Resources & Support

Have you ever had a question and didn't know where to find the answer? Here are the answers to some questions our clients ask us everyday.

Want more information? Contact Us.

1. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
2. How do I go get an estimate?
3. Is white considered a printing color?
4. Should my projects be produced digitally or on an offset press?
5. Tips on how to save your design files
6. What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?
7. What is VARNISH? Why is it used?
8. What is a "proof"?
9. What is the Pantone Matching System?
10. What kind of work does Wayside do?
11. Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?

1. 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.

2. How do I go get an estimate?

   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 Print Consultants.

3. 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.

4. Should my projects be produced digitally or on an offset press?

   Well it depends. If you need less than 2000 copies of black printing then duplication is the fastest and least expensive option for you. Offset printing is the best option when longer runs, higher quality or multiple colours are needed. Offset printing requires slightly longer production time. Let us know what you are planning to do and we will find the least expensive and highest quality option for your project.

5. Tips on how to save your design files

   Make them print ready and acceptable for us to print.

   COREL DRAW:
   Saving your Corel Draw file as an Adobe Illustrator EPS
   • Embed all Images
   • Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
   • Export as Illustrator EPS

   FREEHAND:
   • Embed all Images
   • Convert all your text/copy to paths
   • Export as Illustrator EPS or PDF

   PAGEMAKER:
   Saving your PageMaker file as an EPS
   • 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

   PUBLISHER:
   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

6. 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.

7. What is VARNISH? Why is it used?

   A varnish is a protective coating that helps protect printed colours from wear, fingerprinting or scuffing after a piece is printed. Most often varnish is used when heavy solid colours are printed on coated paper, but it can be used on uncoated paper as well.

   Varnishes are available in a variety of finishes from high gloss to matte and are applied in the same manner as any other ink.

   Aqueous coating acts like a varnish but dries instantly to protect colour in line - meaning faster production times and excellent rub protection. Aqueous coatings also are less likely to yellow over time.

   Achieve fantastic contrast between elements of your print project through using a varnish, aqueous coating or a combination of the two

8. What is a "proof"?

   A proof is a way of ensuring that we have set your type accurately and that everything is positioned as you want it. Typically, we produce a proof and send it to you online or, if you prefer, print it on paper to be viewed in our store or delivered to your office.

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. What kind of work does Wayside do?

    In short, everything in print.

    Copy Services - Our high-speed duplicators can produce copies efficiently and economically whether you provide hard copy or, submit files online or bring in digital files on disk.

    Printing Services From one-color to full-color printing, our store has the capability to meet your needs. From short run to long run, we can offer a solution that will be just right for you.

    Finishing Services - Using our newest bindery and folding equipment we cut, perforate, score, number, fold, collate, saddle stitch, bind, and just about any other bindery process you could ever need.

    Design Services - Our designers use the latest design technology available to offer a full range of design services. We work from your camera ready copy, use the files you provide on disk, or design your piece from scratch.

11. 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.