FAQ
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about print. Don't see your question here? Email us at kingofprussia@conlinscopy.com and our print experts will send you an answer ASAP!
Be sure to check out our Glossary of Print Lingo or our Glossary of Direct Mail Lingo for a great reference on industry-specific terminology.
Document Setup
Q: How do I set up a bleed?
A: A good guideline is to set up a bleed of 0.125" (or 1/8 of an inch). For specific instructions on setting up your bleed in InDesign, click here.
Q: How should I set up my margins for print?
A: If your document doesn't have a bleed, you'll want to use margins of about 0.5" - 1". For specific instructions, check out this post.
Q: What file format would you prefer?
A: Our top choice would be a print-ready PDF, with a packaged InDesign file as a close second. Truthfully, we'll do our best to work with any file format that you provide — but these two options will ensure that your design is printed to the highest level of quality. For instructions on setting up print-ready files, click here.
Q: How can I send you my files?
A: Depending on your file size, you have three options. The order now page on our website has an upload form that allows you to send files up to 10MB in size.
For larger files you have the option of setting up a Conlin's Extra account. This will allow you to upload and store your files on your own private account that only you and Conlin's can access. If you already have an account, you can log in here. Otherwise, you can email us to request an account.
Your third option is simply to email us your file. Once again, this is best for files under 10MB. Click here to find the email address for the Conlin's location closest to you.
Q: What resolution should my photos be for print?
A: 300 dpi (dots per inch) is usually the minimum resolution for printing.
Q: What file types are appropriate for printing?
A: We can print from many file formats, including .TIFF, .EPS, .PDF, .JPG, and .PNG. Both .JPG and .PNG are raster files, which means that image data is stored at a set height and width. .TIFF, .EPS, and .PDF files are vector files, which means that they can be resized to fit anything from a small business card to a billboard. Vector file types are the best choice for large format printing, as they will minimize the amount of pixelation and distortion in your finished product.
Q: How do I set up a document for printing with white, gold, or silver ink?
A: Follow our easy tutorial to make sure that you set up your colors properly for printing with these specialty inks.
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Colors
Q: Do you print in CMYK or RGB?
A: CMYK is the standard color mode for digital printing.
Q: Why does the color on my computer screen look different from the printed color?
A: The most likely reason for this is that you are using the RGB color mode. Using RGB colors in a print project can result in a discrepancy between what you see on the screen and what is displayed on the final printed piece.
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Direct Mail
Q: What is the postage for my mailer?
There are many factors that go into calculating postage. The chart below details the postage rates for individual pieces, but discounts are available for certain quantities as discussed in our Simple 4-Step Guide to Direct Mail. For specific pricing, give us a call at 610-337-4460.
Type of Mail |
First Class Stamp |
First Class Meter/Indicia |
First Class Presort (OVER 500 PCS) |
Standard Presort (OVER 200 PCS) |
Letter (under 1 oz) |
$0.47 |
$0.465 |
$0.376 to $0.419 |
$0.255 to $0.291 |
Letter (1.1 oz to 2 oz) |
$0.68 |
$0.675 |
$0.376 to $0.419 |
$0.255 to $0.291 |
Postcard |
$0.34 |
$0.34 |
$0.25 to $0.272 |
n/a |
Flat (3.0 oz) |
$1.36 |
$1.36 |
$0.858 to $1.17 |
$0.376 to $0.539 |
First Class Meter/Indicia
$0.465
First Class Presort (OVER 500 PCS)
$0.376 to $0.419
Standard Presort (OVER 200 PCS)
$0.255 to $0.291
First Class Meter/Indicia
$0.675
First Class Presort (OVER 500 PCS)
$0.376 to $0.419
Standard Presort (OVER 200 PCS)
$0.255 to $0.291
First Class Meter/Indicia
$0.34
First Class Presort (OVER 500 PCS)
$0.25 to $0.272
Standard Presort (OVER 200 PCS)
n/a
First Class Meter/Indicia
$1.36
First Class Presort (OVER 500 PCS)
$0.858 to $1.17
Standard Presort (OVER 200 PCS)
$0.376 to $0.539
Q: What size envelope should I use?
This decision will be determined by the price you want to pay or by the design of your campaign.
Q: What are the size categories for direct mail?
The three categories are cards, letters, and flats. The specifications for these are outlined in the charts below.