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. Are you a “green” company?
2. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
3. Can you scan and save my files to a CD?
4. Can you send samples for testing?
5. Do you offer storage?
6. How can I eliminate paper jams and curls on my forms?
7. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
8. Is white considered a printing colour?
9. Once I submit the documents, how long will it take to finish my job?
10. Tips on file format setups
11. What are the comparative advantages of producing my job on your digital machines versus producing them on your presses?
12. What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?
13. What forms of payment do you accept?
14. What is Adobe PDF JobReady?
15. What is a "proof"?
16. What is coated paper stock?
17. What is the Pantone Matching System?
18. What type of products and services do you provide?
19. Why do the printed colours look different from the colours on my screen?

1. Are you a “green” company?

   Absolutely! We take very seriously our role in preserving the environment and integrate numerous green practices into our daily operations.

   First Colour were accredited with ISO14001 Environmental Management back in 2008

   In addition to energy-efficient equipment and chemical-free technologies, we can perform many print jobs using recycled paper stock. If you would like to use recycled paper for your next print job, let us know. You’ll be pleased with the results and feel good about helping the environment, too.

2. 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 not print properly. If you are unable to save your image in CYMK mode, please let us know.

3. Can you scan and save my files to a CD?

   Yes. We can scan drawings and save electronic versions or copy files to a
   CD.

4. Can you send samples for testing?

   Yes. With many projects, we have samples available for testing.

5. Do you offer storage?

   Yes. We offer free storage of most products. In some cases, minimum quantities may apply.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Is white considered a printing colour?

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

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

   Simple jobs are often completed in less than an hour. 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.

10. 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, trim and safety areas.
    BLEED: All art trimming off the edge MUST be pulled out 5mm beyond the trim line
    TRIM: This is the guideline where the card will be cut
    SAFETY: All art and text within this safety area will assure that nothing will be trimmed off during the cutting process.

11. What are the comparative advantages of producing my job on your digital machines versus producing them on your presses?

    The advantages of our digital printing devices are best realised 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 print quality would be lower than that achieved by the 'lithographic' printing process. On longer runs or where multiple colours 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.

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. 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.

14. 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.

15. What is a "proof"?

    A proof is a way of ensuring that we have set your type accurately and that everything is positioned according to your requirements. Typically, we will produce a proof which will be sent to you online or printed on paper which can be viewed in our store or delivered to you in person.

    On multiple colour jobs, we can produce a colour proof on our colour output device to show how the different colours will appear.

16. 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 colours. Uncoated paper, by contrast, is relatively inexpensive but porous, and is best suited to the printing of black and white text documents.

17. What is the Pantone Matching System?

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

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

    Good question! We operate full service centres 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.

19. Why do the printed colours look different from the colours on my screen?

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

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

    When a colour 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 colour that will match. Programs like Adobe Photoshop will allow you to choose which colour will be replaced. Others may not.