Frequently asked questions.
Answers to the questions we hear most, all in one place. If you can't find what you're looking for, contact us and we'll help.
General
Can I get a proof before placing an order?
We begin the design process once your order is placed and any required deposit is paid. From there, we will send you a digital proof to review and approve before anything goes to print.
We do not provide free mock-ups or design concepts prior to an order, since each project is custom work. If you're unsure about moving forward, we're happy to discuss your project and show you examples of similar work we've done.Can I have borders in my artwork?
Thin borders that run close to the edge are not recommended. Because cutting involves slight mechanical variance, a trim that is off by even half a millimeter can make a thin border look uneven, especially on small products like business cards.
If your design requires a border, thicker borders (roughly 0.25″ or more) or inset borders that sit well inside the trim line tend to handle cutting shifts much better. If you are unsure, send us your file and we can review it before printing.
Do you offer returns or refunds?
Because every order is custom-made, we do not accept returns on printed items or completed services.
If there is a defect or error on our end, we will reprint or correct the work at no charge. If a refund is more appropriate for the situation, we handle those on a case-by-case basis depending on the work already completed.
For full details, please see our Returns and Refunds Policy.How important is it to convert my files to CMYK?
For the most accurate color results, we strongly recommend submitting files in CMYK. RGB colors are optimized for screens and often print duller or with a noticeable color shift.
What happens if I don’t convert?
RGB files can produce colors that fall outside the range standard inks can reproduce. Bright blues, greens, and deep reds are the most common trouble spots. We can convert your files for you if needed, but because every monitor displays color differently, we cannot guarantee the converted result will match your screen.Need help?
If you are not sure how to convert your files, contact us before placing your order and we will walk you through it or handle the conversion.How long before I receive a design proof?
Please allow 1–2 business days for your design proof. Many simple orders are ready the same day. If your project is complex or requires multiple revisions, we will give you a clear timeframe when you place your order.
My job was printed wrong. What do I do?
Please contact us within 48 hours of pickup or delivery, ideally with a photo of the issue. We will review it right away.
If the error is ours, such as a cutting mistake, wrong material, or an installation defect, we will reprint it at no charge.
If the issue is in the design file you approved, such as a typo, color choice, or layout detail, we are not able to reprint for free. In those cases, we may offer a one-time discounted reprint to help make it right.We ask that all proofs be checked carefully before approval, since we do not proofread for spelling, grammar, or content accuracy.
What is a bleed?
A bleed is the extra space around the edge of your design that extends beyond where the final product will be cut. Think of it as a safety margin that ensures your colors and images go all the way to the edge with no white borders showing up.
Why do we need it?
Trimming is precise, but not perfect. The bleed gives us wiggle room so your design looks finished even if the cut is slightly off.How much bleed do I need?
Most products need 0.125″ of bleed. You do not need to worry about the technical details, just download the correct template for your product from our templates page, and the bleed will already be built in.What is a raster image?
A raster image (sometimes called a bitmap) is made up of tiny squares called pixels, like a digital mosaic. Photos and most images you see online are raster files.
Why does it matter?
Rasters look great at their original size, but they do not resize well. When you enlarge them, they become pixelated and jagged. When you shrink them, they can lose sharpness.What is the alternative?
Vector graphics can be resized to any size without losing quality. That is why we prefer vector files for logos and graphics whenever possible.
Bottom line: Use raster images for photos, but provide vector files for logos and graphics when you can.What is a vector image?
A vector image is made up of lines and curves defined by mathematical formulas rather than pixels. This means it can be resized to any dimension, from a business card to a billboard, without losing quality or becoming blurry.
Why does it matter?
Unlike raster images (photos and pixel-based graphics) that become pixelated when enlarged, vectors stay crisp at any size. This makes them ideal for logos, icons, and illustrations that need to work across different formats.What we recommend:
Always provide vector files (such as .AI, .EPS, .SVG, or vector-based .PDF) for logos and graphics whenever possible. This ensures the best print quality at any size. Please note that photographs cannot be converted to true vector format without being manually redrawn.What is CMYK?
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black — the four ink colors used in professional printing. By layering these inks in different combinations, printers produce the wide range of colors used in most printed materials.
Why does it matter?
Screens display color using RGB (Red, Green, Blue), which can show brighter and more vivid colors than ink on paper can reproduce. If your file is in RGB, the printed result may look duller or different than what you see on your monitor. Even with a CMYK file, colors may appear slightly different on screen versus on paper because monitors emit light and paper reflects it.
What should I do?
When designing for print, set your color mode to CMYK in your design software (such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Canva). If you are unsure how to do this, we can convert it for you, but there may be slight color shifts.|What is resolution?
Resolution refers to how much detail your image contains, measured by the total number of pixels. For print, we describe this as DPI (dots per inch) or PPI (pixels per inch). The more pixels you have for the size you are printing, the sharper the result.
What resolution do I need?
For most standard print items like business cards, flyers, and brochures, we recommend 300 DPI at the final print size. Large-format items like banners or signs can often use lower resolution because they are viewed from farther away.Quick tip:
Images pulled from the web are usually low resolution in terms of actual pixels, which makes them look blurry or pixelated when printed large. Simply changing the DPI number in your file does not add quality. If an image is low resolution, enlarging it will not make it sharper. Always use high-resolution source images for the best results.
Still not sure? Tell us about your project and a real person will answer.