to either send an email to info@smartresolution.ca or ask for the information directly from our website, from the product's detail page, by clicking on "Request more info". If you elect to send a separate email, please do mention the item number of the product you are interested in.

Extra Lines of Print

Some custom products will allow you to ADD information. No information can be REMOVED or ALTERED since these products are pre-printed.

For those products that allow you to add extra lines, it can almost be placed anywhere you like (margins are commonly left blank). Commonly, extra lines of text are used for terms or itemization of the products or services you offer.

The cost is for the entire text, not by line of text.

Changes & Alterations

No information can be REMOVED or ALTERED from custom products as they are pre-printed. Envelopes, which are not pre-printed, are still limited to certain areas of print or layouts which cannot be changed. Most products, however, are available through our custom department. You may request a custom quote for more information.

Layouts

Some custom products will allow you to choose a specific layout. Layouts are commonly chosen for specific placement purposes. If none of the layouts offered match your criteria, then you may need to consider getting a custom product. Read our quote request section for more information.

Ink Colors

Custom products are printed in ONE or TWO ink color(s). Most of the time, it will be black or blue ink but sometimes, green or red is offered. If two ink colors are available, the first ink is usually for your company name and/or logo and the second ink for the rest of the text. Specific instructions can be provided during checkout.

Proofs

Proofs can be requested during checkout. Simply request it in the comments section and add xxxx in the payment fields if you wish to see a proof BEFORE you pay.

Products with your own design are printed on demand from camera-ready artwork, which is a file generally designed by a professional graphic artist. These products offer unlimited design options but can be limited by the product's restrictions themselves (for example, carbonless forms cannot be printed in full color).

These products can also be ordered without any printing but the cost remains the same.

The printing process requires that EACH sheet be printed (and bound if necessary) as opposed to custom products which are already printed and bound together. For this reason, a triplicate item printed in blue ink will be blue on all 3 copies as opposed to the custom product which will be blue on the first copy but black on the second and third copies.

Camera-Ready Artwork

Products with your own design require that you obtain camera-ready artwork. You will need to either email or upload a file which indicates exactly what you would like printed. It will be reviewed by our graphic artists before being sent to press but it will not be altered (unless there are obvious incompatibility issues with the chosen product).

Ink Colors

Products with your own design are printed in ONE, TWO or THREE ink color(s). Price is mostly based on the product and the ink color, so do consider that when designing your file. Since custom colors need to be mixed and then cleaned from the press, there is always a charge for a second and third ink color. The cheapest way to design a form is by using either black ink or reflex blue ink.

Design

Files can be designed in RGB mode or by specifying the PMS color number either in the file or in the instructions/comments box. For more information on designing a file, consult a graphic artist or create a sketch of what you would like in Word or Excel and submit that file with your order. Do specify whether it is a sketch or it will be considered camera-ready. We can also work from a fax but it has to be very clear.

Does it cost extra if my product is designed landscape vs portrait?

Prices may indeed differ based on the orientation of the sheet as more glue, padding, binding will be needed on custom landscape forms. For more information, please request a custom quote.

Proofs

Proofs are mostly sent on new orders or reorders with changes. They are not sent when we are printing the exact same job as in the past.

Full color products are also printed on demand with your own design from camera-ready artwork, which is a file generally designed by a professional graphic artist. Full color products offer unlimited design and color options. The only limitations are the products' restrictions themselves (for example, carbonless forms cannot be printed in full color).

The printing process requires that EACH sheet be printed (and bound if necessary) as opposed to custom products which are already printed and bound together.

Camera-ready Artwork

Full color products require that you obtain camera-ready artwork. You will need to either email or upload a file which indicates exactly what you would like printed. It will be reviewed by our graphic artists before being sent to press but it will not be altered (unless there are obvious incompatibility issues with the chosen product).

Ink Colors

Full color products are not restricted to the number of ink colors you can use. Ink color options are limitless.

Design

Files need to be designed in CMYK mode. For more information on designing a file, consult a graphic artist or create a sketch of what you would like in Word or Excel and submit that file with your order. Do specify whether it is a sketch or it may be considered camera-ready. Graphic design costs for full-color products is, on average, $75 for a one-sided job; $150 for a two-sided job.

Proofs

Proofs are mostly sent on new orders and reorders with changes. They are not sent when we are printing the exact same job as in the past.

You may certainly elect to order blank products but bear in mind that the price will not be different.

If ordering blank products, please leave all fields blank (for custom products) and do let us know in the comments section during checkout that you want the product to be blank.

If we receive an order with no text (custom products) or artwork (products with your own design), we will put the order on hold and email you to find out if this is indeed what you intended or whether it is an error or oversight.

Why isn't it cheaper if I order the products blank?

Our prices have been calculated on many different factors to remain competitive and our system does not allow for many exceptions to be entered. Exceptions require human intervention and are therefore time-consuming and not cost-effective. If we were to charge less for blank products, we would have to charge more on a different level for the extra work involved in programming exceptions.

Will I receive my product faster if I order it blank?

The way our process is set up, an order needs to go through all the same steps as a printed order and therefore you will not save much on production time. Products which are NEVER printed will ship within 48 hours but products that are USUALLY printed but ordered blank may still take at least 3 days to ship.

We offer custom checks and checks with your own design, so you have plenty of options.

Check Quality

Our business checks are designed and tested to meet or exceed industry standards.

Check Pricing

Our business checks are priced competitively and may be more cost-effective than your bank checks.

Check Security and Fraud Prevention

Our business partners and fraud team are constantly testing existing and new security features to ensure that checks will remain one of the most popular and safe methods of payment.

Check Innovations and Opportunities

Our business partners are part of industry groups which will help identify areas where future change may be important.

Check 21

Check 21 is a federal law that impacts the way financial institutions process checks. Check 21 enables financial institutions to speed up check processing by creating and transmitting electronic images of checks known as substitute checks, which is a paper copy of the front and back of the check created from a scanned image. It is slightly larger than the check and contains the following information:

• An image of the front and back of the check
• All the information from the original check
• Information on how the check was deposited
• A statement indicating that the image is a legal copy of the original check

How does it work?

Once a check is deposited, financial institutions can create an electronic image of the check and transmit the image to another financial institution for processing. Check 21 provides the rules and guidelines for the use of substitute checks and provides protections to those who may receive a substitute check.

Substitute checks can be used for record-keeping or proof of payment the same way as the original check. Check 21 also provides a special procedure that allows consumers to request a refund for losses suffered if a substitute check was posted incorrectly to their account. This only applies if the account problems are based on how a check was converted to a substitute check. In this case, the financial institution will provide a disclosure to outline the process and guidelines for processing requests for expedited re-credit.

What does it mean to me?

Check 21 does not affect the way you write checks, just the way your financial institution processes them. Checks will however clear faster and with faster check clearing, financial institutions may be able to detect check fraud faster.

If you ordered custom products (where you entered your company information during checkout), you will only see the portion that is added to the final product. We do not typically send proofs of the entire product for this category of products, as we only customize the portion that will be added at press. Keep in mind that we offer a 100% guarantee and will replace or refund your product if you do not like the end-result. If you really need to see the final image, you may wish to order products with your own design instead.

Proofs are compressed files of the original file used to print. The compression will result in a low resolution image which is sent to you for review of the text and layout. It does not reflect the actual quality of the final print.

You may approve the proof by emailing back, calling or faxing your proof approval.

If you are ordering custom products, it takes 3 more business days to print. If you are ordering products with your own design, it takes 6 more business days to print. If you are ordering full color products, it takes about 3 business days to print.

Changes can be requested by emailing back, calling or faxing but note that it may be easier for us to handle written requests with a visual aid. Taking changes over the phone, unless minor, are time-consuming and have not proven to be the most efficient manner to request changes. We certainly prefer if you email or fax your changes.

* Also note that we will charge an additional $20 per proof, beginning with the third proof, if you add continuous changes which do not result from our mistakes.

Check proofs are now password-protected. The password is usually provided in the email but if you need assistance, please contact our customer service team at 1-888-781-1295 or email us at info@smartresolution.ca.

We will gladly provide you with a quote on any project you may have. Quotes are free and commonly answered within 48 hours. Exceptions may occur if your project is unusually complex. We provide quotes by email, phone, mail or fax.

For custom products, you may click on the "Request more info" link under the product image.

For products with your own design, you may click here

By fax: Fax one of the quote request forms below to 888-781-1295. If the fax does not go through right away, you may need to send it manually instead of automatically.

By mail: Print out and fill out one the quote request forms below and mail it to the address at the bottom of the form.

By email: Scan and email one the quote request forms below to info@smartresolution.ca or add as much information as you possibly can in your email (at least the product type, quantity and ink colors).

Products with Your Own Design (up to 3 ink colors): Quote Request
Products with Your Own Design (full color): Quote Request

Before you elect to return your product, please note that we offer three solutions: replacements, discounts and finally, returns.

Replacements

Under our guarantee, we will replace orders for many reasons:

• - we made a typo
• - we sent you the wrong product
• - we did not send you your full order
• - you made a mistake during the checkout and did not notice it in the order confirmation
• - the order arrived damaged
• - ...

Please note that replacements are only covered for order under $1500 so please do pay extra attention to your order confirmation when you order is over $1500. Our goal is to make online printing easy, safe and efficient so we strive to make your experience with our store a pleasant one. Replacements are processed as priority orders and shipped as soon as possible. Occasionally, we can overnight the replacement order to make up for unnecessary delays encountered on our part. If, however, you do not care for a replacement for whatever reason, we can certainly discount or refund your order.

Discounts

Although we can replace your order or refund your purchase price, you may also elect to keep the order and receive a discount instead.

Reasons to request a partial discount may include:

• we sent you triplicate forms but you only need duplicates
• we made a typo that you can live with (ex: a word in your term section is misspelled - - as opposed to a misprinted phone number which would most certainly require a replacement)
• a portion of the order was damaged
• the starting number is wrong

Discounts will vary from 5 to 50% depending on the issue.

Returns

If you do not have the time or need us to replace your order, we can certainly take it back. Please note that if your order has shipped, it cannot be cancelled. You will either have to refuse the order or send it back.

PRINTED PIECES: We will usually ask for unused printed pieces for quality-control.

NON PRINTED PIECES: We will almost always ask for unused and non printed pieces back.

Return procedure

Please ship your order back to the address below:

Smart Resolution
Order # _______ Return
1120 Finch Ave. W. Suite 701-1354
Toronto, ON M3J 3H7

Please mention your order number on the box. The purchase price of your order will be refunded to you upon receipt. This excludes any shipping costs incurred, except in the case of an extreme error on our part.

We currently ship to the U.S (including PR and HI), APO addresses, U.S. territories and Canada*. *Please note that we are not responsible for brokerage or duty fees incurred when shipping to Canada, so please review your order carefully.

We offer flat rate shipping based on the final dollar amount of your order.

• Order Total
• Purolator
• Purolator Express

• Up to $99.99
• $10.95
• $37.95

• $100 - $199.99
• $15.95
• $47.95

• $200 - $399.99
• $26.95
• $57.95

• $400 - $599.99
• $39.95
• $81.95

• $600 & up
• $45.95
• $96.95

We cannot use your Purolator account as our shipping procedures are vastly automated.

• Artwork: An original illustration intended for printing which includes photos, graphics and fonts.
• Aqueous coating: More environmentally friendly than UV coating and holds up better than varnish, it is a clear layer of water-based components applied to a printed product for a glossy finish.
• Backprinting: Printing on the second side of a sheet which is already printed on the front side.
• Barrel fold: Type of folding which will result in a piece of paper being folded in three equal parts, with the right side folded to the left and the left side folded to the right, on top of the right hand side or folded twice in the same direction. Similar to tri fold.
• Basis weight: The weight, measured in pounds, of a ream of paper (500 sheets) cut to a standard industry size.
• Binding: Assembling sheets of paper with wire, thread, glue or any other means.
• Bindery: The department which takes care of finishing or binding products.
• Bleeds: Term referring to printing that goes to the edge of the sheet after trimming.
• Block outs: Any portion of a file or artwork that will not be printed. For example, on carbonless forms, block outs can be used so that any credit card information that is written on the first sheet will not transfer to the other sheets.
• Bond paper: Uncoated, plain, paper commonly used for letterheads and general business forms. You can have 20# bond paper and 24# bond paper, the latter being a little heavier and thicker, thus slightly more expensive.
• Bulk: Term referring to the actual thickness of paper expressed in thousandths of inches but also to refer to the purchasing of printed products in large quantities, without any special binding or wrapping.
• Carbonless paper: Term used for pressure sensitive paper that is coated with specific chemicals that will enable the transfer from one sheet to the next when writing or typing and that does not use carbon inserts. Also called NCR paper.
• Camera-ready artwork: Artwork that is ready for commercial printing, designed at the final output size and that will not require the intervention of our graphic artists.
• CMYK: Abbreviation commonly used in the printing and desktop publishing industries to refer to a color model using four primary colors (also called process colors) used in four color or full color printing: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black.
• Coating: A layer of any material, usually liquid, spread over the surface of a sheet of paper to protect it from handling and destructive environment agents but also to add a smooth or glossy finish or color depth to the printed piece.
• Collating: Arranging printed sheets of paper in a precise order or desired sequence.
• Color separations: Refers to the separation of colors in a multi-colored artwork into the basic component colors. For full color printing, a separate film is generated for each of the four colors used to generate a full color art effect: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black.
• Comb bind: A binding method which uses a plastic comb that is inserted into pre-punched holes along the sheets of paper in order to hold them together.
• Continuous forms: Sheets of paper that are used with a dot matrix printer. Holes are punched on each side of the form so that they can be pin-fed by the printer’s mechanism.
• Consecutive numbering: Printing of numbers in a consecutive counting order so that you do not have to keep track or write down invoice numbers and so on.
• Contrast: A change in color tone which ranges from light to dark, commonly used to differentiate between images and backgrounds.
• Cover paper: Heavy paper used to cover booklets, brochures and similar items or to make presentation folders.
• Crop: Cutting off parts of a picture or an image on screen.
• Crop marks: Refers to crossed lines that may be placed at the edges of an artwork to indicate where the final printed piece should be trimmed or in cases of proofs, to show the final art size.
• Cyan: One of the four standard process colors; a shade of blue which reflects blue and green and absorbs red, showing somewhat of a turquoise color.
• Dies: Wooden blocks with steel blades used to punch out parts of a printed piece of paper in desired shapes.
• Die cuts: Cutting paper in a specific shape by using a wooden block at the desired shape which holds steel blades that will be applied with pressure to a stack of sheets by hydraulic or mechanical presses. Commonly used to inserts slits in presentation folders, circles in door hangers and so on.
• Draft: A rough layout of a printed piece showing position of images and text as well as finished size. Also called sketch.
• Duotone: Artwork made up of two printed colors.
• Emboss: Producing a raised image on the surface of a sheet of paper by using pressure and heat to reshape the paper surface.
• Foil: Very thin and flexible sheet of metal which is stamped or embossed on sheet of paper to give a raised look.
• Foil emboss: The fact of stamping a heated foil sheet of metal to create a flat imprint on a sheet of paper. The foil is pressed with a die against the sheets with enough pressure so that it sticks only in the intended places. Combined with heat or several layers of foil, dimensionality can be added to have the image appear raised, curved or sculpted onto the printed piece.
• Foil stamping: Using a die to place a metallic or pigmented image on a sheet of paper. The foil is pressed with a die against the sheets with enough pressure so that it sticks only in the intended places.
• Four color printing: Printing process which uses the combination of four basic colors (CMYK) to create a printed color picture composed from the basic four process colors.
• Gate fold: Type of folding which will result in a tri-panel piece with a portion of the right side folded to the left and a portion of the left side folded to the right, opening up to the “inside” of the piece, as if two gates were opened.
• Ghosting: A faint unwanted image that appears on a printed sheet of paper where it was not intended. More often than not this problem is a function of graphical design and is very complicated to anticipate. Sometimes you can see the problem developing immediately after printing the sheet (called mechanical ghosting), other times the problem occurs while drying (called chemical ghosting). However the problem occurs, Ghosting is costly to fix, if at all possible. Occasionally it can be fixed by changing the color sequence, the inks, the paper, changing to a press with a drier, printing the problem area in a separate pass through the press or changing the number of sheets placed on the drying rack. Since it is a mostly a function of graphical design, the buyer pays for the increased cost.
• Glossy: Term referring to a smooth and shiny aspect of a sheet of paper.
• Grain: The direction in which a paper fiber lies.
• Gummed flap: An envelope that you have to lick to seal.
• Half fold: Type of folding which will result in a piece of paper being folded in two equal halves.
• Hard copy: The printed copy that can be given to the printer from a computer file or simply typed text that will be used for comparison or for typesetting. A hard copy may be requested for full color printing jobs in order to compare the final printed colors to the colors printed on the original copy or on standard and custom printing jobs to be recreated or designed in a software that is compatible with commercial printing.
• Imprint: Adding text or images to a previously printed product.
• Imprint area: The maximum area allowed for printing so that no text or image overlaps parts of the previously printed product.
• Knock outs: Masking out or removing text or images so that they do not print or overlap on the final product. For example, white text on a black background will not be printed on white paper and that is referred to as knock out.
• Laid paper: Paper with a pattern of fine parallel lines that give it a ribbed effect and textured finish.
• Laminating: Covering printed materials with film, glue or plastic to bond the different layers together or to give the materials a smooth and glossy finish.
• Linen paper: Paper with a pattern that simulates the effect of linen cloth.
• Magenta: The red color, part of the four basic colors in process or full color printing.
• Marginal wording: Text printed on the outside margins of a sheet and used for directions or useful references on a business form. For example, lines printed on continuous forms for correct placement and so on.
• Matte finish: A dull paper or ink finish; the opposite of glossy or lustrous.
• MICR: Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. Type of recognition that relies on detecting characters that have been machine-printed in magnetic ink to rigid specifications. The disctinctive shape of each character and the amount of magnetic material in the ink are strictly defined by the American National Standards Institute.
• MICR line: The row of characters printed in machine readable magnetic ink at the bottom of each check. Part of this MICR line identifies the issuing bank and the check number and is usually preprinted on the check. The face value of the check is typed into the far right of the MICR line before that check is routed back to the issuing bank. This allows the check to be recognized cheaply and easily by the Federal Reserve in order to forward it back to the bank on which it was drawn.
• NCR paper: Term used for pressure sensitive paper that is coated with specific chemicals that will enable the transfer from one sheet to the next when writing or typing and that does not use carbon inserts. Also called carbonless paper.
• Opacity: The measure of light obscured or shown on a printed sheet or graphic. The more opaque or the thicker the paper, the less it will be see-through. Correspondingly, the thicker or heavier the paper is, the higher the cost will be. When designing artwork, layering images can be used to control which parts of the final printed graphic will appear more or less.
• Overrun: Copies printed in excess of the specified quantity. Generally, a 10% of overrun-underrun is considered acceptable in the printing industry. More copies than ordered are printed but during the cutting process for example, some loss can occur.
• Page count: Total number of pages in a book including any blank sheets.
• Paper brightness: Term referring to the paper brilliance. The brighter the paper, the whiter it appears. The brightness of the paper will affect the way colors are reflected. Colors printed on paper that is not very bright will seem darker. As a general rule, the brighter the paper, the more vibrant the colors will appear. On bright paper, however, light colors can appear washed out.
• PMS color: Abbreviation for the Pantone Color Matching System; color system used to reproduce/match specific spot colors.
• Postscript: Computer language most recognized by printing devices, describing the text and graphic elements (or appearance) of a file that will be printed.
• Pressure-sensitive paper: Paper containing self sticking adhesive coating and covered by a backing sheet which will be removed upon use.
• Process colors: Cyan (process blue), magenta (process red), yellow (process yellow) and black (process black) inks used in four color printing.
• Proof: Final approved copy of the artwork before production begins.
• Quad fold: Type of folding which will result in a piece of paper being folded in four equal parts.
• RGB: color model using red, green and blue to display colors as accurately as possible on a screen device (monitor).
• Ream: Five hundred sheets of paper.
• Saddle stitch: Binding a book, booklet or magazine with staples that are placed where it folds.
• Score: Crease paper to make folding easier.
• Self-cover: Using the same paper used for the inside of a book, booklet or magazine as the cover.
• Sets: term used when carbonless paper is involved to refer to the amount of invoices/deposit tickets and so on. For example, 250 sets of 3-part invoices means 250 original invoices with 2 copies (one yellow, one pink usually).
• Sketch: A rough layout of a printed piece showing position of images and text as well as finished size. Also called draft.
• Snapset: same as glued-edge carbonless form except it has a top stub with perforations for easy tear-off and holes drilled all along the stub.
• Specifications: Describing a print order precisely and thoroughly.
• Spine: The binding edge of a book, booklet, magazine or publication.
• Stamping: Term commonly used for foil stamping.
• Stock: The type of material or paper.
• Text paper: Various grades of uncoated paper commonly used in printing.
• Trapping: Term referring to the overlapping of ink colors to eliminate white lines between colors.
• Tri fold: Type of folding which will result in a piece of paper being folded in three equal parts. Commonly used for brochures. Similar to barrel fold.
• Trim marks: Marks showing where to trim the printed materials.
• Underrun: Production of fewer copies than ordered. Generally, a 10% overrun-underrun is considered acceptable in the printing industry. More copies than ordered are printed but during the cutting process for example, some loss can occur.
• Up: Printing two, three or four up means printing multiple copies of the same image on the same sheet of paper.
• UV coating: A clear liquid similar to ink applied to a sheet of paper and dried with ultraviolet light. It gives more protection than aqueous coating or varnish but is more difficult to recycle.
• Varnish: A liquid layer spread over the surface of a sheet of paper to protect it from handling and destructive environment agents. It is essentially ink without pigment. It requires its own printing unit on the press.
• Watermark: A distinctive design created in a sheet of paper at the time of manufacture that can be seen when holding the paper up to a light.
• Wove paper: Paper with a uniform unlined surface, resulting in a smooth finish.
• Z fold: Type of folding which results in a piece of paper that resembles the letter Z. The paper is folded into three equal parts, making a ‘diagonal’ with the central third. Also known as zigzag fold.
• Zig zag fold: Type of folding which results in a piece of paper that resembles the letter Z. The paper is folded into three equal parts, making a ‘diagonal’ with the central third. Also known as z fold.

As a rule of thumb, all products that have had glue applied to them (labels, self-seal envelopes, etc...) should be stored in an air-conditioned or climate-controlled environment. The ideal storage environment is 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit with no more than 45-55% humidity.

Laser checks and forms can indeed curl in certain conditions. To prevent this, you may take the following steps:

• Store your documents in an air-conditioned or climate-controlled environment. The ideal storage environment is 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit with no more than 45-55% humidity.
• If you move your documents to an environment with a different temperature or humidity, let them sit 24 hours to acclimate to the new environment before you print.
• Store your laser documents flat in their original inner carton. Do not stack other items on top.
• Store your laser documents flat in their original inner carton. Do not stack other items on top.
• Completely fill the printer tray, even if you are only printing a few documents.
• Fan the paper to remove static before you load it into the printer.
• Keep your printer maintained as it will also help reduce paper feeding and jamming issues.

To resolve issues with your METO or MONARCH pricing gun, please take the following measures:

Jamming

• If the trigger is pulled, in succession, too fast, the pricing gun may jam.
• Make sure that the sandpaper has not fallen off or been removed from the transport mechanism.

Alignment

• Make sure the labels are not loaded so that they are facing the print bands.
• The flat screw on the front of the gun is to adjust where the labels come out, which in turn, adjusts the location the printheads will print. A clockwise turn will move the print down; a counterclockwise turn will move the print up.

Changing the ink rollers

• Pull the trigger and hold it in position, not letting it click back.
• While holding the trigger, pull the trap door open.
• Remove the plastic holder as well as the ink roller attached to it. Do not throw away the holder.
• Recycle the used ink roller only. Be careful as the ink is extremely permanent.
• Snap the ink roller into the holder and slide back in the gun. Be sure to tightly secure both the ink roller into the holder and the holder into the gun.
• Close the trap door.

Ink coverage

• If the ink is too light, check when you last changed the ink roller. Ink rollers should be changed every 10,000 labels.
• If the gun has been stored for a long period of time, not being used, ink could be light due to the ink roller drying out.
• Never re-ink the ink roller.
• Clean the print bands with a soft brush. Do not use a solvent of any kind as this will melt the print band.
• If the print band is broken, the gun must be returned for repair. ** Please note that we will only take guns back for repair if they have been purchased with us **

1. Press down on the two slides, located on both sides of the pricing gun, until the lever located in the front of the gun pops open. Place the gun on the table.
2. Pick up the roll of pricing labels and let the strip of labels hang down so it looks like a number "9".
3. Pick up the pricing gun and place the roll of labels in the label holder until it snaps into place. Make sure the printed side of the strip of labels is facing upward.
4. Feed the strip of labels into the opening left when the door-like lever was released.
5. Pick up the lever and form it into an "L" shape.
6. Thread a 10 inch strip of labels over the top of that lever. Gently close the lever until you hear it lock.
7. You should be holding the pricing gun with the strip of labels facing you. There should be a clean break at the end of the strip.
8. Notice the slot located just above the handle, gently pull that slot toward you until it snaps loose.
9. Feed the strip of labels into that slot. They will appear over the handle.
10. Continue feeding the labels through the slot until the strip above the slot becomes tight.
11. You should now push the slot back inward until you hear a snap.
12. Tighten and relax your grip on the handle until a label appears at the top of the pricing gun, just under the rubber rollers.

New Orders

• Business Days To
• Set
  Up
• Printing
  & Packing
• Ground Delivery
• Second Day Delivery
• Next Day Delivery

• Custom Products

• No logo
• 0
• 3
• 2 to 5
• 2
• 1

• With logo, extra line or custom imprint
• 4
• 3
• 2 to 5
• 2
• 1

• Blank
• 0
• 2
• 2 to 5
• 2
• 1

• Folders, pens, mugs, magnets
• 3
• 10
• 2 to 5
• 2
• 1

• Anniversary labels
• 3
• 12
• 2 to 5
• 2
• 1

• Products with Your Own Design (up to 3 inks)

• Regular
• 3
• 6
• 2 to 5
• 2
• 1

• Rush
• 2
• 4
• 2 to 5
• 2
• 1

• Labels
• 1
• 1
• 2 to 5
• 2
• 1

• Products with Your Own Design (full color)

• Regular
• 1
• 3
• 2 to 5
• 2
• 1

• Rush
• 1
• 2
• 2 to 5
• 2
• 1

• Labels
• 1
• 3
• 2 to 5
• 2
• 1

** Turnaround times above are only estimates. Orders with corrupt artwork, missing fonts, low resolution logo, too much text in the personalization, etc. will be delayed until the issue is resolved. The processing of the order will only start once the issue had been resolved. Finally, although pretty rare, issues such as broken plates can occur and may also delay your order, so please try to plan a printing job well in advance of your deadline. Orders placed after 2:00PM are sometimes processed the next business day.

Reorders & Replacements

• Business Days To
• Set
  Up
• Print, Dry
  & Pack
• Ground Delivery
• Second Day Delivery
• Next Day Delivery

• Custom Products

• No logo
• 0
• 2
• 2 to 5
• 2
• 1

• With logo, extra line or custom imprint
• 0
• 3
• 2 to 5
• 2
• 1

• Blank
• 0
• 2
• 2 to 5
• 2
• 1

• Folders, pens, mugs, magnets
• 2
• 8
• 2 to 5
• 2
• 1

• Anniversary labels
• 2
• 10
• 2 to 5
• 2
• 1

• Products with your own Design (up to 3 inks)

• Regular
• 2
• 6
• 2 to 5
• 2
• 1

• Rush
• 1
• 4
• 2 to 5
• 2
• 1

• Labels
• 0
• 1
• 2 to 5
• 2
• 1

• Products with your own Design (full color)

• Regular
• 1
• 4
• 2 to 5
• 2
• 1

• Rush
• 1
• 4
• 2 to 5
• 2
• 1

• Labels
• 0
• 3
• 2 to 5
• 2
• 1

** Turnaround times above are only estimates. Orders with corrupt artwork, missing fonts, low resolution logo, too much text in the personalization, etc. will be delayed until the issue is resolved. The processing of the order will only start once the issue had been resolved. Finally, although pretty rare, issues such as broken plates can occur and may also delay your order, so please try to plan a printing job well in advance of your deadline. Orders placed after 2:00PM may be processed the next business day.