Preparing & Submitting Artwork
Q • In what format should I submit my files for printing?
A • PDF (Highest Resolution). The Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) is the universal file format for preserving source document fonts, images, graphics and layout, regardless of what application created the file. PDFs are widely available, compatible, and very easy to distribute. PDFs are intended to make sure that your job prints exactly the way you intended, from your original application. Go Back
Here is a checklist for when you save a PDF file from your design application.
• Always embed fonts.
• Set Transparency Flattening settings to the highest settings (when applicable).
• Turn off color management (except for Photoshop). All color settings should be set to "As Is" or "CMYK."
• Set Vector Output Resolution to 2400 or 2540 (if prompted).
• Use Binary data format instead of ASCII.
• If using Photoshop, flatten your file before saving as a PDF.
• If using a vector-based program such as Illustrator, CONVERT ALL TEXT TO OUTLINES.
• Convert Spot (Pantone) and RGB colors to Process (CMYK)
• Any final trapping will be completed by us. Go Back
Q • How do I ensure my artwork is print-ready?
A • Below is a checklist to ensure your art file/s are set up properly.
• Always include bleeds around the perimeter of your artwork to ensure accurate cutting. (Example: 2" x 3.5" business cards should extend to
2.25" x 3.75" - which means you will create a .125" bleed on each of the four sides of your artwork).
• Work in and save your print-ready files in CMYK mode only.
• To ensure the best possible print quality, work and save your art files
at a resolution of 300dpi (dots per square inch).
• To avoid any/all font issues, CONVERT ALL TEXT TO OUTLINES.
• Look for Spelling Errors. It’s best to make a habit of using Spell- Checker after your work is completed. There is nothing more frustrating than finding “that misspelled word” after your job has been printed. Go Back
Q • How do I upload my files?
A • Once your print-ready PDF art-file has been created, go to our Upload File page and click on the Location:ftp.printamazon.com link. You will then be prompted to enter a user name and password (provided directly below our FTP link). We recommend that you Zip or use a Stuffit-Expander application for files larger than 50MB. Upload time will also depend/vary with your internet connection, but will usually range between 1 to 20 minutes. One of our Customer Service Reps will contact you if your file/s did not upload correctly.
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Ordering
Q • What payment methods do you accept?
A • Currently, we accept VISA, MASTERCARD and AMERICAN EXPRESS for all online orders. Go Back
Q • How do I know my online credit card transaction is secure?
A • Our Paypal/Google Shopping Cart checkout process is protected by the industry-leading fraud-prevention online security system. Your personal information is heavily protected from your computer to PayPal. It is encrypted using SSL 3.0, the industry-standard encryption format used by all major online vendors, like Amazon.com and eBay. Plus, the information you provide to PayPal is only what is necessary for us to process your order. PayPal requires new users to establish a user name and password in order to log in to their secure payment service and check the status of your order. PayPal keeps a strict Privacy Policy. In other words, your information will not be sold to third parties. Go Back
Q • Will I receive an email confirmation after my order is placed?
A • Yes. If, for any reason, you do not receive an email confirmation, please contact our Customer Service Department. Go Back
Q • Can I request a faster turnaround time after I place my order?
A • Yes, however there will be an additional charge for all Rush Orders. Please contact our Sales Department for case-by-case Rush Order pricing. Go Back
Q • How do I change or cancel my order once it’s placed?
A • Changes to artwork can be made, as long as you have requested a Proof and/or the printing plates have not been created yet. However, changes can also impact your inital cost and completion date. Cancellations: Once you have submitted your order, your credit card will be charged for the total amount of your order, including shipping and handling fees. No refunds will be given for orders that have been received/processed by our Pre-press Department. In some cases, your order may be cancelled and a refund may be extended to you if no work has been completed for that order. In such cases, you will be charged a $20 cancellation fee, which would be in addition to any fees charged for proofs (if applicable). In some cases, an order may be voided the same day the order was placed as long as no work has been completed for that order. Go Back
Q • Who do I call/contact for updates after my order is placed?
A • Please contact our Customer Service Department via email or phone. Go Back
Proofs
Q • Will I receive a proof before my order prints?
A • Hardcopy proofs will be mandatory on certain print orders, such as magazines, catalogs, and booklets. These type of print items can have many pages, with advanced binding, folding and cutting requirements that will need to be reviewed by the customer before they are printed. On most other print items,
you will have an option of ordering a digital PDF (Free!) or hardcopy proof. Go Back
Q • In what format and method (email/ftp) will my proof be
sent?
A • If you are a local customer (Bay Area, CA), you have the option of coming to our company location for a first-hand hardcopy proofing session with our pre-production department. Otherwise, depending on the file size of the proof, we will either send a digital proof via email or upload a digital proof to our FTP site, for you to retrieve at your convenience - or send a hardcopy proof via FedEx. Go Back
Shipping
Q • Can I track my order once it’s shipped?
A • If your order is shipped via UPS, FedEx, or DHL, you will be able to use their shipping/tracking numbers online to follow your order to its destination. We will update you via email on your method of shipping and tracking number so you can track your order accordingly. Go Back
Q • Does turnaround time include shipping time?
A • No. Turnaround time refers to our production turnaround time, which does not include shipping time. In addition, turnaround time for your print job begins calculating once your order has been placed and your print-ready files have been uploaded, attached and approved. If you ordered a proof, your turnaround time begins calculating when we receive approval from you on your final proof.
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