Frequently Asked Questions
Only upon request, do we provide e-proofs or printed proofs. Our standard procedure is that we do not provide proofs. The understanding is that files will print EXACTLY as provided, that customers cannot make any changes once order is placed. Customers also assume all responsibility for typographical errors.
If proofs are provide, they are given so that customers can make sure the files are in-tact, and that nothing has shifted or changed since artworkwas submitted. Color is never ever guaranteed due to the nature of our workflow. Printed proofs fees will be added to job.
We commonly use coated stocks for most products, however uncoated stocks are always available. All of our stocks are manufactured using post-consumer or recycled materials. Keep in mind that when printing DIGITAL vs OFFSET, your paper options are much bigger to choose from. We invite our customers to come at least once to our shop in order to have a better idea of what range of paper stocks are available to choose from. For more information on our environmentally friendly print approach visit the GREEN PRODUCTS section of our website.
Indieprinting.com has been a leader in sustainability - we offer a wide range of paper stocks that are 100% sourced from recycled paper, paper made from HEMP as well as paper we directly import from Colombian made from 100% sugar cane fiber.
When it comes to printing on paper, we offer two print methods to choose from, Digital toner based printing and Offset soy based ink printing. Each technology offers amazing quality, advantages and disadvantages.
Digital print technologies allows for short-run printing of many products, which prior to this technology, were not available in such low quantities. Print products such as booklets and perfect bound books. Digital pritning is also great for same day or next day printing. Another advantage of digital pritning is the ability to print on a wide range of paper stocks. This flexibility is also an advantage for many designers that are always challenging their creativity. Textured papers, uncoated finishes and colored card stocks are some of the design elements that digital printing offer graphic designers. Typically, digital flat pieces max out at 2500 quantities depending on size and paper, before it makes more sense economically to print offset.
Offset, soy based ink printing, is also commonly known as lithography which is the term most utlized in commercial printing. Offset printing is the highest print quality available and its the prefered print method for large print runs of most jobs. Magazines, booklets, books, posters, fliers and brochures that print in quanties of 2500 or greater usually print on our offset machines. Offset printing limits our paper stock options that are available. Paper stocks tend to be mostly coated paper stocks ranging from 70lb gloss book to 16pt gloss coated cardstock.
If in doubt which option is the best for you, please ask any of our customer services representatives for advice. We also, alsways invite you to visit our shop and our showroom is full of various print options
Indie Printing is open Monday - Friday from 9am until 8pm. You may pick up your order during those hours and days.
When it comes to digital printing, graphic designers take advantage of the many finishes, textures and coatings available with this print method.
Matte and uncoated papers - We offer a wide range of text and cover stocks that are matte and opaque in finishing. These paper options coupled with our digital matte finishing, allows designers to maintain a true matte finish. Sometimes print items tend to be displayed in areas of direct light, coatings allow for these printed pieces to become reflective, hence a mirror more than a printed piece. Besides matte digital, we also offer a semi-gloss toner option. All digital print jobs print semi-gloss by default.
Gloss coated and coated - When paper is manufactured, coatings are applied to the surfaces to get a gloss coated or semi-gloss look. The other purpose for coating paper is to achieve a smooth surface. We also offer a wide range of text and cardstock paper options available.
Offset printing provides 2 standard paper options, 14pt gloss coated cardstock and 100lb gloss book text weight paper stock. Having these standard paper options we can create size and quantities with fixed pricing. Minimum offet quantities begin at 500 and can scale into the thounsands.
In the event that clients wish to print on any other paper stock, we can quote offset printing on any other paper stock. This situation is ideal for clients that are printing large quantities and have the budget to explore their own print run.
When it comes to both Digital and Offset, we offer ample eco-friendly, non-tree paper, and recycled paper options. We offer 100% recycled paper, paper manufactured from a weed, HEMP and we import from Colombia, paper made from the fibers of sugar cane. These sheets are available for digital and in some cases for offset printing.
Our prefered file format is PDF. Although we can take PSD, AI, EPS and TIFF file formats, we highly recommend you provide us with PDF's.
We will only print files provided at 300dpi.
When it comes to digital printing, we can print both RGB and CMYK files. Keep in mind, that we do not guarantee colors due to the nature of our print technologies. Offset printing me require that all files are provided in CMYK color mode.
All jobs must be paid for in full when the order is approved for printing. No job will be allowed to print until payment has been secured.
For large files please use 2 options:
1) FTP: ftp.indieprinting.com (link for instructions) ftp.indieprinting.com is the address. No user name or password is needed. The server will not allow a folder to be uploaded, so you either have to archive the file as a "Zip or Stuff it" file, or just upload an actual document. Please e-mail files@indieprinting.com or call 213.745.6395 once the file is completely uploaded.
2) IndiePrinting's WeTransfer Channel indieprinting.wetransfer.com We recommend WeTransfer to those that do not have an FTP app installed.