Guide to Printing
Do you have a flyer or other design piece you need professionally printed? Here are tips to help you navigate the process.
Printing vendors
For smaller runs or fast turnaround: FastCopy in the Student Union Memorial Center
For large print jobs or to get bids from multiple vendors: University approved print supplier vendor list
Also, see how to order stationary
Payment
If you are using a University-approved print supplier, they will accept payment by:
- KFS account number
- P-Card
- Or send a bill to your business admin.
Always ask how payment works when asking for a quote for your project. This will save you time in the long run.
Common US paper sizes
Flyer
- Letter - 8.5"x11”
Poster
- Tabloid - 11”x17"
- 18"x24"
- 24"x36"
Post card
- 4"x6"
- 4.25"x6"
- 5"x7"
- 8.5"x7"
Final file formats
PDF - Most common
- PowerPoint - PDF is the recommended file type for best results when exporting from PowerPointFile > Export > PDF
- IllustratorFile > Save as > Adobe PDF > Press Quality
- InDesignFile > Save as > Adobe PDF > Press Quality
TIFF
- PowerPointFile > Export > TIFF
- IllustratorFile > Export as > TIFF
- InDesign - Does not export as TIFF
JPG
- PowerPointFile > Export > JPG
- IllustratorFile > Export as > JPG
- InDesignFile > Export > JPG
Color
When using the UA color palette, stick to using the CMYK options for accurate color reproduction.
Paper types
Paper type varies on your budget and project needs. If you don’’t have a paper type in mind, ask your printer for advice when asking for a quote.
Paper weight can be different depending on where the printer is getting their paper from. Here are a few example paper types that we have used in the past:
Alphagraphics
- Flyer - 100lb Gloss Text
- Post card - 16pt Uncoated Cover
- Program - C2S Gloss Cover or 9pt DULL coated cover
FastCopy
- Flyer - 80lb Coated Gloss Text
- Post card - 100lb Coated Gloss Cover
- Program - 80lb Coated Gloss Text
Proofs
What is a proof? 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 your print job comes out the way you envisioned. By carefully inspecting the proof, you can help ensure an accurate delivery of your print job the first time.
Estimates
Always ask your printer for price breaks in your estimate. For example, if you know that you need to order 200 flyers, you should ask your printer what the cost is for 500. There may only be a small difference in price between the two quantities.
Don't be afraid to ask the printer if you are unsure about something. Some printers prefer one file type over another or have different paper options in house. Ask them for advice!
Common printing terms
Bind: To fasten sheets with wire, thread, glue, or by any other means.
Binding: A name given for any of many procedures used to put pages together.
Bleed: Printing that goes to the edge of the sheet. Trimming is required to make the printing run to the edge of a sheet.
Cast-coated: Coated paper with a high- gloss reflective finish.
Coated Paper: Paper with a clay or other coating applied to one, or both, sides. The coating can be dull, gloss, matte, or a number of other finishes. Coated paper generally produces sharper, brighter images and has a more reflective quality than uncoated paper.
Collate: To put pages in a certain order for binding.
Cover Paper: A heavy printing paper primarily used to cover books or make presentation folders.
Side-stitching: Stapling through the spine from front to back. The publication will not lay flat when opened.
Crop: To trim a picture, image, or printed sheet.
Crop Marks: Printed lines showing where to trim a printed sheet.
Gloss: A shiny paper coating that reflects light.
Laminate: To cover with protective film. Also used to bond or glue one surface to another.
Matte Finish: Dull paper or ink finish.
Perfect Binding: An unsewn, flat-spined book binding made with glue.
Resolution: The degree of sharpness of a computer-generated image as measured by the number of dots per linear inch in a hard-copy printout or, the number of pixels across and down on a display screen.
Saddle-stitching: A type of binding that uses wire stapling at the center of a magazine or pamphlet.
Score: Creasing paper to help it fold more neatly.
Need more help?
Check out our templates