PMS or spot color
This denotes the inks used for offset printing based on the Pantone Matching System R. This type of printing yields the most accurate color matching, important for logos and corporate identity, because the ink is specially mixed and is matched to an objective standard. All high-end graphics software comes with Pantone libraries. Just be sure to be consistent in your choice of colors (e.g. PMS 301C is not the same as PMS
301U).
What is bleed and why do printers keep nagging me about it?
When you want your art (photo, background color, etc.) to print to the very edge of the sheet, you need to create a bleed. This means that the art actually extends at least 1/8” beyond the finished size of the printed piece (called the “live area” in printing terminology). Your project will then be printed on an oversized sheet and trimmed to its final size. While our bindery department is skilled, they can’t trim with surgical precision ... that’s why we need bleed. If you’re not sure how to add bleed to your document, call us and we’ll gladly talk
you thru it.
Do I really need to know about impositioning?
Not really. If you’re comfortable with that sort of thing, we’d be delighted to get your files already impositioned. But do check with us first to see how we’ll be running the job. Otherwise, we have the software to imposition your job for you, whether it’s 8-up for digital business cards or printer’s spreads for a booklet.
What’s better - digital or offset printing?
It all depends on your particular needs. We are not a one-size-fits-all print shop. Every job is unique and we take pride in finding the unique approach to each job that gives the customer the best quality, price and turnaround.
Offset printing is superior in accurate color matching, compatibility with a wide variety of stocks, cost-effectivenesson long runs.
Digital printing excels in short runs, tight deadlines, variable data, vibrant full color printing.
A combination of all these factors determines whether we’ll recommend digital or offset printing.