Whether you're preparing files for the first time or troubleshooting why your colors aren't matching, this commercial printing FAQ covers the questions we hear most often. We've organized answers around print quality, color accuracy, turnaround times, file preparation, pricing, and more — so you can approach your next print project with confidence. If your question isn't covered here, our team is always a phone call or email away.
Section 01
Print Quality Questions
Good printing starts with good inputs — but it doesn't end there. Here's what you need to know about resolution, equipment, and how we make sure every job meets the standard you expect.
What resolution should my images be for printing?
Images should be at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) at the final print size. Lower-resolution images will look blurry or pixelated on paper, even if they look fine on your screen — screens display images at 72–96 DPI, which is far lower than what print requires. If you're unsure whether your images are high enough quality, our team will flag any issues during preflight review before anything goes to press.
What is 1200 DPI printing and why does it matter?
DPI stands for dots per inch — the higher the number, the sharper and more detailed the output. Our digital presses produce output at 1200 DPI, compared to the 600 DPI common on standard equipment. In practice, that means crisper text, smoother gradients, and finer detail in photos and illustrations. The difference is especially noticeable on smaller type, fine lines, and high-quality brand photography.
See our equipment list for full details on our press capabilities.
How do I make sure my printed piece looks professional?
Three things have the biggest impact on print quality: image resolution (300 DPI minimum), color mode (CMYK, not RGB), and proper bleed setup. Beyond that, paper choice and finishing options can elevate a piece significantly. Our team reviews every file before it goes to press — and we'll walk you through ideas and resources if you want guidance on design decisions that affect the final result.
Do you do quality checks during production?
Yes — and they're built into every job, not just available on request. We perform multiple inspections throughout production: during file prep, after proofing, and before finishing and fulfillment. Our ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system documents every step of the process, creating a verifiable standard of consistency across every job we produce. You're not getting a one-off check — you're getting a system.
ISO 9001:2015 CertifiedSection 02
Color Accuracy & Matching
Color is one of the most common sources of frustration in printing — and almost always preventable. Here's how color works in print, why screen colors don't match, and how we deliver accurate, consistent results.
Why do my printed colors look different from what I see on my screen?
Screens produce color using RGB light (red, green, blue), while printing uses CMYK inks (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). These two color systems have different ranges — RGB can display vivid blues and greens that CMYK simply can't reproduce in ink. The result is that colors can appear more muted or shifted when printed.
The fix is to convert your files to CMYK before submission and, for color-critical work, request a print proof so you can approve color before your full run.
What is CMYK vs RGB and which should I use for printing?
RGB is for screens; CMYK is for print. Always submit your files in CMYK color mode for the most accurate results. If you submit an RGB file, we'll flag it during our preflight process and can convert it for you — but be aware that some color shift may occur, particularly with bright blues, vivid greens, and neon tones. Starting in CMYK from the beginning gives you the most control over how your colors will look when printed.
What is Pantone color matching and do you offer it?
Pantone — also called PMS (Pantone Matching System) — is a standardized set of ink colors used across the printing industry. A Pantone number specifies an exact ink formula, which means your brand's specific red or blue will look the same whether it's printed in Indianapolis or anywhere else in the world. We offer Pantone color matching for jobs where exact brand color consistency is required. Ask your account rep whether PMS is the right fit for your project and budget.
Can I get a proof before my full order prints?
Yes. We offer proofing for jobs where color accuracy, layout, or content approval is important before committing to a full run. A proof lets you see exactly how your finished piece will look — color, paper, and all — before we run your full quantity. This is especially recommended for first-time print buyers, brand-sensitive materials, and larger print runs where a mistake would be costly to reprint.
What is color calibration and why does it matter for my print job?
Color calibration is the process of measuring and adjusting our presses to ensure they produce accurate, consistent output. We are G7 Master Colorspace Certified, which means our equipment meets an internationally recognized standard for color accuracy. In practical terms: the color you see on your approved proof is the color you'll receive in your finished job. G7 certification is a significant differentiator — not every print shop holds it.
G7 Master Colorspace CertifiedSection 03
Turnaround Time & Delivery
Deadlines matter. Here's an honest look at how long printing takes, what rush options exist, and what happens if something changes — because transparency about timing is something we take seriously.
How long does printing take?
Standard turnaround for most digital print jobs is 3–5 business days after file approval. Offset printing, complex custom finishing, or high-volume jobs may take longer. The key phrase is "after file approval" — the clock starts once your file passes preflight and you've given the go-ahead. We give you a clear timeline with every quote, and we build our production schedule around meeting that commitment.
Do you offer rush printing?
Yes, rush printing is available based on our current production schedule. If you have a tight deadline, contact us as early as possible — the sooner we know about your timeline, the more options we have to accommodate it. One advantage of working with a local Indianapolis printer is that we don't rely on cross-country shipping to get your order to you, which gives us more flexibility when time is critical.
What happens if my order is delayed?
We communicate proactively — you won't find out about a delay at the last minute. Our production scheduling is designed to meet the deadlines we quote, but if anything changes on our end, you'll hear from us immediately with an update and a revised timeline. We believe you deserve to know early enough to make other arrangements if needed, not after the fact.
Can I pick up my order instead of having it shipped?
Absolutely. We're located in Indianapolis, and many of our local customers choose to pick up their orders directly from us. Local pickup is often faster than shipping and eliminates the added cost. Just let us know when you need your order ready and we'll make sure it's waiting for you.
Section 04
Working With Our Team
Printing involves a lot of decisions — paper, quantities, file formats, finishes. Here's what it's actually like to work with us, and the support available from first contact to final delivery.
How do I get in touch with someone at Printing Partners?
You can reach us by phone or email during business hours. You'll always speak with a real person — someone with actual print experience who can answer technical questions, not a bot or an automated ticketing system. Our team has been doing this for more than 35 years, and that depth of experience shows up in every conversation. Don't hesitate to reach out — even if you just have a question and aren't sure whether you're ready to place an order.
Do you work with first-time print buyers?
We do, and we genuinely enjoy it. If you're new to commercial printing, we'll walk you through every part of the process — file setup, paper options, quantities, finishing, and what to expect at each stage. You don't need to know anything about printing to work with us. That's what we're here for. Many of our longest-running client relationships started with someone who had never ordered commercial printing before.
Can you help me design my printed piece?
Yes. We offer in-house design services for customers who need help creating or preparing print-ready artwork. If you have existing branding, a rough concept, or just a general idea of what you want, our designers can develop artwork that's built correctly for print from the start. Contact us to discuss your project and get a design quote — it's often more affordable than customers expect.
Section 05
Pricing & Quotes
Printing prices depend on a lot of variables — and surprises on an invoice are frustrating. Here's how our quoting process works and what you can expect when it comes to cost.
How do I get a price quote?
Contact us with your project details — product type, quantity, size, paper stock, and any finishing options you have in mind — and we'll provide a clear, itemized quote. You can reach us by phone or through our website. There are no surprise charges: what we quote is what you pay. If you're not sure about all the details yet, that's fine too — we can talk through the options and build a quote around what works for your project.
Are there setup fees or hidden costs?
No hidden costs. Your quote will include all applicable charges before production starts. If any additional cost arises during the process — for example, if a file requires design corrections that take time — we'll discuss it with you before doing any extra work. We don't add charges without your explicit approval. Transparent pricing isn't a policy we advertise; it's just how we operate.
Do you have minimum order quantities?
It depends on the printing method and product. Digital printing has no plate or setup costs, which makes short runs economical — you can order small quantities without overpaying for extras you don't need. Offset printing involves upfront setup and is better suited for larger quantities where that cost can spread across more pieces. When you contact us, we'll help you figure out which method makes the most sense for your quantity and budget.
Can I get quality printing on a tight budget?
Yes. We work with businesses of all sizes, and we'll always give you honest recommendations about the most cost-effective approach for your specific project. Sometimes that means digital printing over offset, or choosing a standard paper stock over a premium one. The goal is to get you the best possible result within your budget — not to upsell you on options you don't need. Reach out and we'll help you figure out what makes sense.
Section 06
File Preparation & Setup
File errors are the number one cause of print delays — and almost all of them are avoidable. This section covers everything you need to know about how to prepare files for printing, from format to resolution to bleed.
What file format should I submit for printing?
The preferred format is a print-ready PDF with embedded fonts, CMYK color mode, 300 DPI images, and proper bleed. PDF is the most reliable format because it preserves your fonts, layout, and color settings. We also accept native application files including Adobe Illustrator (.AI), InDesign (.INDD), and EPS. If you're not sure whether your file is ready, send it over and our preflight team will review it and let you know what, if anything, needs to be adjusted.
What is bleed in printing and why do I need it?
Bleed is extra artwork that extends beyond the edge of your finished piece — typically 0.125 inches (1/8 inch) on all sides. It exists because paper is trimmed mechanically, and even precise cutting has a small margin of variation. Without bleed, a tiny shift in the cut can leave a white sliver along the edge of your design where the background color or image should reach.
If your design has a white background, bleed is less critical — but for any colored or image-covered background, it's essential.
What is a safe zone or live area?
The safe zone — sometimes called the live area — is the region inside the trim edge where all important content should be placed. The standard is to keep text, logos, and other critical elements at least 0.125 inches away from the trim line on all sides. This protects your content from being accidentally clipped during trimming.
Think of it this way: bleed pushes your background out; the safe zone pulls your important content in. Both work together to keep your finished piece looking intentional.
What DPI should images be in my print file?
All images should be 300 DPI or higher at 100% of the final print size. A common mistake is placing a low-resolution image at a small size — shrinking an image in your layout software doesn't add resolution; it just makes the pixels smaller. Vector graphics (logos and illustrations created in Illustrator or similar programs) are resolution-independent and will print sharply at any size, so there's no DPI concern for those files. For photos and raster images, 300 DPI is the firm minimum.
My file was rejected — what should I check?
The most common file issues are:
- Images below 300 DPI
- Missing bleed (no artwork extending to edge)
- Color mode set to RGB instead of CMYK
- Fonts not embedded or outlined
- Incorrect page dimensions
- Spot colors not set up correctly for your print method
Our preflight team will tell you specifically what needs to be fixed and, for minor corrections, can often make those adjustments for you. Check out our ideas and resources section for file setup guidance, or use our folding calculator if you're working on a folded piece.
Do you check my file before printing?
Yes — every single file goes through our preflight process before it touches a press. We check resolution, color mode, bleed, fonts, page dimensions, and anything else that could affect your final output. If we find an issue, we contact you before printing. We never print a file that will produce a bad result and then hand you the invoice. Preflight is a commitment, not an upsell — it's included with every job.
Section 07
New to Printing? Start Here
If you've never ordered commercial printing before, this section is for you. Here's what to know about getting started, what options are available, and how to pick the right approach for your project.
I've never ordered commercial printing before — where do I start?
Start with a conversation. Tell us what you need to print, roughly how many copies, and when you need it. You don't need a print-ready file, a specific paper in mind, or even a finished design. We'll ask the right questions to help you figure out format, size, quantity, and timeline. Many customers start by looking at our marketing materials or business cards pages to get a sense of what's available — but if you'd rather just talk it through, we're here for that too.
What paper options do you offer?
We offer a broad range of paper stocks to suit different projects and budgets — from standard 60 lb text to heavy 100 lb cover, matte and gloss coated stocks, uncoated, recycled, and a variety of specialty papers. The right paper depends on how your piece will be used (mailed, handed out, displayed), your budget, and the look and feel you're after. We keep samples on hand and are happy to walk you through the options so you can make an informed choice.
What finishing options do you offer?
Finishing refers to everything that happens after the ink is dry. Our options include:
- Coatings: aqueous, UV
- Foil stamping and embossing
- Die cutting and scoring
- Folding (all standard fold styles)
- Binding: saddle stitch, perfect bound, spiral
The right finishing choices can dramatically elevate a printed piece — a matte laminate on a business card, for example, feels entirely different from a gloss-coated one. We'll help you choose finishes that fit your project and your budget. Browse our special print services for the full list.
Can you help me figure out the best type of printing for my project?
Yes, and this is one of the most valuable conversations to have before you start. Digital printing is ideal for short runs — typically under 500 pieces — because there are no plate costs and turnaround is fast. Offset printing delivers superior quality and better per-unit economics at higher quantities, making it the right choice for large runs. We'll recommend the method that makes the most sense for your quantity, quality expectations, and timeline. Browse our flyers and postcards pages to see examples of what's possible.
Section 08
Custom & Specialty Printing
Standard sizes and stock products aren't always the right fit. Here's what's possible when you need something beyond the ordinary — from personalized direct mail to custom dimensions and specialty formats.
Can you print variable data — different names or numbers on each piece?
Yes. Variable data printing (VDP) allows every piece in a print run to contain unique information — names, addresses, personalized offers, QR codes, or sequential numbering. It's commonly used for direct mail campaigns, event tickets, membership cards, and personalized marketing materials. If you're considering a campaign where personalization could improve response rates, VDP is worth exploring. Contact us to discuss your data, artwork requirements, and quantities.
Do you handle direct mail printing and mailing services?
Yes. We offer complete direct mail services: printing, mailing list processing, addressing, and postage. We can manage the entire project from print production through mailbox delivery, so you don't have to coordinate between multiple vendors. For postcards and direct mail pieces specifically, we can advise on format, size, and postal requirements to help keep your mailing costs as low as possible.
Can you print custom sizes?
Yes. We regularly print custom dimensions for signage and displays, menus, packaging, and specialty items. If you have a specific size in mind that isn't listed on our website, contact us — custom sizing is a routine part of what we do. Just describe what you need and we'll let you know what's achievable within your budget and timeline. You can also explore our packaging and labels options for custom die-cut formats.
What types of businesses do you work with?
We work with organizations of all sizes across Indianapolis and throughout Indiana — small businesses, startups, nonprofits, schools, healthcare organizations, law firms, event companies, and large corporations. If it involves print, we've almost certainly done it before. Our 35+ years in business means we've seen nearly every printing challenge there is. Our team brings that experience to every project, regardless of size.
Ready to Print? Let's Talk.
If your question isn't covered here, we'd love to hear from you directly. Our experienced team is ready to talk through your project, answer technical questions honestly, and give you a clear quote with no surprises. Quality is guaranteed — and so is the conversation that gets you there.