FAQs - Proofing and Printing
I saw my proof and I want to change it. How can I do this?
When viewing your online proof select the Reject option. You will then be directed to upload your new files in order to receive a new proof for your review and approval.
Can you make a correction to my job after I have submitted files?
When using 24 hour proof, our pre-flighters cannot make any changes to the files submitted for printing. After you receive your email proof and before you have approved it, if you determine that you need to submit new files you can do so by logging into your My Account and uploading new print files. Your first re-upload is free of charge, but due to the time it takes to pre-flight and prep your files, a fee will be assessed each time you submit new files after your first free upload. This fee must be paid prior to sending you a new proof.
If you use our AutoFlight system to submit your files and approve your proof, you can re-upload files as many times as you wish with no charge, up until you approve your proof.
Can I receive a printed proof?
We only provide a printed hard copy proof for our Booklet, Catalog, Calendar, and Magazine products. Using the files you upload, we will create a hard copy proof for use in confirming proper pagination, page layout, type, and trim margins. Please be aware that this hard copy proof is a low resolution copy that is printed on uncoated paper. It is not intended for color approval or paper match.
Your hard copy proof will be sent via UPS Next Day Air at no charge. You can then review your hard copy proof, log into your My Account, approve the digital proof, and your job will be sent to print. Please do not approve the digital proof before receiving and reviewing the hard copy proof in hand.
Please note that due to additional bindery services, and the complexity of the work, booklet, catalog, calendar, and magazine printing for quantities over 4,000 requires additional press time and therefore falls outside of our 48 hour guarantee.
What file types do you accept?
48HourPrint.com customers can upload and approve a proof in real-time using AutoFlight, our exclusive file upload and proofing system. Use AutoFlight to upload your files and approve your proof all in one easy step! You will also save time off your delivery schedule as no additional proof is needed.
When submitting your own print ready files via AutoFlight, we accept the following file types:
* .PDF
* .JPG
* .TIFF
* .BMP
* Flattended .PSD files
When submitting your own print files and NOT using AutoFlight, we accept the following file types:
* Adobe Illustrator (.ai)
* Adobe Photoshop (.psd)
* Adobe InDesign (.indd)
* Microsoft Publisher (.pub)
* Microsoft Word (.docx)
What are RGB and CMYK color modes?
Most graphic software programs give you the choice to work in either the RGB or CMYK color mode. Scanners and digital cameras create images and computer monitors display images using combinations of just three colors: Red; Green; and Blue (RGB). These are the primary colors of light, which computer monitors use to display images on your screen.
Offset printing presses print full color pictures and images using a different set of colors: Cyan (Blue); Magenta (Red); Yellow; and BlacK (CMYK). This is also called "4-color process" or "full-color" printing that comprises the majority of magazines and marketing materials you see every day.
If you have not created your digital layout or design using CYMK color values, your RGB file will be converted to CMYK during the proofing process in order to print it on a printing press. Such a conversion will likely cause a color shift in your finished product.
Are my images the right resolution?
Uploaded graphic file images must have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch). Images with a resolution less than 300 dpi will reproduce poorly on an off-set printing press. The image will look fuzzy and/or pixilated.
If you took your images from a website on the internet, there is a high probability that they will not be a high enough resolution for printing, unless the images came from a stock photography house and are designated high resolution.
The internet displays images at 72 dpi, so that the images appear quickly over an internet connection, but under no circumstances should they be used for printing. If you submit low-resolution files for printing, the files will not pass our pre-qualification process. Should this occur, you can either replace the low resolution images with high resolution images and upload corrected files or you can sign an online waiver acknowledging that you are aware of the resulting loss of quality and have agreed to print the files as is.
What are your requirements regarding fonts and typefaces in graphic files?
Font and typeface integrity can be an issue when it comes to transferring files from one computer to another computer or to a printing company for production. We have 1000's of fonts, however, to be safe, it is better that you include them along with your original document.
When checking your proof, it is the customer's responsibility to make sure the fonts have not been substituted or replaced as a result of the file transfer.
In vector drawing programs such as Illustrator; Freehand; or CorelDraw, you must convert all fonts to outlines or curves just before you send us your final print ready file(s).
Also, keep in mind that small colored text doesn't print very well. Because we print using the four-color process it is best to use a minimum of a 12-pt. type. Keep in mind that most people can't read type smaller than 7-pt. no matter what color it is.
What is the radius of your rounded corners?
Our rounded corner radius is 1/4" for all products that offer rounded corners as an option.
Where in my design file do I place the numbers I need for my tickets?
A blank white area (1/4" x 1") should be left available or should be added to the ticket design to allow room for numbering. Please review our Ticket Numbering Guidelines to review the spacing requirements.
Can I change my proof type?
Yes, the proof type on any order can be changed. Just contact Customer Relations by sending email to support@48hourprint.com or by calling 1-800-844-0599.
Will you convert my RGB files to CMYK?
Yes, all files submitted for printing get converted to CMYK using a standard-value conversion, which may affect the colors of your finished product. As a result, you will have more control over the appearance of your printed piece if you convert all of the images from RGB to CMYK before uploading them.
So it's best to select any colors you use for fonts or other design elements in your layout using CMYK definitions instead of RGB. That way, you will have a better idea of how they will appear in your printed piece.
What types of media do you accept?
We prefer that you upload your files through AutoFlight or through 24 Hour Proof. However, you can also FTP your files to us by contacting Customer Service at 1-800-844-0599 for assistance.
What is the size of the die for rounded corners?
3/16" for all plastic cards
What is "gang-run" printing?
48HourPrint.com is able to offer lower prices because we print orders in very large quantities, with hundreds of other print jobs on large sheets of paper which are then cut down after printing has occurred. This is known as "gang-run" printing. This helps to reduce the costs of making printing plates and other setup fees.
Gang-Run Printing refers to the specialization in supplying customers with affordable four-color printing. Utilizing this method known as "gang-running", this approach combines your short-run jobs with others having similar requirements. This allows the initial production costs to be spread out over several jobs, greatly reducing the make-ready charges for each customer. All work is carried out by skilled professionals on state-of-the-art equipment to assure you quality work at affordable prices.
Because of limitations with the gang-run printing process, as well as neighboring image ink requirements the accuracy of color reproduction is not guaranteed.