FAQs

Digital printing uses toner vs ink, and is faster and more cost-effective for smaller print runs. It also allows the ability to print variable data (ie. personalized name fields for direct mail, unique codes for gift certificates, etc). 

Offset printing uses ink, and is faster and more cost-effective for larger print runs. It also can produce larger sheet sizes when required. Offset presses offer a wider colour gamut, and can also be uses to print Pantone colours to match specific branding requirements. 

While offset printing used to provide greater quality than digital, digital printing has made significant strides and now produces an excellent finished product. Print 101 will automatically choose whether to print your order offset or digital based on your product specs, size, and quantity. However, if you prefer a specific printing process, please request a custom quote and clearly indicate this in your request. 

In most printing processes, full colour printing refers to CMYK, where colours are printed using various amounts (typically in dots) of four standard inks or toners - Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. When combined on quality equipment run by experienced technicians, these four colours can produce just about any image imaginable. Most of the products we print are produced using CMYK, and this is ideal for the vast majority of applications. In some cases, some printers have additional colours to provide a richer and more vibrant colour spectrum (for example, some of our posters are printed using up to 9 colours to produce incredibly deep and realistic images). We also provide Giclée quality art prints through our sister company, frame101.ca.

Pantone actually refers to a company, which developed a standard system for colour matching/reproduction. Pantone's system identifies more than 1,100 "spot" colours and uses 14 pigments that are mixed under proprietary formulas to consistently and accurately reproduce inks in these specific colours (often viewed in a Pantone colour swatch book). So instead of using CMYK ink colours during production to produce a desired colour (see above), your products are printed using a "pre-mixed" Pantone ink colour, which ensures you are using exactly the correct colour. Pantone colours are typically used in branding, where companies/organizations will use a specific Pantone colour (ie. PMS 032 for the Canadian Flag) to identify their brand colours, and ensure they are accurately reproduced across all of their marketing/communication materials, no matter where those items come from. 

At Print 101, Pantone colours are only available for use in offset printing. However, if you provide your Pantone colour number, we can also produce the closest possible match through digital printing as well. If you require 1/2/3 colour printing, including Pantone colours, please request a custom quote and clearly indicate this in your request. 

Bleeds are required when an image or element of your design is intended to extend to the edge of your finished product. In these situations we ask that you extend the image or design element beyond the cut line in your design file (this extended area is what we call a "bleed"). Bleeds ensure that your image or design element will always extend to the edge of the finished product, even if there is minor shifting during cutting/trimming. We recommend a 1/8" bleed for all print jobs, and a 1/4" bleed for any large format printing (signs, etc.). 

Need help setting up your bleed? Just download the handy guides included under the "Layout Files" tab found on most of our product pages. And if you have any questions, just ask!

Safety margins help create a "safe zone" or "live area" that ensures all important text and images will be fully printed on your finished product. A safety margin eliminates the risk that any of this important information will be cut/trimmed during finishing. We recommend a 1/4" safety margin for all print jobs, and a 1/2" safety margin for any large format printing (signs, etc.). 

Need help setting up your safety margin? Just download the handy guides included under the "Layout Files" tab found on most of our product pages. And if you have any questions, just ask!

Most products listed on our site can be produced within 3 to 4 business days from the date your proof is approved. After this time, your order will be ready for local pickup, or will be sent out for shipping. If your order is being shipped, please factor in additional time for delivery.

If changes are required to your file, additional time may be required. Some products, such as luxury business cards, presentation folders, and popup tents are more complex and require additional time. Custom orders may also require additional time, depending on their complexity and requirements. If you require a specific deadline, please contact our customer service team - we're happy to help!

Print 101 prefers hi-resolution PDFs for all print jobs. PDFs should be saved at 300DPI resolution, in CMYK, with fonts embedded. We can also accept files in most graphic design programs, if changes are required. For complete details, please visit our Artwork Guidelines page. And if you have any questions, just ask!