Frequently Asked Questions

About TPM

Frequently Asked Questions2020-03-27T13:18:48-04:00

Here you’ll find answers to common questions our clients ask. Start by selecting one of the links below. If you don’t see what you need – call or contact us online.

What type of products and services do you provide?2019-01-09T17:18:54-05:00

Good question! We are a full service shop and offer a wide range of products and services. To see a full listing and description of what we can offer you, check out the Products & Services area in the Customer Service Section of our website.

How do I go about getting an estimate from you?2021-07-02T13:26:17-04:00

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 at 850-671-6600 and talk with one of our team members about your project.

Tips on how to save your design files2020-03-27T13:18:51-04:00

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

Tips on file format setups2020-03-27T13:18:51-04:00

Many layout programs have collecting or packaging functions that will automatically collect your document, fonts, all art including and a report. When possible, it is recommended to use these functions because without any or all of these elements we will be unable to print your project.

  • Enclose all screen fonts and printer fonts
  • Include all placed images
  • Make sure your files are set with proper bleed, trim and safety areas.

BLEED: All art trimming off the edge MUST be pulled out 1/8” beyond the trim line
TRIM: This is the guideline where the card will be cut
SAFETY: All art and text within this safety area will assure that nothing will be trimmed off during the cutting process. A 1/4” guide in from the trim should work fine.

At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?2020-03-27T13:18:50-04:00

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.

Do I need to see a printed proof for my job?2019-01-09T17:23:29-05:00

It depends. If color matching or exact size are important, it’s not a bad idea to get a hard copy proof. Otherwise, a digital or soft copy proof is often sufficient.

Seeing a proof in general is always recommended, even if you submit “print ready” artwork. It’s just a double check to make sure that all the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed.

What is the Pantone Matching System?2019-01-09T17:23:53-05:00

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.

For digital jobs, we do not use the Pantone Matching System except as a reference. IF it’s vitally important that you have an exact color match for your printed piece, call us and we will come up with some solutions.

Why do printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?2019-01-09T17:24:22-05:00

You know how every television screen at an electronics store looks a little different? That’s the case with monitors, too.

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.

Is white considered a printing color?2019-01-09T17:24:44-05:00

Not typically. Because white is the default color of paper, it is simply recognized as the absence of any ink.

What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?2020-03-27T13:18:50-04:00

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.

Once I submit my project originals, how long will it take to finish my job?2019-01-09T17:25:40-05:00

Simple jobs are often completed in less than an hour. Some jobs, however, may take several days to complete depending on their complexity and size. We always strive to provide an accurate estimate of the turnaround time for each job we do.

Are you a “green” company?2019-01-09T17:26:04-05:00

Definitely. We take our potential impact on the environment very seriously. Much of our equipment is energy star rated and uses clean, emission-free toners. In addition, many of our papers are either recycled or come from sustainable forests. We also recycle waste, some machine parts and used toner bottles.

What forms of payment do you accept?2019-01-09T17:26:54-05:00

We accept cash, company check and all major credit cards. We can also set up a business account for you. Please call us at 850-671-6600 or visit the contact page for more details.

What is variable data printing?2020-03-27T13:18:50-04:00

Variable data printing is technology for printing documents so that each piece is personalized to the specific recipient. At the most basic level, this means personalizing a name and address. But for real impact, many projects include unique graphics and content that speaks directly to the recipient.

What does personalization mean?2020-03-27T13:18:50-04:00

Personalization is another term for variable data—technology for printing documents so that each piece is personalized to the specific recipient.

Personalizing can be as simple as a unique name and address on every printed piece. But more sophisticated levels of personalization can include text or images that vary based on data specific to the recipient, or data-driven graphics such as a pie chart illustrating something specific to the recipient.

What type of return can I expect from personalized or variable data marketing materials?2020-03-27T13:18:50-04:00

Studies consistently show that personalized marketing receives a far greater response than static pieces.

On average, the response rate of a static direct mail campaign is around 2%. A targeted, personalized campaign that utilizes variable data technology can increase that response rate by up to 30%.

While the cost per piece of variable imaging direct mail is higher, your cost per response is much lower, increasing your return on investment.

What do I need to provide for variable data projects?2020-03-27T13:18:50-04:00

We work with many types of data files, but CSV files are the safest bet. These are data files that have commas separating each field, and returns separating each line of data. To save time and hassle, make sure your data is properly formatted with each piece of data in separate fields.

Complex projects may require other files, like image files or additional data files. If you are unsure of what may be required for a particular variable project, give us a call for a free consultation.

Can you scan and save my files electronically?2019-01-09T17:28:48-05:00

Yes. We can scan drawings or documents and save electronic versions or copy files to a CD, DVD, jump drive or, if the file size is less than 5GB, send it in an email.