Resources & Support

Here you'll find answers to common questions our clients ask. Start by selecting one of the links below. If you don’t see what you need – call or contact us online.

1. What type of products and services do you provide?
2. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
3. What is Adobe PDF JobReady?
4. Tips on how to save your design files
5. Tips on file format setups
6. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
7. What is coated paper stock?
8. What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?
9. What is the Pantone Matching System?
10. Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?
11. Is white considered a printing color?
12. What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?
13. Once I submit the documents, how long will it take to finish my job?
14. What forms of payment do you accept?
15. Can I edit a scanned drawing in AutoCAD?
16. How can I eliminate paper jams and curls on my forms?
17. What are the comparative advantages of producing my job on your duplicating devices versus producing them on your presses?

1. What type of products and services do you provide?

   Good question! We are a full service shop and offer a wide range of products and services. To see a full listing and description of what we can offer you, checkout out the Products & Services area in the Customer Service Section of our website.

2. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?

   Well, since you are here, we would suggest you use our online estimate request form. Otherwise, the best way to ensure that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate quote is to give us a call and talk with one of our customer service representatives.

3. What is Adobe PDF JobReady?

   To help you make PDF’s and send in your order we have an Adobe program called JobReady that you can download for FREE. JobReady automatically makes a PDF from your file, creates an order form and will send us your file directly from you desktop. All you need to do is follow the simply installation instructions. We promise once you have used Job Ready you will never want to use another application to transfer PDF’s again.

4. Tips on how to save your design files

   Make them print ready and acceptable for us to print.
   ALWAYS INCLUDE BLEEDS (if applicable), NEVER INCLUDE CROP MARKS

   COREL DRAW:
   Saving your Corel Draw file as an Adobe Illustrator EPS or Adobe PDF
   • Embed all Images
   • Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
   • Export as Illustrator EPS or as an Adobe PDF
   • Make sure to include bleeds but DO NOT include crop marks

   FREEHAND:
   • Embed all Images
   • Convert all your text/copy to paths
   • Export as Illustrator EPS or PDF
   • Make sure to include bleeds but DO NOT include crop marks
   • We can also accept native versions of FreeHand. Include images if any are used.

   PAGEMAKER:
   Saving your PageMaker file as an EPS or PDF
   • Embed all Images
   • Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
   • Export your file as an EPS using the below settings:
   Postscript Level 2
   CMYK Mode
   TIFF format and
   Binary

   INDESIGN:
   • We can accept native versions of InDesign. Include images if any are used.
   • You can furnish as PDF also. Save As Adobe PDF in the File Menu.
   • Be sure to include any fonts or images used in the document.

   PUBLISHER:
   To Package a Publisher File:
   1. Create an empty folder on your desktop (ex. Name it ABQGrafix-project name).
   2. With the Publisher file open, go to File/Pack&Go/Take to a commercial printer.
   3. Click 'Next' then 'Browse' (navigate to the folder on desktop).
   4. Click 'Next' (you should have a window with Embedded fonts, Linked Graphics, and Create Links, MAKE SURE ALL THREE ARE CHECKED then click 'Next'.
   5. Click 'Finish' and Publisher will either create a file with a .puz extension along with a file named unpack.exe (We only need the .puz file) or a zip file depending on the version of Publisher.
   • In order to export your document as a .pdf file you will need to have the full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF. If you don’t please download and use our Adobe Job Ready Program. If you do have the full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF please follow the steps below.
   Under File, Print, select Adobe PDF writer
   Under Properties select Press Quality and Save your PDF

5. Tips on file format setups

   Many layout programs have collecting or packaging functions that will automatically collect your document, fonts, all art including and a report. When possible, it is recommended to use these functions because without any or all of these elements we will be unable to print your postcard.
   • Enclose all screen fonts and printer fonts
   • Include all placed images
   • Make sure your files are set with proper bleed.
   BLEED: All art trimming off the edge MUST be pulled out 1/8” beyond the trim line

6. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?

   Resolution should be set to 300 dpi.

   Pictures and graphics pulled from the internet are often low resolution, typically 72 dpi or 96 dpi. Avoid these graphics, as they will appear pixilated and blocky when printed.

   Also note that you should save all photos in CMYK mode, not RGB mode when possible. Images saved in RGB mode may experience a color variance. If you are unable to save your image in CYMK mode, please let us know.

7. What is coated paper stock?

   Coated paper stock is a premium, high-quality paper that has been given a smooth glossy finish designed specifically for documents that require sharp details and vivid colors. Uncoated paper, by contrast, is relatively inexpensive but porous, and is best suited to the printing of black and white text documents.

8. What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?

   In printing terms, a proof is a one-off copy of your document after all modifications and printing setup processes have been completed. It is your last and best opportunity to make sure that the print job comes out the way you want. By carefully inspecting the proof, you can help us assure an accurate, flawless delivery of your print job on the first run.

9. What is the Pantone Matching System?

   The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a color reproduction standard in which colors all across the spectrum are each identified by a unique, independent number. The use of PMS allows us to precisely match colors and maintain color consistency throughout the printing process.

10. Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?

    In short, printers and monitors produce colors in different ways.

    Monitors use the RGB (red, green, blue) color model, which usually supports a wider spectrum of colors. Printers use the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color model, which can reproduce most—but not all—of the colors in the RGB color model. Depending on the equipment used, CMYK generally matches 85–90% of the colors in the RGB model.

    When a color is selected from the RGB model that is out of the range of the CMYK model, the application chooses what it thinks is the closest color that will match. Programs like Adobe Photoshop will allow you to choose which color will be replaced. Others may not.

11. Is white considered a printing color?

    Not typically. Because white is the default color of paper, it is simply recognized as the absence of any ink. However, when using colored paper, white ink may be used if any text or graphic requires it.

12. What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?

    PDF (Portable Document Format) is the most common and preferred file format for submitting digital documents. With the installation of a PDF print driver on your computer, virtually any program can generate a PDF file suitable for printing. Both commercial and free PDF print drivers are available online for download from different sources.

13. Once I submit the documents, how long will it take to finish my job?

    Simple jobs are usually completed the same day depending on when they are submitted to us. Some jobs, however, may take several days to complete depending on their complexity and size. We always strive to provide an accurate estimate of the turnaround time for each job we do. And we’ll always work with you to find ways to complete your project when you need it.

14. What forms of payment do you accept?

    We accept cash, company check and all major credit cards. We can also set up a business account for you, as well. Contact us for details.

15. Can I edit a scanned drawing in AutoCAD?

    Generally, no.

    Without getting overly complex, AutoCAD drawings are vector images, while scans are raster images. The different image formats are not interchangeable.

    It’s possible to import a scanned image into AutoCAD, but unless you are using an add-on package, your editing capabilities are very limited. There are ways to convert a TIFF to DWG, but this process can create a very large file.

16. How can I eliminate paper jams and curls on my forms?

    It is important to store your laser forms in a humidity-controlled environment when possible. Store your forms in the same room as your laser printer at least 24 hours before printing.

17. What are the comparative advantages of producing my job on your duplicating devices versus producing them on your presses?

    The advantages of our duplicating devices are best realized on runs of 1000 or less requiring black printing and where a fast turnaround is needed. If the piece included photos or halftone screens the copy quality would be lower than that achieved by the printing process. On longer runs or where multiple colors are desired, as well as when screens or halftones require higher quality, offset printing would be the best alternative. The only disadvantage of the printing process would be the longer production time requirements.