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Common Questions and Answers

"How to" Instructions

Not sure where to start?  Here are some handy articles with common "how to's" and instructions to get your project going. Need more help?  Just ask! We are happy to direct you to the right answer for your project.

File Formats:

What file format should I use for my design?

The choice of file format for your design depends on various factors, including the type of project, the software you used to create the design, and the requirements of the equipment in our print shop. However, some file formats are more commonly used and universally accepted in the print industry. Here are some popular file formats for print design: PDF Files usually work best!

 

  1. PDF (Portable Document Format): PDF is one of the most widely accepted formats for print projects. It preserves fonts, images, and layout, ensuring that your design looks the same on different devices and printers. It's also versatile and can embed fonts and color profiles.

  2. AI (Adobe Illustrator): AI files are commonly used for vector graphics and illustrations. They are ideal for designs with logos, icons, or illustrations. Ensure that fonts are converted to outlines or include font files when using AI files.

  3. EPS (Encapsulated PostScript): EPS files are another vector format often used for logos and illustrations. Like AI files, they can preserve high-quality vector graphics.

  4. PSD (Adobe Photoshop): PSD files are suitable for designs that involve raster images (pixels), such as photographs. Ensure that the resolution is appropriate for print (usually 300 DPI) and that you use layers for easy editing.

  5. INDD (Adobe InDesign): INDD files are typically used for multi-page layouts, such as brochures, magazines, and books. They allow you to maintain consistent typography and layout across multiple pages.

  6. TIFF (Tagged Image File Format): TIFF files are high-quality raster image formats suitable for photos and other images. They support lossless compression and are often used for large-format printing.

  7. JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): While not ideal for all print projects due to compression, JPEG files can be used for high-resolution photographs. Use the highest quality (lowest compression) setting when saving JPEGs for print.

  8. PNG (Portable Network Graphics): PNG files are typically used for web graphics and images with transparent backgrounds. They are less common in print but can be used for certain projects.

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Design Considerations

When preparing your design files for print, here are some important considerations:

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  • Use the CMYK color mode: Ensure your design is in CMYK color mode rather than RGB to accurately represent print colors.

  • Embed fonts: If using vector formats like PDF or EPS, make sure to embed or outline fonts to avoid font substitution issues.

  • Set the correct resolution: For raster images (like photos), use a resolution of at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) to ensure high print quality.

  • Bleed and trim marks: If your design extends to the edge of the page, include bleed (extra area beyond the trim edge) and trim marks to guide the printer's cutting.

  • Flatten layers: If your file has layers, be sure to flatten them, especially in raster formats like PSD.

  • Save a copy: Always keep an original, editable copy of your design (e.g., PSD or AI) in case you need to make future changes.

How do I make my own flyer?

If you want to make your own flyer and don't have design software don't worry, you can make your flyer with Microsoft Word or Canva

Using Microsoft Word to make a flyer

Creating a flyer in Microsoft Word is a straightforward process. Word provides several templates and features that can help you design a flyer for various purposes, such as promoting an event, advertising a product or service, or sharing information. Here are step-by-step instructions to make a basic flyer in Word:

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Note: The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your version of Microsoft Word, but the general process remains the same.

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  1. Open Microsoft Word: Launch Microsoft Word on your computer.

  2. Select a Template (Optional): Word offers flyer templates that you can use as a starting point. To access these templates:

    • Click on "File" (or the Office button in older versions of Word).

    • Select "New" to open the template selection screen.

    • In the search bar, type "flyer" or browse the available templates in the "Flyers" category.

    • Choose a template that suits your flyer's purpose and click "Create" or "Download" (depending on your version of Word).

  3. Set Page Layout: If you're not using a template or want to customize the page layout further, adjust the page size and margins:

    • Click on the "Layout" tab or go to "Page Layout" (depending on your Word version).

    • Adjust the page size by clicking on "Size" and selecting your desired dimensions. Common flyer sizes are 8.5 x 11 inches or A4.

    • Set your margins by clicking on "Margins" and selecting predefined margin settings or customizing them.

  4. Add Content: Start adding content to your flyer:

    • Insert text boxes to add headlines, descriptions, and other text elements. To do this, go to the "Insert" tab and select "Text Box."

    • Insert images by clicking on "Pictures" in the "Insert" tab. You can add pictures, logos, or graphics to enhance your flyer.

  5. Format Text and Images: Format your text and images to make your flyer visually appealing:

    • Use Word's formatting tools to change fonts, text size, colors, and alignment.

    • Resize and reposition images as needed. You can also add borders and effects to images.

  6. Add Shapes and Icons (Optional): To create eye-catching designs, use shapes, icons, or lines from Word's "Shapes" tool under the "Insert" tab.

  7. Apply Colors and Backgrounds: To change the flyer's background color or apply themes:

    • Click on the "Design" tab (or go to "Page Design" in older versions of Word).

    • Choose a background color or apply a design theme to your flyer.

  8. Proofread and Review: Carefully review your flyer for spelling and grammar errors, layout issues, or any other mistakes.

  9. Save Your Flyer: Click on "File" and choose "Save As" to save your flyer. Give it a name and select the location on your computer where you want to save it.

  10. Print or Share: Once your flyer is ready, you can either print it directly from Word or save it as a PDF and share it electronically.

  11. Remember to save your work frequently to avoid losing any changes. Additionally, you can explore more advanced design features in Word, such as adding shapes, text effects, and other design elements, to create a unique and visually appealing flyer.

Using Canva to make a flyer

Creating a flyer in Canva is a user-friendly and versatile process. Canva provides a wide range of templates and design tools to help you create professional-looking flyers for various purposes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a flyer in Canva:

  1. Create a Canva Account: If you don't already have one, sign up for a Canva account at https://www.canva.com/. You can use Canva for free with limited features, or you can subscribe to Canva Pro for access to more advanced design tools and templates.

  2. Log In to Canva: Log in to your Canva account using your credentials.

  3. Start a New Design: Once you're logged in, you'll be on the Canva dashboard. To create a new flyer, click on "Create a design" at the top right corner of the screen.

  4. Choose a Flyer Template: In the search bar, type "flyer" to see available flyer templates. Canva offers a wide variety of templates for different purposes, such as events, businesses, promotions, and more. Select a template that matches the theme and purpose of your flyer.

  5. Customize Your Flyer: After selecting a template, you'll be taken to the Canva design editor. Here, you can customize your flyer in several ways:

    • Edit Text: Click on the existing text in the template to change it. You can modify the text content, font style, size, color, and alignment.

    • Add Images: To replace template images with your own, click on the image you want to replace, then select "Uploads" to upload your image or use Canva's image library to search for suitable images.

    • Background and Colors: Customize the background color, add gradients, or apply design elements like shapes or lines.

    • Elements and Icons: Use Canva's extensive library of elements, icons, illustrations, and shapes to enhance your flyer's design. Drag and drop these elements onto your canvas as needed.

    • Upload Your Own Elements: If you have your own logos, images, or graphics, you can upload them to Canva and incorporate them into your flyer.

  6. Arrange and Align Elements: To ensure your flyer looks organized and visually appealing, use Canva's alignment and arrangement tools. You can align elements to the center, distribute them evenly, and adjust their layering.

  7. Add Additional Pages (Optional): If your flyer is multi-page (e.g., a brochure or booklet), you can add more pages by clicking on the "+ Add a new page" button on the left sidebar.

  8. Preview and Save: Periodically preview your flyer to check for errors or design inconsistencies. To do this, click the "Preview" button in the top-right corner.

  9. Save Your Flyer: Once you're satisfied with your flyer's design, click the "Download" button at the top-right corner. You can choose to download your flyer as a high-resolution image file (e.g., JPEG or PNG) or as a PDF document.

  10. Print or Share: After downloading your flyer, you can print it directly or share it electronically through email or social media.

  11. Canva provides an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible for users with varying levels of design experience. Experiment with different fonts, colors, and design elements to create a flyer that meets your specific needs and stands out visually.

Postcards

Postcards can be done in many sizes. Here are instructions for how to create a 4x6 or 8.5x5.5 postcard in both Microsoft Word and Canva

Microsoft Word 4x6 Postcard

Creating a 4x6 postcard in Microsoft Word is a relatively simple process. You can use Word to design your postcard and then print it on a standard 4x6-inch postcard stock. Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. Open Microsoft Word: Launch Microsoft Word on your computer.

  2. Set Page Size: To set the page size to 4x6 inches, follow these steps:

    • Click on the "Layout" or "Page Layout" tab at the top of the Word window.

    • In the "Page Setup" or "Size" group, look for the "Size" or "Page Size" option (the exact wording may vary depending on your Word version).

    • Click on the size dropdown menu and select "More Paper Sizes."

    • In the "Page Setup" dialog box, enter the dimensions "4" for Width and "6" for Height under the "Paper Size" section.

    • Click "OK" to apply the new page size.

  3. Set Margins (Optional): Adjust the margins if needed:

    • Still in the "Layout" or "Page Layout" tab, you can set custom margins by clicking on "Margins" and selecting "Custom Margins." Adjust the top, bottom, left, and right margins as per your design requirements.

  4. Design Your Postcard: You can now start designing your postcard on the 4x6-inch canvas:

    • Add text by clicking on "Insert" and then "Text Box." Draw a text box on the canvas and enter your postcard's content.

    • Insert images, graphics, or shapes using the "Insert" tab. You can upload your images or use Word's clip art library.

    • Use Word's formatting tools to style your text, images, and other elements.

  5. Add a Back Side (Optional): If your postcard has content on both sides, you can add a back side to the document. You can do this by inserting a new page:

    • Click "Insert" in the top menu.

    • Select "Blank Page" to add a new page to your document.

    • Design the back side as needed.

  6. Proofread and Review: Carefully review your postcard for spelling and grammar errors, layout issues, or any other mistakes.

  7. Save Your Postcard: Click on "File" and choose "Save As" to save your postcard. Give it a name and select the location on your computer where you want to save it.

  8. Print Your Postcard: Before printing, make sure you have 4x6-inch postcard stock loaded into your printer. Then, follow these steps:

    • Click on "File" and select "Print."

    • In the print settings, make sure the correct printer and paper size (4x6 inches) are selected.

    • Choose any additional print settings such as quality and color options.

    • Click "Print" to print your postcard.

  9. Trim Your Postcard: After printing, use scissors or a paper trimmer to cut your postcard along the 4x6-inch dimensions to remove any excess paper.

  10. Mail or Share Your Postcard: Your postcard is now ready to be mailed or shared with others.

Microsoft Word 8.5x5.5 Postcard

Creating an 8.5x5.5-inch postcard in Microsoft Word is a simple process. You can design your postcard using Word's features and then print it on standard 8.5x11-inch paper, which can be cut down to the desired size. Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. Open Microsoft Word: Launch Microsoft Word on your computer.

  2. Set Page Size: To set the page size to 8.5x5.5 inches, follow these steps:

    • Click on the "Layout" or "Page Layout" tab at the top of the Word window.

    • In the "Page Setup" or "Size" group, look for the "Size" or "Page Size" option (the exact wording may vary depending on your Word version).

    • Click on the size dropdown menu and select "More Paper Sizes."

    • In the "Page Setup" dialog box, enter the dimensions "8.5" for Width and "5.5" for Height under the "Paper Size" section.

    • Click "OK" to apply the new page size.

  3. Set Margins (Optional): Adjust the margins if needed:

    • Still in the "Layout" or "Page Layout" tab, you can set custom margins by clicking on "Margins" and selecting "Custom Margins." Adjust the top, bottom, left, and right margins as per your design requirements.

  4. Design Your Postcard: You can now start designing your postcard on the 8.5x5.5-inch canvas:

    • Add text by clicking on "Insert" and then "Text Box." Draw a text box on the canvas and enter your postcard's content.

    • Insert images, graphics, or shapes using the "Insert" tab. You can upload your images or use Word's clip art library.

    • Use Word's formatting tools to style your text, images, and other elements.

  5. Add a Back Side (Optional): If your postcard has content on both sides, you can add a back side to the document:

    • Click "Insert" in the top menu.

    • Select "Blank Page" to add a new page to your document.

    • Design the back side as needed.

  6. Proofread and Review: Carefully review your postcard for spelling and grammar errors, layout issues, or any other mistakes.

  7. Save Your Postcard: Click on "File" and choose "Save As" to save your postcard. Give it a name and select the location on your computer where you want to save it.

  8. Print Your Postcard: Before printing, make sure you have 8.5x11-inch paper loaded into your printer. Then, follow these steps:

    • Click on "File" and select "Print."

    • In the print settings, make sure the correct printer and paper size (8.5x11 inches) are selected.

    • Choose any additional print settings such as quality and color options.

    • Click "Print" to print your postcard.

  9. Trim Your Postcard: After printing, use scissors or a paper trimmer to cut your postcard along the 8.5x5.5-inch dimensions to remove any excess paper.

  10. Mail or Share Your Postcard: Your postcard is now ready to be mailed or shared with others.

Using Canva to Create a Postcard
4x6 

Creating a 4x6 postcard in Canva is a straightforward process thanks to its user-friendly design tools and templates. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a 4x6 postcard in Canva:

  1. Create or Log In to Your Canva Account: If you don't already have a Canva account, sign up for one at https://www.canva.com/. If you have an account, log in using your credentials.

  2. Start a New Design: Once you're logged in, you'll be on the Canva dashboard. To create a new postcard design, click on "Create a design" at the top right corner.

  3. Set Custom Dimensions: Canva provides many predefined design dimensions, but for a 4x6 postcard, you'll need to set custom dimensions:

    • In the Canva design editor, click on the "Custom dimensions" option located near the top of the screen.

    • Enter "4" for the Width and "6" for the Height. Ensure that the unit of measurement is set to inches.

    • Click "Create new design."

  4. Choose a Template: On the new 4x6 canvas, you can start designing your postcard from scratch, but it's often easier to start with a template:

    • Click on the "Templates" option in the left sidebar.

    • In the search bar, type "postcard" to find available postcard templates.

    • Choose a template that suits your purpose and click on it to open it in the editor.

  5. Customize Your Postcard: Customize the postcard template to your liking:

    • Click on text elements to edit and replace them with your own text.

    • To add images or graphics, click on "Elements" in the left sidebar and explore Canva's image library or upload your own images.

    • Use the formatting tools at the top of the screen to change fonts, colors, and other design elements.

    • Add shapes, icons, or other elements from the left sidebar to enhance your design.

  6. Arrange and Align Elements: Ensure that your postcard elements are properly aligned and arranged. You can use Canva's alignment and arrangement tools for this purpose.

  7. Add a Back Side (Optional): If your postcard design includes content on both sides, you can add a back side by duplicating the front side or starting a new design on the same canvas.

  8. Preview and Save: Periodically preview your postcard to check for errors or design inconsistencies by clicking the "Preview" button at the top-right corner.

  9. Save Your Postcard: Once you're satisfied with your postcard's design, click the "Download" button at the top-right corner.

    • Choose the file format you want to download (e.g., JPEG or PDF).

    • Click "Download" to save your postcard to your computer.

  10. Print Your Postcard: After downloading, you can print your postcard on 4x6-inch postcard stock using your printer. Make sure your printer settings are set to the correct paper size and quality.

  11. Trim Your Postcard: After printing, use scissors or a paper trimmer to cut your postcard along the 4x6-inch dimensions to remove any excess paper.

  12. Mail or Share Your Postcard: Your postcard is now ready to be mailed or shared with others.

Using Canva to Create a Postcard
8.5x5.5 

Creating an 8.5x5.5-inch postcard in Canva is a straightforward process. Canva provides templates and design tools that make it easy to design and customize your postcard. Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. Create or Log In to Your Canva Account: If you don't already have a Canva account, sign up for one at https://www.canva.com/. If you have an account, log in using your credentials.

  2. Start a New Design: Once you're logged in, you'll be on the Canva dashboard. To create a new postcard design, click on "Create a design" at the top right corner.

  3. Set Custom Dimensions: Canva provides many predefined design dimensions, but for an 8.5x5.5-inch postcard, you'll need to set custom dimensions:

    • In the Canva design editor, click on the "Custom dimensions" option located near the top of the screen.

    • Enter "8.5" for the Width and "5.5" for the Height. Ensure that the unit of measurement is set to inches.

    • Click "Create new design."

  4. Choose a Template: On the new 8.5x5.5-inch canvas, you can start designing your postcard from scratch, but it's often easier to start with a template:

    • Click on the "Templates" option in the left sidebar.

    • In the search bar, type "postcard" to find available postcard templates.

    • Choose a template that suits your purpose and click on it to open it in the editor.

  5. Customize Your Postcard: Customize the postcard template to your liking:

    • Click on text elements to edit and replace them with your own text.

    • To add images or graphics, click on "Elements" in the left sidebar and explore Canva's image library or upload your own images.

    • Use the formatting tools at the top of the screen to change fonts, colors, and other design elements.

    • Add shapes, icons, or other elements from the left sidebar to enhance your design.

  6. Arrange and Align Elements: Ensure that your postcard elements are properly aligned and arranged. You can use Canva's alignment and arrangement tools for this purpose.

  7. Add a Back Side (Optional): If your postcard design includes content on both sides, you can add a back side by duplicating the front side or starting a new design on the same canvas.

  8. Preview and Save: Periodically preview your postcard to check for errors or design inconsistencies by clicking the "Preview" button at the top-right corner.

  9. Save Your Postcard: Once you're satisfied with your postcard's design, click the "Download" button at the top-right corner.

    • Choose the file format you want to download (e.g., JPEG or PDF).

    • Click "Download" to save your postcard to your computer.

  10. Print Your Postcard: After downloading, you can print your postcard on 8.5x11-inch paper using your printer. Make sure your printer settings are set to the correct paper size and quality.

  11. Trim Your Postcard: After printing, use scissors or a paper trimmer to cut your postcard along the 8.5x5.5-inch dimensions to remove any excess paper.

  12. Mail or Share Your Postcard: Your postcard is now ready to be mailed or shared with others.

With Canva's intuitive interface and design tools, you can quickly create a customized 8.5x5.5-inch postcard for various purposes.

Common Questions and How To

01.

How To Add Bleeds 

02.

How To Size Art for Print

03.

How To Place a Web Order

04.

How To Submit a Quote Request

05.

How To Set up an Address Block

06.

How to set up a mailing List

07.

How To Approve Proofs via Weblink

08.

What DPI do I need for my photos to print?

09.

What is a vector file and why do I need it?

10.

This is the only file I have will it work?

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