How to Prepare Your Brochure For Printing

Full color printed brochuresBrochure printing can be a time intensive task. You have to create your content, make a layout, imagine a design, produce the design digitally etc. By minimizing the time it takes to do the whole process you can concentrate on other aspects of your business, and also you can save costs on hiring staff especially if they are paid by the hour. Time is money as the saying goes. Because of this, we have put together the steps necessary to prepare for brochure printing below. Your experience with brochure printing services should be faster and more productive if you do these steps when going through the whole printing process.

Determine your dimensions
First you need to determine the dimensions of your color brochure. This determines the layout of your brochure design and the size and shape of the paper that it will be printed upon. There are several standard brochure printing dimensions such as the folded letter size dimension (8.5×11) or the more common brochure standard size (11×17). Always set the dimension you want on the image or publishing file of your brochure. This makes it easier for the brochure printing company since they don’t have to resize your brochure design to fit the printing process. This also avoids the hassle of having to re-edit the design to prevent pixels from appearing.

Take note of the folds
When doing your layout and design for your color brochures always take note of where the folds are located. Some people make the mistake in not minding the brochure folds. They think since the brochure will be opened anyway, then it wouldn’t matter where the folds lie. The whole design will be seen once it is open. The trouble with this line of thinking is that some important design elements might be located within the fold area itself. What if an image was caught in a fold area, wouldn’t that wrinkle up the image and make it distorted? If a face or logo got caught up in there wouldn’t that ruin it? Of course if text gets cut because of the fold, then it is downright unprofessional. So always take note of the folds. You can put some digital guide lines on their locations if your imaging software allows it. Or you can actually put in a line or design element within the fold area to mark it.

Brochure Image file settings
Next, always be sure of the brochure image file settings before sending the design of to the printer. First and foremost would be the image resolution. Resolution determines the graphic dots that are present in a digital image per inch. This is called dots per inch or DPI. The printing standard of 300dpi to prevent pixels from occurring applies here. Next, have the correct color settings in your image file. Some printers use the Red, Green and Blue setting (RGB) while others use the Cyan, Yellow, Magenta and Black combination (CMYK). Ask your brochure printing company what color mode they use so that they don’t have to convert your image to another color mode. Lastly, it is better to have the brochure file format in an image software file format rather than a direct image file. This is so that the printing company can make minor changes in your design as necessary without going back to you for the changes. A common file format that is used for digital image design is the Adobe Photoshop file (PDS).

Compensate for printing
Lastly, always allow a leeway or extra space to compensate for brochure printing. This refers to the print “bleed” where your design can go a little beyond the set dimensions. This assures that when the brochures are cut for printing no awkward white spaces or cut design elements appear.

Those should be the important steps you do to prepare for brochure printing. Once you have done with all this the whole brochure printing process should be a snap. Good Luck!

Graphic Design is Just As Important As the Printing

Grahic Design Just as Important of PrintingAs an online printing company owner, I see firsthand the orders that come through from the web to print. It is amazing to see the wide spectrum of files that come through from novice to expert designers. It seems as though the majority of time spent on completing a printing order is on the design and setup process.

There are precise specifications for each printed project. For example, when designing a business card, flyer or anything else that requires a bleed off the edge (no white space) the file needs to be set up oversized. Most offset printing companies require a minimum of 1/8 inch over where you want to trim. This allows for enough room to trim all the way around the edge allowing the ink to bleed of the edge, and giving a nice professional look.

Another tip when designing projects to be printed is when you are using the color blue. I can’t tell you how many times we have printed a project with blue ink and it turns out looking purple. There is a reason for this and it is all in the design process. Blue is close to purple in the CMYK color spectrum, and it is very important to make sure to leave at least a 30% difference in your Cyan and Magenta values. Projects come through using 100% Cyan and 100% Magenta which on the computer screen will appear to be blue. But, when printed through the offset process, the project may appear purple. The best solution would be to always use a low amount of Magenta whenever using high amounts of Cyan, example: C-100 M-70 Y-0 K-0.

The printing technology nowadays is unprecedented. The capabilities of these machines are out of this world. I am surprised when I see a project come in that has obviously not been designed by a professional. The printing costs are the same whether you design, or you have an experienced graphic designer do the work. Why spend the money on a project that is portraying your business as less professional? I am of the opinion that it is always better to spend a few extra dollars on design to maximize the impact of any printing project. In fact, some files that aren’t prepared correctly need to be corrected by the printer which there is usually always a fee, so in the end, it will benefit you to have it done right the first time.

Business is more competitive in a down economy. There is less to go around when people stop buying. So, if you are a company that advertises through flyers, door hangers, notepads or postcards-make sure to hire a graphic design professional for your printed projects. It just might be the difference between you getting the job or account versus your competitor.

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US Digital Printing and Design Overview:


We are the solution for all of your printing needs. We provide today’s business with exceptional quality printing, using revolutionary technology to reduce turn-around time. Most important of all, we specialize in reducing your printing costs.

Our focus on fully-automated processes from start to finish, this allows us to cut costs, not corners.

As a highly successful company, we understand that success must be based on saving you valuable time and money. That is why we provide the easiest and most comprehensive on-line ordering tool for all of your printing needs.

No more waiting
No more standing in lines at your local printer.
Just a few clicks of the mouse and you’re on the way to discovering how easy and convenient on-line color printing should be.

Remember, just because we are on-line doesn’t mean that we are unreachable. Anytime you need extra help or have custom orders, feel free to contact our friendly (human) account representatives. We recognize that you want answers, not voice prompts, so we provide real specialists to field your calls. Our results-driven team is dedicated to working all of your company”s printing needs in a fast, courteous, professional manner that exceeds your expectations, the first time, every time!

We are the solution for all of your printing needs. We provide today’s business with exceptional quality printing, using revolutionary technology to reduce turn-around time. Most important of all, we specialize in reducing your printing costs.

As a highly successful company, we understand that success must be based on saving you valuable time and money.

Mission:

Selling Communication NOT Just Ink!

We will…
Utilize our experience to
Support our customers by
Delivering exceptional quality and
Promote excellence in all our communication.

Products:
Business cards, Letterhead, Envelopes, Brochures, Calendars, CD DVD inserts and mailers, Presentation folders, Club flyers, Door hangers, Labels, Hang tags, Greeting cards, Note pads, Rack cards, Tear cards, Trading cards, Vinyl banners, Vehicle decals, Window cling, Vinyl decals, etc. Basically we are limited only by your imagination!

Production and Turnaround Times

Saving you on shipping cost by having two locations
We have two print shop locations Blue Zone (West of Rockies) and Red Zone (East of Rockies). Your print order will automatically be routed to the location which will assure the most efficient and cost effective delivery of your product.

Saving you on shipping cost by having two locations

Next Day Order with “No Proof, Runs As Is”
Files must be submitted BEFORE 10:30 a.m. PST for Blue zone (West of Rockies) or 10:30 a.m. EST for Red Zone (East of Rockies) shipping destination.
Order will be completed the next business day by 4 p.m. PST for Blue zone (West of Rockies) or 4:00 p.m. EST for Red Zone (East of Rockies) for will call or shipping.
Delivery orders will be sent out the following business day after completion.(Applicable only where delivery is available)

Next Day Order with Online PDF proof
Files must be submitted BEFORE 10:30 a.m. PST for Blue zone (West of Rockies) or 10:30 a.m. EST for Red Zone (East of Rockies) shipping destination.
Online proof will be sent by 2:00 p.m. PST for Blue zone (West of Rockies) or 2:00 p.m. EST for Red Zone (East of Rockies) shipping destination.
Must be approved by client BEFORE 4:00 p.m. PST for Blue zone (West of Rockies) or 4:00 p.m. EST for Red Zone (East of Rockies) shipping destination. If not, it will be processed the next business day.
Delivery orders will be sent out the business day after completion.(Applicable only where delivery is available)

Standard 2-3 days, 5 Days, 7 days, etc with “No Proof, Runs As Is”
-Files submitted BEFORE 10:30 a.m. PST for Blue zone (West of Rockies) or 10:30 a.m. EST for Red Zone (East of Rockies) shipping destination will be processed the same business day.
Example 2-3 days: Files in Monday BEFORE 10:30 a.m. EST for Red Zone (East of Rockies) shipping destination will be completed by Wednesday or Thursday 4 p.m. EST

-Files submitted AFTER 10:30 a.m. PST for Blue zone (West of Rockies) or 10:30 a.m. EST for Red Zone (East of Rockies) shipping destination will be processed the next business day.
Example 2-3 days: Files in Monday AFTER 10:30 a.m. EST for Red Zone (East of Rockies) shipping destination will be completed by Thursday or Friday 4 p.m. EST
Delivery orders will be sent out the business day after completion. (Applicable only where delivery is available)

Standard 2-3 days, 5 Days, 7 days, etc with Online PDF proof
-Files submitted BEFORE 10:30 a.m. PST for Blue zone (West of Rockies) or 10:30 a.m. EST for Red Zone (East of Rockies) shipping destination.
Online proof will be sent by 2:00 p.m. PST for Blue zone (West of Rockies) or 2:00 p.m. EST for Red Zone (East of Rockies) shipping destination.
If approved by client BEFORE 4:00 p.m. PST for Blue zone (West of Rockies) or 4:00 p.m. EST for Red Zone (East of Rockies) shipping destination it will be processed that same business day. If not, it will be processed the next business day.
Example 2-3 days: Files in Monday BEFORE 10:30 a.m. EST for Red Zone (East of Rockies) shipping destination; approved by 4 p.m. EST will be completed by Wednesday or Thursday 4 p.m. EST

-Files submitted AFTER 10:30 a.m. PST for Blue zone (West of Rockies) or 10:30 a.m. EST for Red Zone (East of Rockies) shipping destination will have a Online proof available within 12 to 24 hours from file submission.
Important Note: Any order approved AFTER 4 p.m. PST for Blue zone (West of Rockies) or 4:00 p.m. EST for Red Zone (East of Rockies) shipping destination will be processed the next business day.
Example 2-3 days: Files in Monday AFTER 10:30 a.m. EST for Red Zone (West of Rockies)  shipping destination will be completed by Thursday or Friday 4 p.m. EST
Delivery orders will be sent out the business day after completion. (Applicable only where delivery is available)

Offset vs Digital Printing

Offset vs. Digital Printing. Which form of Printing is right for you?Which process is right for you?

You already know US Digital Printing and Design offers extraordinary offset printing, but now we also offer Digital Printing. Each printing method has it’s own advantages. We are offering both as part of our continuing efforts to offer you the most product options!

Offset Printing

Our Offset products offer the highest printing quality available. Offset is the perfect option for standard orders with quantities from 250 to 50,000+ pieces. We currently offer nine standard stocks, with several printing and coating options.

A good example of a typical Offset printing job would be:
• 1,000 Full Color Flyers with Gloss Overall Coating.

Digital Printing

The power of Digital is in it’s flexibility. Options that would not be affordable for offset, become practical. This includes small quantities under 250 pieces, variable data, custom stocks, and even faster turnarounds! Now, you can offer your clients the option to print materials as they need them!

As a bonus, our specific technologies allow us to offer a variety of coatings; including spot, and dimensional. Check back soon for more details on the product options we will have available.

A good example of a Digital job would be:
• 50 Full Color Business Cards on Pearlescent stock with Spot Coating.

Weekly Coupons

UP to 50% Off Weekly CouponDear Customer,

Your loyalty to US Digital Printing and Design has resulted in increased business and greater success, and as a token of our appreciation, we present to you our Weekly Coupons, offered exclusively in your email. Simply fill out the opt in form to the right and you will be sent the weekly specials every week

Along with our already low prices (the lowest in the nation!), our Weekly Coupons are an excellent tool for you to maximize your savings and attract new business. Each week, the coupon is updated to feature a selected product, discounted up to 50% for that week.

We update the Weekly Coupons every Saturday at noon, which enables you to develop your own specials for you or your customers by Monday morning. Take advantage of the Weekly Coupons and pass on their incentives and benefits to your customers!

In addition to the Weekly Coupon that we send by email, we offer a Bonus Coupon for a selected product at a discount. Be sure to check our blog every week for the Bonus Coupon.

Remember – our continued success is your continued success!

Sincerely,

US Digital Printing and Design Staff

If you have not been receiving coupon emails from us, please contact us at info@usdigitalprinting.com.

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US Digital Printing and Design Goes Green

Pollution, over-flowing landfills and disappearing forests are all endangering our Planet. Thus many businesses are now employing green practices in order to help save our Planet. We want to do our share! We now offer environmentally-friendly printing featuring high-quality recycled and chlorine-free papers, at affordable prices.

Here are some of the other ways we are contributing:

  • We use soy/vegetable based inks and Zero VOC solvents on ALL of our printing jobs in order to reduce air pollution, and improve employee safety.
  • We actively recycle all of our paper waste, used plates, waste inks and solvents, in order to reduce pollution and improve employee safety.
  • We educate our Clients on the benefits of green printing and offer reasonably-priced print services.

If you want Green Printing, your order will be printed on green paper for no additional charge! For label and NCR stock, we don’t have any available green options at this time. We will let you know if we will have them in the future.6 Options for Going Green with your printing

We are offering FREE licensed logos for use by our customers who select Go Green paper options. Please choose from the following logo variations below. Click your selection to download the logo to your computer.

Going Green with your printing Going Green with your printing Going Green with your printing