Printing FAQs

A print-ready PDF is preferred. Prepare artwork in CMYK, use high-resolution images and embed or outline fonts. Bleed, safety margins and finishing masks depend on your product. Follow the file specifications guide and your product template.

CMYK stands for cyan, magenta, yellow and black: the process inks used in full-colour printing. A spot colour is a separately specified ink. If matching a brand colour is critical, contact NEPS before preparing artwork to discuss stock, ink and proof options.

Supply vector artwork in a 100% solid spot colour labelled “FOIL STAMP”, with no screens or gradients, and set it to overprint. Our traditional-foil guidance recommends type of at least 8pt, lines of at least 0.25pt and no hairlines. Avoid condensed type. Reverse type should be larger than 12pt.

Solid areas larger than 0.5 inches can break up and show paper through, particularly on textured stock. Ask us to check your design, paper and die before relying on these general limits. See our foil stamping guide for more detail.

These instructions apply to traditional hot foil. Compare raised digital foil and other finishes before preparing the artwork.

Supply the embossing area as vector artwork in a 100% solid spot colour labelled “EMBOSS”. Keep screens and gradients out of that mask. See our embossing guide for paper and design considerations.

Create a separate layer or mask file aligned exactly with the print artwork. Use a 100% solid spot colour labelled “SPOT UV” to show the areas you want coated.

For large black areas, our file guide recommends C40 M30 Y0 K100. Use C0 M0 Y0 K100 for small black text to help avoid registration blur. Check the colour setup with us for your paper and printing process before sending the file.

The maximum area for our retractable sign is 33.5” wide x 83” high. Please allow 1” bleed at the top and a 3” bleed at the bottom. This extra bleed area will not be visible as it will be part of the retractable mechanism. The viewable area after the banner is assembled will be 33.5” wide x 79” high. Artwork must be designed at 300dpi for best results.

Send one print-ready PDF with individual pages in reading order: 1, 2, 3 and so on. Our booklet guidance requests 1/4 inch bleed on all sides and crop marks to show the trim.

Follow the bleed and crop-mark instructions for your specific booklet job if they differ.

Continue your background design through the door hanger’s hole area instead of leaving a blank circle. The hole is approximately 1.75 inches across; use the template for your chosen product to position it and keep important text clear.

Send a separate vector PDF showing the outline you want cut. If the printed design reaches the edge, extend the background beyond the cut line using the approved template. Upload the dieline with your print artwork. Our die cutting guide explains how to plan shapes, openings and folds.

Matte lamination bonds a film to suitable printed stock for a low-shine surface. It changes the appearance and feel of the piece. Compare matte, gloss and soft touch options in our film lamination guide.

Spot UV adds gloss to selected areas over a suitable matte laminated surface. The contrast can highlight a logo, name or pattern. Conventional spot UV and tactile raised gloss produce different effects; explore our UV coating guide and specialty finishing options.

Scoring makes an indentation along the fold line. It helps heavier printed cards fold cleanly and reduces the risk of cracking. Tell us the paper and fold you’re planning so we can confirm the setup.

Perforation creates a tear-off section, such as a coupon or detachable business card. It helps the piece tear along the intended line. Use the approved template to position the perforation and keep important text clear.

Our general estimate is 2–4 business days for many products, but quantities, paper and special finishes can change the timing. Check the estimate for your selected product or ask us to confirm your deadline. Allow for artwork approval and shipping as well as production.

Graphic design is charged separately. Our published general rate is $75 per hour when you supply the concept and required materials. Licensed images may cost extra. See our graphic design services and ask for an estimate before work begins.

Colour appearance depends on paper, ink, coating and the printing process. Screen previews and previously printed pieces may differ from the final result. Send a physical sample or your Pantone reference and discuss a suitable proof with NEPS if colour is critical. Exact colour matching is not guaranteed.