FAQ
Quotes, files, proofs.
File setup: 1-up press-ready PDF with crop marks and bleed, 300 dpi images. Most estimates are back within 24 hours.
Custom quotes
How long does it take to receive a custom quote?
This depends on the complexity of your quote request. The vast majority of our estimates are done within 24 hours.
How long are your estimates valid for?
Estimates expire after 30 days. After that we will need to re-do the estimate.
How do I proceed after I receive an estimate from you?
We email the estimate. Reply to that email, call (626) 330-9588, or send the artwork through our Hightail uplink. Payment is arranged with the shop (often Zelle) before we go to press.
Can I just email you instead of using a custom quote form?
Yes, you can. However, we will respond much faster if you fill out the custom quote form. This form contains all the information we need to complete the estimate.
Printing
Will you send me a proof before printing starts?
Yes, if you order one. We can provide you with a soft proof or hard proof for color critical jobs. The soft proof will be sent via email. For color critical orders, we recommend requesting a hard proof, which is shipped to you via overnight mail.
Offset or digital — which should I choose?
Use offset if quality is the main concern, you need high volume (for example more than 250 business cards and 1,000 brochures), paper thicker than 14 pt, or a finished size larger than 12"×18". Use digital for a turnaround shorter than 5 business days, lower volume, or variable data.
Can I print with PMS or other special inks?
Yes. However, in order to reduce wash ups and VOCs, we prefer printing with process inks.
Files
What file formats do you require?
We need a 1-up, press-ready PDF file with crop marks and bleed. All files are imposed automatically by our workflow — do not submit an imposed file.
What is bleed?
If any element on your document layout makes contact with the document border you will have to use bleed. Place the element so that it goes over the border where the document will be cropped after printing.
Should I convert files to CMYK?
No. Conversion from RGB to CMYK is done automatically on our workflow.
What resolution should images be?
We recommend that all images be saved at 300 dpi.
Security & privacy
Do you keep credit card information on file?
No. For your security, we don't keep any credit card information on file.
Will you share my information?
Absolutely not. We keep all customer information internal. Occasionally, you may receive offers and announcements from MX Graphics, Inc. via e-mail. You may unsubscribe from these messages at any time.
Extend artwork past the trim line so the cut never leaves a white edge.
Send the file. We take it from there.
Artwork goes through our Hightail uplink. Most estimates come back within 24 hours — call (626) 330-9588 if it cannot wait.