FAQs

Online Printing System is a prepress process that bridges the gap between online digital content and commercial print production. The process allows a print house, a client or a graphic designer to create, edit, and approve computer-based online templates during the prepress phase. This process increasingly calls for a Portable Document Format (PDF) workflow environment with output provided by digital printing.

This solution will make your company run more efficiently and profitably by streamlining your business processes, maximizing your resources and eliminating redundant operations.

As a printer and not a publisher, Printshop USA does not provide ISBNs. You will need to obtain the ISBN number.  This is a pretty simple process. You can purchase your ISBN at ISBN.org from Bowker Identifier Services, the official ISBN Agency for publishers physically located in the United States.

A print-ready PDF file is the preferred file type.  Print-ready PDF files process successfully for output without further intervention or manipulation.

For complete information, please refer to our File Preparation Guidelines for instructions and tips on:

• Resolution
• Color Space
• Fonts
• Image Sizes
• Page Layout
• Bleeds

We have provided steps for exporting or saving as a print-ready PDF from many of the popular design programs, and other software you may be using.

Indesign

InDesign

1. When setting up your file use the InDesign Preflight feature to ensure an error free design. This feature is turned on by default and found at the bottom of the screen. Or choose Window > Output > Preflight to open the error panel. Below is an example of a text error.

2. When ready to create a print-ready PDF and your error panel is green for no errors, choose File > Export.
3. Specify a name and location for the file. Then choose Adobe PDF (Print) (*.pdf) as the Save as type or File Type.
4. Choose the Adobe PDF Preset setting [High Quality Print].
5. Then on the left side click on Marks and Bleeds and uncheck All Printer’s Marks and check Bleeds Use Document Bleed Settings (make sure these are set to .125).
6. Click Export.

Illustrator

1. Choose File > Save As or File > Save A Copy.
2. Specify a name and location for the file. Then choose Adobe PDF (*.PDF) as the file format and click Save.
3. In the field Adobe PDF Preset choose “Press Quality”
4. Then on the left side click on Marks and Bleeds and uncheck All Printer’s Marks and check Bleeds Use Document Bleed Settings (make sure these are set to .125).
5. The rest of the tabs can be left with default settings.
6. Click Save PDF.

Photoshop

1. Choose File > Save As.
2. Specify a name and location for the file. Then choose Photoshop PDF as the Save as type or File Type and click save.

3. In the Save Adobe PDF dialog box, choose the Adobe PDF Preset setting “Press Quality”.
4. Click Save PDF.

Images

Images can be uploaded as images or converted to PDF using Photoshop or Adobe Acrobat or Distiller.

1. Jpeg – use Photoshop or Adobe Acrobat to convert to PDF file
2. Gif – use Photoshop or Adobe Acrobat to convert to PDF file
3. Png – use Photoshop or Adobe Acrobat to convert to PDF file
4. EPS – can be distilled using Acrobat Distiller to a PDF file

Microsoft Word

1. Choose File Print.
2. Select “Adobe PDF” as the printer and click on Printer Properties.
3. In the pop-up window click on the Adobe PDF Settings tab.
4. In Default Settings choose High Quality Print.
5. In Adobe PDF Page Size, select the appropriate size.
6. Uncheck “Rely on system fonts only; do not use document fonts”.
7. Click on the Layout tab to change the page orientation.
8. Click OK.

Microsoft PowerPoint

1. First, make sure your slide is designed to the correct size for your printing needs. To adjust the slide size go to “Design” > “Slide Size” > “Custom Slide Size”.
2. Choose File Print.
3. Select “Adobe PDF” as the printer and click on Printer Properties.
4. In the pop-up window click on the Adobe PDF Settings tab.
5. In Default Settings choose High Quality Print.
6. In Adobe PDF Page Size, select the appropriate size.
7. Uncheck “Rely on system fonts only; do not use document fonts”.
8. Click on the Layout tab to change the page orientation.
9. Click OK.

We recommend at least 300 dpi but less than 1200 dpi for optimal print output. It is important that you use images that are natively large - high resolution - so they will not "pixelate" when reproducing.

When you upload your file(s) on Printshop USA if any of your images are low resolution you will see a warning symbol (left picture). If your image is an acceptable (high) resolution you will see a green check-mark (right image).

You must add bleeds to your artwork, and it is best to setup your bleed space at the very beginning of your design process.

A bleed is typically an 1/8" border that extends beyond the trim area of your printed piece.  It is also important to keep text or other important parts of your image at least 1/4" away from the paper edge, or the trim line, to prevent accidental cropping.

The image below shows the crop marks (cut line) as the dotted lines. On the left, the image has not been extended beyond the doted line so when the product is cut it will have a white border all the way around. On the right, the image extends beyond the crop marks so the image will "bleed" all the way off the page.

Spine Calculator

Locate your inside page stock on the table below and multiply your page count by the fraction listed.

Add a space of this width between the front and back covers in your cover file.

Pages vs. Sheets
A single sheet of paper has 2 sides, a front and a back side. A sheet folded in half gives you 4 numbered pages.

Counting Pages
To determine the number of pages, count every sheet side (each sheet has 2 sides) and all blank pages.

Your page count must be divisible by 2 for coil books and by 4 for saddle stitch and perfect bound products. If you file is not divisible by the appropriate number, blank pages will be added. We encourage you to add the blank(s) to your file to ensure placement is to your liking. 

Plus cover means the cover is printed on a different paper stock than the body (inside) pages. Please submit one file for the cover pages and a separate file for the body (inside) pages.

Self cover means the cover and body (inside) pages are all printed on the same paper stock. It is best if we receive one file for the whole publication. Remember that the first two pages and the last two pages of this file will be your cover. If you do not wish to have any printing on the inside of the front and back cover, then simply include blank pages in your file.

Pages vs. Sheets
A single sheet of paper has 2 sides, a front and a back side. A sheet folded in half gives you 4 numbered pages.

Counting Pages
To determine the number of pages, count every sheet side (each sheet has 2 sides) and all blank pages.

Your page count must be divisible by 2 for coil and perfect bound books, and divisible by 4 for saddle stitch products. If your file is not divisible by the appropriate number, blank pages will be added. We encourage you to add the blank(s) to your file to ensure placement is to your liking. 

Cover vs. Body Pages
Your cover will have 4 pages even if there isn’t printing on all sides – 2 outside pages and 2 inside pages.

Body pages are all the remaining pages in your publication.

No. Printshop USA does not proof documents created by its customers prior to processing. Please preview your designs carefully and correct any mistakes prior to placing your order.

What are Production Days?
Your production time does not start until your order is approved, paid, and processed. Production usually starts the first business day after you place your order.  Production Days includes time for printing, cutting and finishing. It does not include shipping transit time.

Our production week is from Monday through Friday, excluding federal US holidays observed. Our current production turnaround is approximately 14-18 business days.

In your Product-Calculator you will find a heading "Shipping Cost Estimation".
There you can find a "Estimated ship date" including production + shipping.

We are calculating estimated ship date like

total required production days
+ total required shipping days
= estimated ship date.

Note : We are excluding weekends and common holidays.

The type of paper used for difference purposes is expressed in weight. In the countries following the European system, it is grammes per square metre (gsm or g/m² or simply g) and in the US system it is Pound (lb).

The paper used for writing/printing (letterheads and such stationery) is generally between 60 to 120 gsm (20 to 70 lb) and is called the paper or text stock. Anything heavier than this is considered the card stock, i.e. the paper used for business cards, postcards, greeting cards, etc.

Coated papers are available in two finishes – glossy (shiny and smooth) and matte (flat and lusterless). Coated glossy papers reflect the light evenly so they are suitable for almost all types of printing jobs. Glossy papers have a good ink holdout, which is important for creating sharp, bright images.

• First, make sure your files are setup correctly. Refer to our File Preparation Guidelines and read  our FAQ on how to make a print ready file.
• Next, make sure your files are separated properly:

Single page products

• No separation needed; you will upload one file.

Double-sided products like flyers:

• Make each side a separate file.
• You will be asked to upload each side separately.

Products that have cover and body pages:

• Put the cover pages in one file. The cover will consist of inside and outside pages for both the front and back cover even if some pages are blank.
• Put the body (inside) pages in a second file.
  • Depending upon the product you chose, the body pages will need to be divisible by 2 (perfect and coil bound) or 4 (saddle-stitch).
  • Blank pages will be added to the end of the book if the page count is not divisible by the correct number.
• On the upload file page, make sure you chose the correct size and orientation on the product. Your chosen size will be noted in the first field. If what is listed does not match the layout of your file you can use the pulldown menu to select the correct option or use the Back button to return to the calculator. 
  NOTE:if you change your selection the price will also change.
• Next, check the size of your file(s). If  over 50MB, click the Upload large files over 50MB Button, if not just proceed to the next step.
• You have two options to upload files:
  • Click the file upload button, search for the location (computer desktop, cloud storage, etc.) of your file and click upload.
  • Drag and drop your file into the box with the dashed border.
• You will receive a checkmark if the file uploads successfully and a red X if it does not.
• Your file upload time will depend on your internet speed and the file size.

If you have any questions or need any help please contact support@print-shop-usa.com or call 877-369-8058.

Yes. Once you select your product specifications, continue to click on Upload Your Files. In this screen you have the option to upload your print files later. This action will save your product specifications but will not place your order until you upload your files.

To upload your files later

1. Log into My Account
2. Go to My Orders
3. Select the order
4. Click edit below the No Preview Available box
5. Upload your file(s)

Yes. Here's how:

1. Add your finished product choices to your cart where they will be saved until you are ready to check out.
2. Click on Continue Shopping to create more designs to add to your cart
3. When you are ready to check out simply click on the Shopping Cart (or Continue button).
4. Verify your Order Details
   • all products have been added
   • specifications are correct
   • quantity is correct
   • the price you see is correct
5. Click the Continue button
6. Add your shipping and payment information
7. Submit your order

Changes to your order can usually be accommodated if your order is still in the preflight or proofing stage and not “In Production”. Please contact us at 1.877.369.8058 or support@print-shop-usa.com right away to assist you.

An order may not be canceled once it is "In Production". If the order is still in the preflight or proofing stage, it may be canceled subject to the following fees, when applicable:

• Orders placed, paid for, and then canceled will be subject to a cancellation fee of 3.5% of the full order amount

Please contact us at 1.877.369.8058 or support@print-shop-usa.com right away to assist you.

Go to My Account > My Orders. 

If you want reorder exactly what a previous order contained, whether that's one or multiple products, locate that order and at the right you will see these two buttons  click on the reorder button.

If you want to place and order for a specific product, find that product and click located near the image of the product. 

Once you click Reorder or Reorder Design you will be taken to the cart where you can check out or click the  button to add more items.

• Proofing: There are 3 proofing options:
  • Soft Proof = When you upload your file(s) a digital preview will be generated. It is your responsibility to carefully look over this preview and verify this digital proof.
  • PDF Soft Proof = We will email you a PDF of all pages of your product showing crop marks. There is a fee for this option. Production does not start until the proof has been approved. This will extend your expected delivery date.
  • Hard Proof = A physical printed copy of your book can be mailed to you for verification. There is a fee for this option. Production does not start until the proof has been approved. This will extend your expected delivery date.
• Cover Coating:  We suggest that covers have some coating applied to them to increase their durability.  We offer both Gloss and Matte lamination.
  • Lamination = A clear plastic film which is bonded to the cover stock post print process
• Printing:  We have digital, inkjet, and offset printing options.
• Bind Types:  We offer multiple binding options to complete your book.
  • Saddle-Stitch = The printed sheets are folded in half and stapled in the middle – the spine. This bind type is best for books with 76 body/inside pages or less.
  • Perfect Bind = The pages are stacked and the cover is glued around the body pages. This bind type is best for books with 40 pages or more.
  • Coil Bind = also known as spiral binding, plastikoil, plastic coil, and coilbind. The cover and body pages are punched, and a plastic coil is inserted through the holes to bind the pages together.  Finished documents lay flat and fold back 360 degrees. We use plastic because it is more durable and visually appealing than the standard wire coil found on school notebooks. This bind type is good for most page counts.

If you need additional help, please contact one of our customer service experts at 1-877-369-8058 or support@print-shop-usa.com.

• Turnaround time begins only after an order has been "Approved". Orders are considered "Approved" and are put into production only when the following conditions have been met:
  1. An order form has been completely filled out,
  2. All files have been correctly submitted,
  3. The customer has approved the online proof or followed the proof approval instructions accompanying the PDF or Hard Copy proof (if one was ordered), has given the go ahead to proceed with production, and
  4. Payment information has been provided and accepted.
• Turnaround time is measured in business days. Saturday, Sunday, and any observed holidays during which we are closed will not be considered production days.
• Turnaround time (production days) include time for printing and finishing only and does not include shipping transit time. You should allow additional business days for delivery based on the shipping method you selected.

Bi-fold also known ashalf-fold is a sheet folded directly in half.  Folded in just one place, it is advantageous for comparisons or larger images you don’t want in the fold. Bi-foldedproducts tend to be larger than tri-folded products. Tri-fold products fold each panel into the center. Unfolding reveals each panel after the other giving your design a sense of timing and organization. A Z-Fold product folds the paper twice into the letter “Z”. It is sometimes called a fan-fold. Z-Fold offers versatility in your design by presenting your message in 3 equal panels, or one full page design. Or both, after all you have both sides of the paper.

We offer offset, digital, and inkjet printing solutions. The best print process for your chosen product and specifications will be used to produce the highest quality printed material for both text and image.

We offer instant online pricing. As you make production choices (quantity, paper stock, etc.), enter ship to location, and choose your shipping option, the estimated total cost updates automatically.

We do our best to avoid unexpected charges after we have furnished a price quotation.  However, you could expect these types of additional charges based on your unique requirements:

• File Preparation Charges:  If you need additional file preparation work outside of our standard offering, you may be charged additional fees.  This would be shared with you and agreed upon before any file preparation work began.
• Expedited Charges:  If you need your order to ship before the requested turnaround time designated on your options form, you may be charged an expedited fee.  This would be shared with you and agreed upon before your order was produced.
• Shipping Charges:  If you need your order to ship outside of the standard shipping option included in your price quotation, you may be charged additional shipping fees.  This would be shared with you and agreed upon before your order was shipped.
• Tax Charges:  Depending on where your order is shipped, you might be subject to taxes based on government rules. Appropriate taxes and assessments will be added to the invoice and are the responsibility of the customer.

Date of Approval + Production Days + Shipping Transit Days = Estimated Delivery Date
You must exclude weekends and holidays for both the Production and Shipping days.

Our standard production days are 14-18 business days. Production time starts upon proof approval and payment.

When selecting the specifications for your product there is a “Shipping Cost Estimation” section where you can choose the shipping type and cost option that best fits your needs. Once selected you will receive an Estimated Delivery Date.  

Please note: this is just an estimation. Delays caused by incorrect shipping address or delays caused by the shipping carrier are outside of our control.

You can also go into My Account > My Orders where you will also find the Estimated Delivery Date.

If you need to adjust your ship date, contact our customer service experts at support@print-shop-usa.com.

We currently accept the following sources of Credit Card payments through our Partner "Cybersource":

• Visa  (multi-currency options available)
• Mastercard   (multi-currency options available)
• American Express  (USD only)
• Discover  (USD only)
• PayPal   (multi-currency options available)

Our Payment processing security solutions provide a streamlined payment experience. Payment data is critical for us. Fortunately, with our payment processing security solutions from Cybersource, sensitive customer data bypasses our network entirely and is vaulted in secure Visa data centers.

Payment is collected at the time of order.

We require each order to be paid in full including all charges, taxes, and shipping fees before we begin an order.

Our Payment processing security solutions provide a streamlined payment experience. Payment data is critical for us. Fortunately, with our payment processing security solutions from Cybersource, sensitive customer data bypasses our network entirely and is vaulted in secure Visa data centers.

You can get more information at www.cybersource.com.

For orders paid by credit card, the name associated with this charge shown on your credit card statement may vary depending on your credit card provider. It may be listed as Midland or Elanders. If you should have any questions, please contact us at miraccounting@elandersamericas.com