General FAQ

What type of files should I send to over?

We recommend saving as a PDF file. You may also send the file in the following types: JPG, JPEG, TIF, TIFF, and EPS.

We prefer that you send PDF with embedded or outlined fonts. PDF files are easier to handle and will likely speed up your turn-around. Remember to flatten your files before uploading.

For Roll Labels, we recommend designing:

  • Vector files (e.g. EPS or PDF).
  • 300 DPI or higher.
  • Use black (100% K).
  • For fine lines and text smaller than 9pt, use black (100% K) only.
What color mode should my files be?

Your designs should always start and finish in CMYK color mode.

If you send us an RGB file, there is a chance that a color shift may occur and you may not be satisfied with your job.

What resolution should my file be?

Your artwork files should be at 300 dpi.

Low-resolution files may be printed as is or will be placed on hold until we receive new files, slowing your turn-around.

How should I set up my bleed?

Bleed must extend past the cut-line and will be trimmed from the product during the final cutting phase. When the image is required to extend all the way to the edge, bleed is needed to preserve the finished look and the quality of the final product.

Please keep all text at least 0.125" inside the cut-line.

  • The bleed for Standard Products is 0.125".
  • The bleed for Booklets and Presentation Folders is 0.25".
  • For Grand4mat Products, please see the G4Mat FAQs for individual substrate guides.

 

Does over accept borders on jobs?

Yes, but if the border is too close to the cutline, it may be cut off-center slightly.

We cut through many sheets at a time, so watch your borders to avoid an unwanted mistake.

How can I avoid transparency issue?

Any transparency issue can be resolved before saving your file.

What a transparency problem looks like on screen... After a transparency problem is printed...

To prevent this, never use shadows, glows, or any other transparency (image or otherwise) on top of a spot color. Always convert your spot color to CMYK and flatten before sending.

SHADOWS, GLOWS, TRANSPARENCY

All of these effects will cause transparency problems.

Should I send a proof or sample file?

When sending artwork, do not send extra files, like proofs or samples, because they might get printed. Only send the files you need printed.

We are not responsible for these kinds of files being printed. Unless requested by one of our employees, DO NOT send files that you do not want printed.

What is overprint, and how can it ruin my file?

Primarily used to intentionally overlap inks for a number of reasons, overprint can cause unexpected results. We suggest that you turn all overprint objects off before submitting your files.

In this case, the logo was set to overprint. The colors in the logo are mixing with the colors in the background. Unexpected results may occur if you have accidentally set certain objects to overprint. Always check logos and other artwork before submitting.

White Type - Another common file setup error is using overprint for white type. If you are using white type and set it to overprint, it will result in the type "dropping off" the printed piece.

Our preflight system will give you a warning that indicates you have elements that are set to overprint. In order to prevent the type from dropping off in your printed piece, we recommend you turn off all type set to overprint. What can also solve this issue will be to flatten all the layers in your file and convert any Pantone and RGB colors to CMYK before submitting your files.

Can I submit a front and back in the same file?

We only except seperate files for each side of your job. Please note, if you send us both sides on the same artwork your job will not print correctly.

2 FILES – 1FR, 1BK / 1 FILE – FR&,BK

How can I make sure my blues do not come out purple?

When using a blue in your design, always make sure to leave at least a 30% difference in your Cyan and Magenta .

100% C 100% M 0% Y 0% K

Blue is close to purple in the CMYK spectrum. Remember, use a low amount of magenta whenever using high amounts of cyan to avoid purple.

Example: C-100 M-70 Y-0 k-0

How do I export a .pdf correctly?

When exporting from any program such as Indesign or Illustrator, use these settings to make sure your PDF files export correctly.

Export settings for PDF files

Adobe PDF Preset is set to: Press Quality

Compatibility is set to: Acrobat 4 (PDF 1.3)

Compress Text and Line Art is set to: Off

We also have a PDF Preset (.joboptions file) to make it easy to create a 4over Print Ready PDF. Download the file, then double click. This will install a Preset into all Adobe products (Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, etc..) so you can choose it while saving your PDF. Click here to download.

PDF Preset

NOTE: Due to Adobe limitations, this preset will not convert all colors into CMYK. You must convert all colors to CMYK before saving your file.

How do I get a grayscale image in a CMYK document?

Grayscale images that are converted to CMYK will have a color shift in the final print. That shift may be green or yellow.

Always check the CMYK of your grayscale in the final CMYK document. If there are other other than K in your grayscale image, there is a chance that the color will vary.

To eliminate all other than K, use your Channel Mixer (adjustment layer) in Photoshop, then click "Monochrome" and adjust accordingly.

What is rich black and how can i get it?

Rich black is an ink mixture of solid black, 100% K, with additional CMY ink . This results in a darker tone than black ink alone. If you print black alone as 100% K, the resulting black may not be as dark as you might like.

We recommend using C 60 M 40 Y 40 K 100. This will give you a deep, dark, rich black.

*Products that are printed with dye-sublimation (9oz Premium Polyester Banner, Flags, Table Covers, Fabric Tube Displays, etc.) call for the following color :

C 100 M 100 Y 100 K 100

Why does my business card crack around the edges?

Cracking of the edges of a business card sometimes occurs when the card contains high ink, as in dark colors.

This usually happens on a small amount of cards in the run. To prevent this, use lighter colors or if you must use dark colors, use as little ink as possible.

What is banding?

Many things can cause banding. Banding can be caused by the program that it is exported from, such as Indesign or Corel. Also, too many gradient steps, for example going from a very light color to a dark color, in a small area will cause banding. To prevent this, check your digital files before sending them. If you use a gradient, make sure it has enough room for a smooth transition.

Why is there cracking on my scoring job?

When a job is coated with UV then scored and folded the job may begin to crack. During use, the cracks will become bigger and the ink may start to chip off. Cracking is normal when coated jobs are scored and folded. Ordering the job without UV will help but may not prevent this. As the job is used and folded more and more, cracking will eventually happen.

How can Pantone colors affect the way my job prints?

There are three different ways Pantone colors can affect the way your job prints.

The first is by object effects, such as shadows or glows, on top of your Pantone colors. Here is what the effects will look like on screen:

Here is what the effect looks like after printing:

As you can see, when a Pantone color is under these object effects, transparency issues show up during printing. To avoid this, convert all your Pantone colors into CMYK before submitting your order.

The second way Pantone colors can affect your file is when you use transparent images. Here is what a transparent image looks like on screen:

Here is what a transparent image looks like after printing:

You can see the image is no longer transparent on top of the Pantone color. These white areas will show up during printing. To fix this issue, convert all your Pantone colors into CMYK. This must be done before submitting the order.

The last way Pantone colors can affect your order is the color conversion between a Pantone color and CMYK. If you use Pantone colors in a job that will print CMYK, your job might print with undesirable colors.

Here are some examples of what the Pantone color looks like in the Pantone color book and what the CMYK print will look like:

If you send in a job with Pantone colors, the CMYK conversion will change the Pantone color. Before sending your order, make sure all Pantone colors have been converted to CMYK.

What is standard round corner radius?

We offer 1/4" and 1/8" radius round corners to all of our customers. The image below shows the two different radiuses for comparison.

What is 14pt Natural Paper?

14pt Natural Cards are a light cream, natural white color with a smooth finish. The stock has a minimum of 30% post-consumer waste content. Samples are available in our 4over Trade Printing Sample kit.

How do I create a multi-page PDF file?

Steps to create a Multi-Page PDF file:

On a Mac:

1) Open the PDF file that will be on the first page of your multi-page PDF file in Preview.

2) Choose View and click Thumbnails to show page thumbnails in the sidebar.

3) To indicate where to insert your next PDF file, select a page thumbnail.

4) Choose Edit, choose Insert, choose Page from File and click the PDF that you want to add, then click Open.

6) To save, choose File and click on Export as PDF.

On a PC:

1) Open Adobe Acrobat.

2) Choose Tools >, Combine Files.

3) Click Combine Files >, Add Files to select the files documents to compile.

4) Click, drag, and drop to reorder the files and pages. Double-click on a file to expand and rearrange individual pages. Press the Delete key to remove unwanted content.

5) When you’re done, click Combine Files.

6) Save the new compiled document.

Sign & Banners FAQ

ALUMINUM SANDWICH BOARDS

Aluminum Sandwich Boards are printed with UV inks and comprised of two .012" aluminum sheets with a polyethylene core, resulting in a total thickness of 1/8"(3mm). They are lightweight and come in two pre-painted colors: White &,amp, Brushed Silver. Drill hole options are available for quick and easy attachment to posts, fences, walls and a variety of surfaces. Aluminum Sandwich Boards are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Common uses include: real estate signage, customer/handicap notices, directional signs and much more.

Thickness: 3mm (1/8")

Bleed: ensure you have .5" on all sides of your artwork, do not add crops.

BANNER STAND - ALUMINUM RETRACTABLE

Aluminum Retractable Banner Stands are available with our 10mil Premium Vinyl Indoor Banners. Great for POP displays that quickly and conveniently showcase your products and services. The retractable banner stands are conveniently packed in a small pouch and sets up in a few easy steps. The banner size is 33" x 80". We require a bleed for this banner stand product - 33" x 80" should be 34" x 81" - this product does not require grommets. We suggest that you use our template available in our Grand4mat templates section, to ensure you are within the safe zone.

Bleed: 0.5" bleed on all sides, no crops - make your artwork exactly 34" x 81" to be cut down to 33" x 80".

Banner stand parts are available in "Marketplace" main category under "Banner Stands and Parts"

FLAGS

Flags are printed on lightweight 3oz Polyester, using superior quality sublimation equipment, for the longest lasting color of any type of printing available for fabric. They can be easily seen from a long distance and are a great way to achieve high visibility.

Flags can also be stored and assembled with ease, and come with your choice of either indoor or outdoor installation accessories. For indoor installation choose the X-Stand/Cross base, or choose the Ground-Stake/Spike base for outdoor installation.

FLOOR GRAPHICS

Our Floor Graphics are printed on 4mil flexible vinyl and have a removable acrylic adhesive. 6mil of clear overlaminate is added for a total thickness of 10mil. Suitable for short-term interior applications, the base vinyl will adhere well to most surfaces and can be easily removed from them as well.

Tile, laminate or other smooth floor types must be thoroughly cleaned prior to Floor Graphic application. Make sure that painted floors have excellent paint adhesion before application as well. The base vinyl is not recommended for concrete, asphalt, carpet or any exterior application.

The 6mil overlaminate is a clear, polished vinyl film with a slight texture that provides both a protective overlay and slip-resistance. Classified under UL 410 for floor graphics applications, the overlaminate can withstand most common floor cleaning chemicals and methods.

Under normal exposure conditions, our Floor Graphics can be removed within six months of application.

Bleed: ensure that you have 0.5" on all sides of your artwork for a 1" total.

GATOR BOARD SIGNS

Our 3/16" Gator Board Signs are printed with UV inks. They're stronger and more durable than foam core and just as lightweight. Gator Board Signs are suitable for both interior and exterior usage. Some common uses are: exhibits, POP displays, temporary retail signage, presentations, trade show signage, restaurant signage or menus, and much more.

Bleed: Ensure you have 0.5" bleed on all sides of your artwork. Please do not add crops.

HIGH TACK ADHESIVE VINYL

These stickers can be creatively applied to any smooth, clean surface, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Our High Tack adhesive vinyl are printed on the front of white 4mil vinyl with permanent adhesive backing, attached to an unscored release liner. They are very durable and are not meant to be removed after application. If removal is attempted, they may peel off unevenly leaving an unwanted result. We do not recommend you adhere this product to any item you will want to remove it from at a later time.

Bleed: Ensure you have .5" on all sides of your artwork, do not add crops.

POSTERS

(8mil photo gloss) 59" x 120" + 8mil thickness.

Purpose: This material is a Pigment / Dye / QuickDry - Photo Quality Glossy material. Somewhat delicate, not scuff resistant or waterproof.

(12pt C2S Board) 59" x 120" + 12pt thickness.

Purpose: This material consists of two 6pt coated sheets laminated together, with a black adhesive middle layer, for a completely opaque product with a final caliper of 12pt.

Bleed: ensure that you have 0.5" on all sides of your artwork for a 1" total.

SEE-THROUGH WINDOW VINYL

A 6mil white flexible vinyl front with a clear removable acrylic adhesive back. An optional 2mil optically clear laminate is available for protection against UV radiation, moisture, and abrasion. This perforated window film is designed for production of see through graphics for windows. Open area is approximately 30% with a hole size of .060 inches (1.5 mm). Recommended for use on flat vehicle windows or retail store windows. In use this product is applied to the exterior glass surface, which must be clean to assure adequate product bond. Do not use solvent or ammonia-based glass cleaners for cleaning. The user of this product is responsible for complying with any applicable vehicle code regulations.

Bleed: ensure you have 0.5" on all sides of your artwork for a 1" total.

SIDEWALK SIGNS - A-FRAME STAND

A-Frame with Coroplast: Simplicity in advertising, streetside! These easy to assemble metal sidewalk A-Frames hold 24" x 18" Coroplast Signs which hang conveniently from the top of the frame using the included clips. Create additional impact to your message with 24" x 6" 4mm White Coroplast Rider Signs. These signs can be purchased separately in the Signs category and secure to the top of the A-Frame with minimal effort using the attached metal clamp.

SIGNS - COROPLAST

4mm thickness.

Purpose: Typically used for Yard or Parking signs (e.g. Real Estate, Election, Reserved For, etc.) Depending on it's use - material will have to be oriented appropriately to ensure the flutes are vertical, in the case of utilizing an H-stake with the sign. H-stake is best used on a soft ground environment (dirt/soil/grass, etc.) This product once printed, may show a linear effect due to its' corrugated flute structure. Ink is UV Cured (dried).

Bleed: ensure you have .5" on all sides of your artwork, do not add crops.

SIGNS - FOAMCORE

3/16" thickness.

Purpose: Best for 1 time use - it's a delicate material - but if taken care of - can last longer, but does tend to wilt / bend Multi-Use material - depending on it's need or use - typical for placing on easels for presentations, etc. Not waterproof.

Bleed: ensure you have .5" on all sides of your artwork, do not add crops.

WINDOW GRAPHIC

WINDOW GRAPHIC (8mil Opaque)

8mil Opaque Window Graphics alert customers of promotions happening as they enter and exit establishments. Printed with UV inks on an 8mil opaque film and a 1mil Clear adhesive film is applied for mounting. 8mil Opaque Window Graphics offer excellent blockout of the reverse graphics which allows for two different images to print back-to-back on a single sheet. Available as single-sided or double-sided prints.

Thickness: 8mil

Bleed: Ensure you have .5" on all sides of your artwork. Do not add crop marks.

WINDOW CLING

Window Clings are printed at near photo quality on glossy material suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Ideal for POP signage on glass or other very smooth, clean surfaces. Window Clings should be applied on a surface that is as close to room temperature as possible. Excessive heat or cold will not allow the product to cling to the surface. The product is shipped rolled for most sizes unless ordering larger quantities.

White Window Clings are 7mil thick with a paper backer that will be peeled off prior to application. Material will only cling on the back side of the print.

Clear Window Clings are 8mil thick with a paper backer that will be peeled off prior to application. Material will only cling on the front side of the print. White ink is available as an overprint option for added opacity and vibrant color (see File Setup section below for instructions).

Bleed: ensure you have .25" on all sides of your artwork, do not add crops.

If your Clear Window Cling is intended to be viewed from the outside of a window, please select “Mounted From Inside” when building the product. Also, the artwork should be reversed prior to submission. See images below.

Do I need bleed for my files?

Coroplast, PVC, Foamcore, Car Magnets, Banner Stands and Large Posters:

We require a 0.5 inch bleed on all sides. If ordering at 24 inch by 18 inch, your file size should be 25 inches by 19 inches to allow for bleed.

Loose Outdoor Banners, Indoor Banners and Canvas Banners:

We request that no bleed or crop marks are placed. Make your file to the size ordered (or proportional).

If ordering hems, leave a 2 inch safe zone on all sides. Expect to lose between 1/8 inch to 2 inches per side with banners.

Mounted Canvas:

It is highly recommended to use our templates for mounted canvas. The bleed requirement is 2 inches per side.

Flags:

It is highly recommended to use our templates for Flags. We require a 0.5 inch bleed on all sides. Leave a 2 inch safe zone on all sides and the pole pocket area.

For a full product description, please click on the individual product name.

Table Covers:

It is highly recommended to use our templates for Table Runners and Table Throws. We require a 0.5 inch bleed on all sides. Leave a 1 inch safe zone on all sides. Table Covers come with sewn 1" hems on all sides, white thread.

Polyester Banners:

We require a 0.5 inch bleed on all sides. If ordering at 24 inch by 18 inch, your file size should be 25 inches by 19 inches to allow for bleed. Avoid having borders on the artwork, as the material may stretch during the heat transfer process which may result in uneven borders.

What size should my text be if I want to view my banner or yard sign from at a distance?

This depends on what the final output size will be, and its viewing distance.

Please reference our Scale &,amp, Resolution Example Chart and Letter Visibility Chart below:

When and how should I scale my artwork to keep the file a manageable size?

It is not always necessary to scale your artwork. Scaling artwork can help to keep the file size manageable. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are scaling your artwork.

Vector Art

Grand4mat is able to print outdoor banners as large as 150ft x 16ft, however most software is not able to produce an art board larger than 228". Adobe Acrobat and other PDF readers / converters are only able to view a maximum file size of 200", resulting in a loss of artwork. For this reason, it is recommended to submit files at a smaller scale than the ordered size.

Raster Art

Raster files are calculated by pixels rather than inches. The pixels are converted to inches based on the resolution of a file. The equation for the conversion is (pixels divided by dpi = inches). Raster files have a limitation of 30,000 pixels. A file that is 30,000 pixels set at 150 dpi will be 16' (200"). If your artwork is more than 30,000 pixels, we recommend dropping your dpi or scaling down your artwork.

Resolution &, Scale Charts

Grand4Mat is fully automated and expands/constricts file sizes to the ordered size. Resolution varies based on the substrate and ink used to print the final product. If your artwork needs to be scaled, we recommend using the following information as a basic guide:

Outdoor Banners:

Full scale at approximately 100dpi

Half scale at approximately 200dpi

Quarter scale at approximately 300dpi

Note: Banners larger than 15 feet will print below 100dpi

Flags:

Full scale at approximately 150dpi

Canvas:

Full scale at approximately 250dpi

Coroplast and Adhesive Vinyl

Full scale at approximately 200dpi

Foamcore:

Full scale at approximately 250dpi

PVC:

Full scale at approximately 250dpi

Indoor Banners, Car Magnets, Floor Graphics and Large Posters:

Full scale at approximately 300dpi

Table Runners:

Full scale at approximately 200dpi

Adhesive Vinyl:

Full scale at 100 dpi. vector artwork is preferred

 

Should I include any fonts with my files?

No, please ensure all fonts are outlined prior to file upload. If using Photoshop, please provide the flattened file only.

I love borders on my banners and yard signs, but will that be a problem?

Borders are an issue because all substrates will vary from batch to batch making exact cuts very difficult. We recommend that you do not design your file with a border. If you do Grand4mat will not reprint an order with borders of varying widths. If you absolutely must have a border make it at least 2 inches in thickness, however, Grand4mat still does not recommend borders.

What is overprint, and how can it ruin my file?

Primarily used to intentionally overlap inks for a number of reasons, overprint can cause unexpected results. We suggest that you turn all overprint objects off before submitting your files. In this case the logo was set to overprint. The colors from logo are mixing with the colors from the background. Unexpected results may occur if you have accidentally set certain objects to overprint. Always check logos and other artwork before submitting.

How do I set up Contour Cut files?

For contour cut orders, two separate files must be uploaded: one regular artwork file, and one cut mask file. The cut mask file must be an all vector, PDF file uploaded at the same time as the artwork file.


We cannot accept any cut mask files that are made using a raster based program (e.g. Photoshop).

* When being cut, the blade will follow the cut mask line you’ve created. It is recommended that you keep your perimeter cut line slightly inside the border of the image you are trying to cut out. This will avoid any obvious edges showing from your background once it is cut.

* Do not use small/thin cut areas, or have perimeter cut lines that are too close together. At least 0.5" must separate your perimeter cut lines from each other. 4over will not reprint any order with perimeter cut lines that are too close to one another.

* Your contour cut line should be a smooth fully closed path. No disconnected lines or open paths will cut. If your cut line is ragged or has any imperfections, they will show up in the final piece

Only one cut per order will be allowed. Please do not add multiple cuts in a single file.

Marketing FAQ

How should I set up a Plastic Card job?

When designing plastic cards, it is important to keep in mind that the frosted and clear plastic cards are transparent. Also, all plastic cards come with round corners at no extra charge.

As you can see, the difference in the transparency is shown in the image above. The clear cards (right) are completely transparent. The frosted cards (center) are semi-transparent and cannot be seen through easily. The opaque white plastic cards (left) are solid white and not transparent at all. Keep this in mind when designing your plastic cards, it will affect how your design will print.

--Printing on Clear and Frosted Plastic Cards will come out slightly lighter than average compared to other stocks. This is due to the plastic itself and is not a production issue.

--When setting up a rich black value, please make sure to use C 60 M 40 Y 40 K 100 . Do not use all 100 since it will cause problems and will not print any darker on plastic.

Since there is no white ink in CMYK, it is important to keep in mind that the frosted and clear plastic cards are transparent. The three designs above are the same as in the first picture. You will notice that the white area in the clear cards (right) and the frosted cards (center) has no ink and will show the transparent material it's printed on. In this case, the clear cards and frosted cards white area show up with no ink on the printed piece. Also, keep in mind that all colors that are printed on clear cards or frosted cards will be transparent as well.

With the clear plastic cards, there might be a small percentage that may have light scratches. This issue originates from the manufacturer and is due to the material and handling. To help compensate for this, we run overs of the clear plastic cards to help meet the required quantity.

Clear plastic cards will come with a thin protective layer on one side that can be peeled off. This is to prevent the cards from scratching during packaging and shipping.

How do I set up a Booklet?

Booklets are a little more complex to design. Also, if you have artwork you created from another company, it might not meet 4over rules. For best results, please download our templates available here.

Here are rules to follow when creating your Booklets:

• Page counts start on the cover as page 1, inside cover as page 2 and so on.

• Total bleed is .25” and total Safety is .5”. For example, an 8.5x11 booklet with bleed should be 8.75x11.25 total. This allows us to set up your crossovers properly.

• Only single pages will be accepted. NO readers OR printers spreads.

• We prefer a multipage PDF but single page files are also ok.

Our page counts for booklets start on the cover as page 1, inside cover as page 2 and so on. In the example below, you will see a 8pg booklet. Each page will show the page number. Click and hold the page corners to turn the page. This is also reflected in our templates.

Crossovers are common in booklets and require extra attention. A Crossover is an image, text or other graphic element that goes from one page to another.

Below you can see a good example of how to create crossovers:

Designers must pay close attention to the crossover design and make sure it is as seamless as possible on the finished piece. Also, do not use text or thin lines as crossovers. Big pictures work best.

Note: Due to the nature of saddle stitch binding, crossovers may not line up 100% on the final booklet.

Artwork done in Indesign or other layout software as spreads or facing pages must be saved out as single page pdfs. When creating your design, keep this in mind especially when doing crossovers. The easiest way is to create the bleed is when creating your document. Below are instructions on how to create your document in Indesign.

When creating your document, make your page size the cut size and your margin size .25” for safety for a .5” total:

Then, click the More Options button on the right. It will reveal Bleed and Slug settings below. Enter .125” as the bleed for a total of .25”:

Your Indesign document is now ready for proper booklet layout. You should see proper bleed and safety guidelines:

When your ready to export your booklet as PDF, make sure to Use Document Bleed Settings in the Marks and Bleeds menu:

After submitting your booklet, you will receive an email from our online booklet proofing system called Fourte. This system will allow you to double check all the pages and make sure they are in the correct order. There you can approve or decline and re-upload pages if you need to. You will also be able to preview your booklet as if it was printed and bound.

What is a Perfect Bound Book?

Perfect Binding gives your booklets a more finished, refined look. With this binding method, the pages and cover are glued together at the spine with a strong, yet flexible, thermal glue.

Templates are available for both the cover and inside pages of the Perfect Bound Booklets. Download templates here.

Please note: Unlike our regular Booklets, the page count specified in the product name does not include the cover. E.g. "8.5 x 11, 52-Pages" will require you to upload 48 inside pages + 4-page cover file (which is always 4:0) .

Can I design on the spine of a Perfect Bound Catalog?

We recommend you do not specifically design on the spine. Backgrounds or images that wrap around the book are preferred. Creating designs with text, borders or colors that are centered only on the spine may cause it to look uneven during the binding process.

Templates are available for the covers of the Perfect Bound Catalogs and relate to the number of inside pages. The normal 8.5x11 and 8.5x5.5 flat, Flyer templates can be used for all the inside pages. Download templates here.

Does over offer samples for Perfect Bound Catalogs?

Currently we do not offer samples for Perfect Bound Catalogs.

What is the difference between Digital Envelopes and Offset Envelopes?

Digital Envelopes are pre-converted and printed on high tech digital equipment.

Offset Envelopes are printed on offset gang runs, then die cut and converted to envelopes.

Both are printed on 70LB Premium Opaque stock.

How do I set up an Offset envelope?

* 1/16” overbleed and color wrap onto the back of the envelope is required to allow for movement throughout the bindery process.

* Artwork with bleed on face or print on any flaps must be placed on 4over certified envelope templates.

*Solid, full color envelopes are recommended (to eliminate overbleed) .

* Intentional extension of flap color onto envelope face is recommended.

* Gradients are recommended for smoother color transitions.

* Click Here to view ​important envelope artwork guidelines.

How do I set up a Digital Envelope?

* The bleed required is 0.125" (0.0625" on each side) .

* Text and images should be at least 0.25" from the edge.

* Artwork with more than 40% ink coverage must be submitted as an offset product.

* Full color backgrounds should be avoided.

* Use a white backgrounds with low ink coverage (e.g. logo and text only) .

* Avoid or limit use of transparencies and gradients.

* For window envelopes, the window area must be free of ink.

* For Digital Envelopes:

4/0 = Full Color Front

4/4 = Full Color Front and Full Color on Back Flaps

0/4 = Full Color on Back flaps

Can I print on the back flaps of Digital Envelopes?

Yes. To get print on the back flaps only, choose 0/4. For print on the front and the back flaps, choose 4/4. Keep in mind, artwork with more than 40% ink coverage must be submitted as an offset product.

4/0 = Full Color Front

4/4 = Full Color Front and Full Color on Back Flaps

0/4 = Full Color on Back flaps

How do I setup a Digital Envelope with window?

Follow 4over certified templates for correct window placement.

DO NOT place artwork or color on the window area. Keep images at least 1/8" inch away from the edge of the window. Digital Envelopes are pre-converted and have a plastic window adhered to the window area prior to printing. The window area must be blank.

What type of security features do Digital and Blank Envelopes with Security Tint have?

Security Tint Envelopes have a blue crisscross pattern on the inside of the envelope which distorts the message on the document enclosed within, which prevents the contents from being read or deciphered. For your convenience, they also come with a self-adhesive strip.

See example below:

How do I set up a calendar?

1. What are the file requirements for Calendars?

2. Will I get to preview a proof before the Calendar is produced?

3. What is the position of the calendar drill hole?

4. What type of coil is used for spiral-bound calendars?

5. What is the diameter of the coil used for spiral-bound calendars?

What are the file requirements for Calendars?

* All elements, text and images that are not intended to bleed off need to be at least 0.25" from the cut line for safety

* Artwork should be provided with at least 0.25" bleed around

* Artwork can be submitted as one multi-page PDF (recommended) or as individual pages

* Custom Catalog, Booklet and Calendar orders are available by clicking on Estimates and filling out the custom order form

What are NCR forms used for?

NCR Forms are commonly used for order forms, packing lists, invoices, applications and receipts. They are particularly useful when information must be written by hand.

What are the file requirements for NCR Forms? Can I have full bleed?

* Full bleed is not available on NCR Forms

* At least 0.25" of space on the glued edge (short edge) should be free of ink

* Full color and solid colored backgrounds are not recommended, as it may effect your ability to read the text and write on the form

* Light ink coverage is highly recommended

How do I set up Presentation Folders?

1 How should I set up my file for proper rotation?

2. How should I set up my file for proper rotation on pockets?

3. Why is there cracking on my Presentation folder job?

4. Can you print on the inside of the folder?

5. Should I include guidelines or crop marks on the art for slits, etc.?

How should I set up my file for proper rotation?

For a Presentation Folder please download our templates, it is important to note that they are printed flat.

Why is there cracking on my Presentation folder job?

Cracking is normal when coated jobs are scored and folded. Ordering the job without UV will help but may not prevent this. As the job is used and folded more and more, cracking will eventually happen. For black Ink or dark designs the higher the ink density, the more likelihood of cracking.

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