A bleed is when an image extends beyond the trim edge of the product. If your image is not white on all four sides, you MUST include bleeds in your files. Add 1/8” (.125”) to each side of the file. For example, for a 2” x 3.5” business card with full bleed, the image size should be submitted at 2.25” x 3.75”
Get a Product Template to start your design with these guidelines.
For more information about Template Guidelines, Click Here.
Files can be uploaded through our website after an order has been placed. If you select to upload files later, you may do so by going to the “My Account” page and clicking on your order number.
We do not accept native Publisher or Word Document files. However, we have instructions on how to convert your Publisher 2007 files into a format we can accept on our Preparing Your Files section. For older versions of Publisher or word documents, there are several FREE utilities such as Primo PDF, which allow you to create a PDF document from these applications (or ANY other application). When creating the PDF, please adhere to Alpha Press, Inc. PDF guidelines. You may then upload this PDF to us for printing.
The only way to be certain you’ve uploaded the correct file is by double checking the file name prior to uploading the artwork. You will be asked to upload your files after the order has been placed. Once the upload has completed successfully, you can view the file name at the receipt page to confirm you’ve uploaded the proper file
Although it is not required, we encourage you to use our templates as this may prevent delays in processing your files. These templates include guidelines for bleed and safe area.
We have also included the on-line designer on every product. Please note: it is your responsibility to check the spelling and pictures of what is submitted. Alpha Press, Inc. is not responsible for client submitting copy righted material.
Download a Product Template to start your design with helpful guidelines. For more information about these template guidelines, Click Here
You must upload artwork so that the finished piece backs up correctly. On two sided work, the head of one side backs up to the head of the other side. The head of a page is defined by the top of the rendered proof and the bottom is called the foot.
For folded products, we create a mock up prior to approving the job to ensure the artwork is set up correctly. On jobs where the orientation is not so obvious, please describe how it should back up in the order notes.
For animated examples of how to rotate and orient your artwork, please refer to our:
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. This is the industry standard process colors used in full color offset printing. The combination of these four colors can produce a wide spectrum of colors. Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow combine to create color, while Black is used to change the shade of color.
Additional information about color can be found on the following page:
RGB stands for Red, Green, & Blue. These are most commonly used with web design, television screens and monitors but are not used in offset printing. RGB files should be converted to CMYK prior to uploading. Colors may need to be adjusted after the conversion and may not appear correct on your monitor.
Additional information about color can be found on the following page:
What is the maximum file size that can be uploaded?
We can not guarantee your files will be archived for more than 90 days, we do make an attempt to store all client files. At Alpha Press, Inc. discretion, we may remove files from our servers at any time. It is recommended that you maintain a copy of all your files. If you wish to re-order a specific project, please use our "re-order" tool available through "My Account" section. A preview of your previous files may be available through this tool.
If your job has been placed on "Hold", and a message states that your file is missing fonts, it may be possible to provide us the font file you used in your design. However, in most cases we require that you convert your text to outlines before uploading your files.
For more information about submitting your files, please visit our File Preparation Help Center
Converting your text to outlines is the most effective way to ensure your typefaces look exactly as you designed them. Once your text has been converted to outlines, it can no longer be typeset like standard text layers, so be sure to save your source files accordingly.
For detailed instructions on converting your text to outlines, or to find out if it is necessary for your file type please visit our File Preparation Help Center
You can check your order status by going to our website and clicking on the green order status tab on the home page of our website. You will be asked to enter your order/job number and order billing zip code or the email address and password that is listed on the account.
As a customer, you are responsible for the accuracy of your artwork. You are encouraged to carefully inspect the positioning, copy, and design elements in your art files before submitting them to us. Ordering a PDF or Hard Copy Proof affords you the opportunity to check for errors you wish to correct in your files prior to production.
Yes. We’ve provided a tool that allows your designer to upload files to your order/job using only the order/job number and billing zip code. Simply have your designer visit our website and click the green “Order Status” button.
A request to cancel should be done by phone to prevent the job from moving forward in the production process. Cancelled orders require compensation for incurred costs and related obligations at the time of cancellation. Due to company policies, you may only cancel an order without incurring additional fees prior to the approval of artwork. All requests for cancellations after a PDF proof, Hard Copy proof, or the approval of the artwork are subject to a minimum cancellation fee of 15%. No refunds will be given for orders cancelled after the plating process.
Yes, we can accept payment by check. However, this process takes much longer than a credit card transaction. If you prefer to pay by check, you must mail in a completed order form including payment and print ready artwork. Once we receive the order it will be submitted but remain “On Hold” until the check clears with the bank. After the check has cleared, the standard turnaround time will apply.
Turnaround time for a print job where a PDF or Hard Copy proof is selected begins once the proof has been approved by you. If you did not select a PDF or a Hard Copy proof, turnaround time begins once your file is uploaded. If you approve your job by 8:30AM Eastern Standard Time, turnaround time begins that business day. Also note that if we are unable to print your files because they do not conform to Alpha Press, Inc. file requirements, your job status will be put “On Hold” and your turnaround time will be reset.
Please visit our Turnaround page for more information.
Turnaround time represents the business days required to produce the approved artwork. Shipping is based off the method selected at the time the order was placed, and is not included in the turnaround estimate.
Turnaround time varies with each product and begins once the submitted artwork has been approved. If no proof is requested, turnaround time begins the next business day if ordered before 8:30AM Eastern Standard Time. For additional information visit the turnaround section on our website
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