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Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
- How do I send my files/job to you?
- What is the difference between a tiff file and a jpeg file and which is better to use when printing a job?
- What is the difference between raster and vector graphics?
- Why does my logo need to be a vector file?
- How do I make high-quality PDF's that are ready for print jobs?
- What is the difference between spot and process colors?
- What are PMS colors?
- Why can't I get a perfect spot match when printing digitally?
- Why does it cost more to run 100 copies on the offset press that it does on the digital press?
- What is variable data?
- What is a PURL (personalized-url)?
Answers
- How do I send my files/job to you?
The best way to send us your files is to use our eCommerce site to upload your files. However, you can also burn a disk with all the files, fonts and images. If the files are small enough they can be emailed; however this option is not recommended in most cases. - What is the difference between a tiff file and a jpeg file and which is better to use when printing a job?
Jpeg/Jpg's use a lossy compression scheme that tosses out little bits of data each time the file is edited and saved. This is not ideal when high quality reproduction is desired; jpeg's are commonly used when displaying images online. Although jpeg is the format digital cameras save the images as, they need to be converted to tiff/tif's (or some other lossless format) before editing. - What is the difference between raster and vector graphics?
A bitmap or raster graphic is composed of pixels (picture element) in a grid. Each pixel or "bit" contains color information for the image. Bitmap graphics formats have a fixed resolution which means that resizing a bitmap graphic can result in distortion and jagged edges. Jpg and Tif files are raster images.
Vector graphics are a resolution-independent, scalable format composed of individual objects (curves) made up of mathematical calculations. Vector images can be resized easily without loss of quality making them an ideal format for initial design of logos and illustrations that to be used at multiple sizes. - Why does my logo need to be a vector file?
Logos need to be vector because they can be resized and edited without losing quality. See explanation of the difference between a vector and raster file above. - How do I make high-quality PDF's that are ready for print jobs?
Click the following to view an online article on how to create quality PDF's: "Start Smart: Create Quality PDF's" - What is the difference between spot and process colors?
A spot color is a specially mixed ink used in printing. Spot color inks come in a rainbow of colors, including some specialty inks such as metallic and flourescent. Unlike CMYK or process color which creates colors by laying down layers of just 4 specific inks (cyan, magenta, yellow and black), spot colors are pre-mixed and you use one ink for each color in the publication. - What are PMS colors?
PMS (Pantone Match System) colors are a specific brand of spot colors, consisting of over 1,000 different colors. Other brands include TOYO, DIC, and ANPA. - Why can't I get a perfect spot match when printing digitally?
Unlike traditional offset printing where a specific color can be printed by itself, digital printing uses the process colors to achieve the printed image. - Why does it cost more to run 100 copies on the offset press that it does on the digital press?
Offset printing has more overhead involved than digital printing. More time, materials and labor costs are used in printing offset than with digital printing. It is not very likely at all that 100 copies would be printed offset. Digital printing is a direct process (much like printing a file to your desktop printer) where the files are sent directly to the printer. - What is variable data?
Variable data (VDP) is a method used to personalize and customize print for each indiviual receiving the piece. VDP is printed digitally where each and every piece is completely unique and targeted toward its recipient based on known preferences/data about the individual. Keiger Direct, a division of Keiger Printing Company, handles variable data print jobs. - What is a PURL (personalized-url)?
A PURL is a personalized "website" of sorts used for marketing to a group of people to collect data to be used in future marketing efforts. The site usually greets the visitor by name and presents them with products/services/information based on a database of preferences. The site can be an on-going campaign that changes depending on the data collected from the visitor OR the site can used as a one-time marketing announcement for registration, etc. Keiger Direct, a division of Keiger Printing Company, handles PURL's.
