Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a copy centre and a specialist printer?
A copy centre is limited in the variety and quality of items it is able to produce. A specialist service provides quality printing with accurate colour reproduction and crisp, clear resolution.
What is offset printing?
Offset printing is a technique in which the inked image is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface. It gives a consistent high quality image, and is suitable for larger volumes of print.
What is digital printing?
Modern printing methods such as laser and ink-jet printing are known as digital printing. Ideal for smaller volumes, digital printing gives excellent colour reproduction and a fast turnaround time.
What is CMYK?
CMYK stands for cyan (blue), magenta (red), yellow and key (black). This is the colour system used in printing.
What is RGB?
RGB stands for red, green and blue. This is the colour system used in electronic devices such as computer screens and digital cameras. Most graphic design software packages can convert RGB to CMYK before going to print.
What is spot colour?
Spot colour is ready mixed ink derived from the Pantone colour system. This system gives absolute colour accuracy for things such as company logos. Each spot colour has a specific number and is mixed with perfect precision.
What is resolution?
Resolution is the term used to describe the number of dots or pixels used to display an image. When printing, a resolution of 300DPI (dots per inch) is needed to produce a crisp, clean image that can be blown up without comprising the quality.
What are Bleeds?
A bleed is used when the colour or image needs to go right to the edge of the finished item. To achieve this, the image or artwork should extend 3mm over the finished size. When the paper is cut after printing, any white borders are eliminated.
What are Trim or Crop Marks?
Trim marks are the crossed lines printed in the corners of a document to define where the artwork is cut after printing. Indigo Print uses a 3mm trim.
What sort of paper should I be printing on?
Choosing the right paper and finish is critical. Indigo Print can guide you in making a choice to give the results you’re after.
Coated stock has a shiny smooth surface and can produce a matte, satin or gloss look. It makes colours come to life.
Uncoated stock has a flat matte look which is fine for a publication that has a lot of text.
Both coated and uncoated stock comes in a variety of weights, known as gsm (grams per metre squared). The higher the gsm, the thicker the paper.
What is the FSC?
The Forest Stewardship Council is an independent organisation that promotes the responsible management of the world’s forests. Indigo Print uses high quality FSC certified paper.
What is a laminate?
A laminate is a thin plastic film that is adhered to the print. Laminates come in a matte, satin and gloss finish. They enhance the look and feel of your item and can be used to protect the print underneath.
What is a seal?
A seal is a clear varnish that helps the ink dry faster, enhances the look and provides a degree of protection against scuffing.
What’s the difference between open size and finished size?
If you have a document which folds out, for example a folder or flyer, the open size is the total size of the document when laid out flat.
The finished size is the size of the document when it has been folded.
What are proofs and why should I use them?
A proof is used to check for any errors in the text, colour and image placement before the print run. A proof can help you avoid costly errors.
What are the different file types you can work with?
Indigo Print accepts the following file types: PDF, EPS, TIFF, INDD and AI.
The images need to be in CMYK and not RGB (see above).
Where possible use the TIFF file format for images rather than JPG. JPG file are usually too low in resolution to print well. If you are using JPG, the resolution needs to be at least 300DPI.
