At this time, Guru Printers does not accept walk in consultations. Order pickup is available at our Art District location only.

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Large Format Printing

What diameter poles can I use with 2" and 4" pole pockets?

Our 2" Pole pockets have approximately 1" circumference and can be used with up to 1" diameter poles. Our 4" Pole pockets have approximately 2" circumference and can be used with up to 2.5" diameter poles.

Do your outdoor banners come seamed in one or more pieces?

Depending on size and other production variables your banner may be produced in multiple pieces that are seamed together. This production variable is to our discretion.

Are there special concerns when ordering Mounted Canvas?

Torquing of stretched canvas may occur to mounted canvas due to climatic changes such as temperature, humidity, or other changing environmental conditions. The stretcher bars are made of wood and are vulnerable to changes in humidity. It is recommended that stretched canvas print be kept in a stable climate controlled environment to minimize torquing. These issues maybe more prevalent in coastal locations and near large bodies of water where temperature and humidity levels are constantly changing.

How do I apply the Wall Graphics to the surface I want and what are the recommended surfaces?

Wall Graphics are kiss cut and remain on a paper backing, ready to peal off and place on any surface of your choice. Wall Graphics are perfectly suited for surfaces like walls, desks, laptops, and glass. Before applying, clean the surface area with a damp cloth and allow it to fully dry. If any dirt or dust particles remain on your surface before placing your Wall Graphic - this may stick to the low-tack adhesive and reduce the number of times you can re-apply your Wall Graphic.

If you need to clean your Wall Graphic, we recommend you clean it with a soft, damp non-destructive cloth. Do not use soap, or any other abrasive cleaning agent, as it may affect the printed surface. We don't recommend cleaning the adhesive side, as this may breakdown your Wall Graphic's ability to stick to surfaces, rendering it unusable for its intended purpose. Wall graphics are not recommended for outdoor applications or for vehicles.

How should I care for and store my 30mil Car Magnets?

Magnets are not always shipped flat, so it is highly recommended to lay them flat on the hood or roof of your car in the sun for a couple of hours before use. This will help evaporate any moisture build-up that accrued during shipment, if any, and it will help your magnets maintain a flat profile. You may want to keep them in a flat box or on a flat surface at all times and only handle them when cleaning and installing, to help maintain their flatness. We recommend you keep your magnets clean on both sides, as well as the placement area on your car door or area of your choosing must also be clean and free of oils, dust, dirt, and other build-up. It's a good idea to take your magnets inside your home or garage away from the elements and lay them flat in a cool dry place, while not in use. You can clean your magnets with a soft moist cotton cloth with water, no abrasive cleaners. It's recommended that you do not stand them up on their side, as they may wilt and might not lay completely flat on the surface of your car door after wilting. These suggestions are to help the longevity of your magnets.

Do you colormatch?

We do not colormatch.

How do I store my banner for later use? Is there any maintenance or cleaning required?

When you are done displaying your banner - in order to maximize your future usage, you must keep it clean, dry, and in a dry cool place while it is not in use. Your outdoor vinyl banner will probably get pretty dirty from all the elements during it's time being displayed. The best method of cleaning your outdoor vinyl banner is to lay it flat (if possible) on a clean area, table or floor. It is recommended that you use a mild dishwashing liquid and luke warm water to rinse. Do not use any harsh abrasive or petroleum type cleaners. Clean and dry each side before storing. You must ensure it is completely dry prior to roll up and storage. Any wetness left on the banner will cause mildew and may ruin some of your banner over time.

Once your banner is completely dry - roll it up with the image outward - to avoid any cracking of the printed side. Do not roll your banner super tight or super loose - this will allow for some breathing room while it is stored. Place your banner back in box and store it flat, not vertical. If it is standing up vertically, it may wilt and warp causing wrinkles over time.

Do you offer double-hemming on any of your outdoor products?

In addition to sewn hems, Guru Printers also utilizes a hot air welding system that is far stronger than a standard sewn hem, making the need for double hemming a thing of the past.

What size are your Grommets? How far apart do yu typically place them?

We use #2 grommets, they are 3/8" and brass in color. Grommets are placed in all 4 corners, and from there they will be placed every 2ft and 1ft as necessary.

How do I set up and create a Clear Window Cling with white ink?

With Clear Window Clings, you have the option to use white ink as an overprint so your printed graphic can be opaque in some areas and transparent in others. This will allow for vibrant, crisp color.

Similar to Spot UV masks, White Mask files are separate from your artwork files and black color indicates where the white ink will print.

Make sure to create your mask file the same size as your color art file. This will prevent alignment issues during printing.

Note: White Masks must be made in vector format and be saved as EPS or PDF and use 100% K.

Use vector paths/shapes to create black color areas that will indicate where the white ink base will go. The rest of the area will represent the Clear Window Cling stock.

Black in the White Mask file indicates where white ink will be printed. Remember the following when creating a white mask for your white ink base:

  • White ink base will be printed behind any color that’s in your Artwork Layer.
  • Areas with color but without a White Mask will be printed with color directly on the material. These areas will have somewhat transparent color due to the Clear substrate.
  • Areas with color and a White Mask will be printed as opaque or solid color.
  • Areas with a White Mask and no color will be printed as white.
  • The black for the White Mask file must be 0% C 0% M 0% Y 100% K or it will not be recognized by preflight.

If your Clear Window Cling is intended to be viewed from the outside of a window, then the artwork should be reversed prior to submission. See images below.

What settings should I use to create my PDF in Adobe Illustrator?

Different versions of Illustrator– have different presets in the "Save PDF" dialog. The PDF presets in Illustrator CS will not save the PDF to the correct document size if any artwork extends past the edge of the document size. It will include all objects, including those that are not visible, producing a PDF with excess white space. This will produce a PDF that is the incorrect size. If not caught prior to submission it will not print as intended.

For Illustrator CS2 and above it is recommended to use the "High Quality Print" preset.

Every file is different and it is not– feasible– to include all possible issues in this FAQ. It is always best to double check your PDF for size and excess white space before uploading.

I love borders on my banners and signs, but will that be a problem?

Yes. Borders are an issue because all substrates will vary from batch to batch making exact cuts very difficult. We recommend that you do not design your file with a border. If you do Guru Printers will not reprint an order with borders of varying widths. If you absolutely must have a border make it at least 2 inches in thickness, however Guru Printers still does not recommend borders.

Should I include crop marks on my artwork so Guru Printers knows were to cut?

Absolutely not. Please do not include crop marks, color bars, registration marks or any other indicators that you do not want printed on the final piece.

What file types does Guru Printers accept?

PDF, JPG, TIF / PC or MAC
PDF is highly recommended.

Do I need bleed for my files?

Coroplast, PVC, Foamcore, Car Magnets, Banner Stands and Large Posters:
We require a 0.5 inch bleed on all sides. If ordering at 24 inch by 18 inch, your file size should be 25 inches by 19 inches to allow for bleed.

Banners:
We request that no bleed or crop marks are placed. Make your file to the size ordered (or proportional).

If ordering hems, leave a 2 inch safe zone on all sides. Expect to lose between 1/8 inch to 2 inches per side with banners.

Mounted Canvas:
It is highly recommended to use our templates for mounted canvas. The bleed requirement is 2 inches per side.

Flags:
It is highly recommended to use our templates for Flags. We require a 0.5 inch bleed on all sides. Leave a 2 inch safe zone on all sides and the pole pocket area.

Substrate Guide

Signs - Foamcore (3/16)

3/16" thickness.

Purpose: Best for 1 time use - it's a delicate material - but if taken care of - can last longer, but does tend to wilt / bend Multi-Use material - depending on it's need or use - typical for placing on easels for presentations, etc. Not waterproof.

Bleed: ensure you have .5" on all sides of your artwork, do not add crops.

Wall Graphics

8mil Wall Graphic
Our 8mil Wall Graphic is made of a low-tack adhesive vinyl. Unlike a regular sticker - it will not leave any adhesive residue behind when removed. Wall Graphics are perfectly suited for smooth, non-textured surfaces such as walls, desks and glass. This material can be removed and re-applied many times. Your Wall Graphics will have one printed surface with a paper backing. For this product you will be able to create custom cut-out shapes.

Bleed: no bleed, no crops - make your artwork exactly the size you are ordering.

Posters

(8mil photo gloss) 59" x 120" + 8mil thickness.

Purpose: This material is a Pigment / Dye / QuickDry - Photo Quality Glossy material. Somewhat delicate, not scuff resistant or waterproof.

(12pt C2S Board) 59" x 120" + 12pt thickness.
Purpose: This material consists of two 6pt coated sheets laminated together, with a black adhesive middle layer, for a completely opaque product with a final caliper of 12pt.

Bleed: ensure that you have 0.5" on all sides of your artwork for a 1" total.

Mounted Canvas

17mil Mounted Canvas
Our Mounted Canvas is printed on high quality 17mil canvas and printed in vibrant CMYK. The canvas print is gallery wrapped on 3/4" thick frames for all sizes. We will ship no more than one per box to avoid damage during shipping.

Bleed: The bleed requirement is 2 inches per side.

Car Magnet (30mil)

Glossy 30 mil heavy duty magnets with a variety of uses. Best suited for car door signage. It is highly recommended testing a sample of our car door magnet on the specific vehicle you will be using the car door magnets with, as some cars have aluminum doors and magnets will not stick.

These magnets can also serve as temporary signage for construction sites or other quickly changing work environments. Printed with the same UV ink technology as our outdoor banners and coroplast yard signs for long lasting outdoor use. Not intended for small text size or borders.

Bleed: ensure you have .5" on all sides of your artwork, do not add crops.

Bumper Stickers (4mil)

Purpose: Not just for car bumpers anymore, Bumper Stickers are a great way to advertise or communicate your message. These stickers can be creatively applied to any smooth, clean surface, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Our Bumper Stickers are printed on the front of white vinyl with permanent adhesive backing, attached to an unscored release liner. They are very durable and are not meant to be removed after application. If removal is attempted, they may peel off unevenly leaving an unwanted result. We do not recommend you adhere this product to any item you will want to remove it from at a later time.

Bumper Stickers can be ordered with Gloss UV lamination for longer-lasting outdoor durabilitiy

Bleed: Ensure you have .5" on all sides of your artwork; do not add crops.

Banner Stand - Telescopic Backdrop Banner Stand

Display brand messaging, event backdrops, trade show signage and more in a flash with Telescopic Backdrop Banner Stands! Portable and easy to set up, these durable backdrop stands are ideal for use both indoors and out. They can be used for anything ranging from AD Design Billboards, Building Wraps, Trade Show Signage, Film Festival Backdrops and more. This product comes with telescopic poles that are adjustable from 5-10 feet horizontally, and 3.5-8 feet vertically.

Banner Stand - Aluminum Retractable

Aluminum Retractable Banner Stands are available with our 10mil Premium Vinyl Indoor Banners. Great for POP displays that quickly and conveniently showcase your products and services. The retractable banner stands are conveniently packed in a small pouch and sets up in a few easy steps. The banner size is 33" x 80". We require a bleed for this banner stand product - 33" x 80" should be 34" x 81" - this product does not require grommets. We suggest that you use our template available in our Grand4mat templates section, to ensure you are within the safe zone.

Bleed: 0.5" bleed on all sides, no crops - make your artwork exactly 34" x 81" to be cut down to 33" x 80".

Banner Stand - Deluxe

Deluxe Banner Stands are a more stylish alternative to our normal retractable stands. A bigger, heavier base with chrome accents make it stand out. Available with 10 mil indoor vinyl. Collapsible and portable, each banner stand comes with a convenient carrying case.

Bleed: 0.5" bleed on all sides, no crops - make your artwork exactly 34" x 81" to be cut down to 33" x 80"

Banner Stand - Economy X-Style Collapsible

Economy "X-Style" Collapsible Banner Stands are versatile and easy to setup. They are available with 13 oz scrim vinyl outdoor, 10 mil premium vinyl indoor banners or 9oz premium polyester fabric banner and arrive in a slim nylon bag. The banner size is 24" x 60". We require a bleed for this banner stand product – 24" x 60" should be 25" x 61".

Purpose: The 10mil Premium Vinyl Indoor Banners are near photo quality and are ideal for trade shows and POP displays. The 13oz Scrim Vinyl Outdoor Banners are more durable and waterproof and are great for POP displays as well. ​The ​9oz Premium Polyester banners are printed on superior quality dye sublimation equipment for the longest lasting color of any type of printing available for fabric. Stands can be set up in seconds and the banners have grommets in each corner.

Bleed: 0.5" bleed on all sides, no crops - make your artwork exactly 25" x 61" to be cut down to 24" x 60", with grommets in the corners.

Banner - Outdoor (13oz)

(13oz Matte) 16' x 150'

Purpose:
Specifically intended for outdoor use, can also be used indoors. Waterproof & durable. This material is typically used for billboards, building wraps, banners, event flags, trade show signage, parades, etc.

Depending on size and other production variables your banner may be produced in multiple pieces that are seamed together. This production variable is to our discretion.

Bleed:
no bleed, no crops - make your artwork exactly the size you are ordering. We suggest you keep any important text / artwork 2 inches inward from the edge of your artwork as to avoid any elements being cut off / hemmed over.

Shipping

Will a signature be required at the time of my delivery?

No, just like with UPS and USPS deliveries, a signature will not be required.

Does Guru Printers ship to PO Box addresses?

No. Our shipping service, UPS, will not ship to PO Box addresses and therefore, we cannot ship to a PO Box.

How are Banner products shipped?

Banners are rolled or folded neatly and shipped in either bags or cartons (depending on quantity ordered). While these materials are wrinkle-resistant, light ironing with low heat may be required prior to use.

How are the Canvas Rolls and Mounted Canvas products shipped?

Canvas Rolls are rolled and shipped in a square tube. Mounted Canvas will ship no more than one per box to avoid damage during shipping.

Why do some of these shipping charges seem so high?

Due to the large physical size of Guru Printers' products some orders may have higher than expected shipping charges. Unfortunately there is little Guru Printers can do as we are bound by the limitations set forth by our shippers.

NCR Forms FAQ

How do I prepare a CSV Data file with leading zeros, for example I want my starting number to be 00001?

In order to preserve leading zeroes on your Variable Number CSV file (e.g. 001, 0001) please Format the Cells as Text before creating your numbered list.

To include leading zeros: Right-click (or control click) on the first few cells, then Choose Format Cells > Text or Plain Text. Once your cells are formatted, proceed with creating your numbered list. You should be able to see your numbering correctly before saving your document.

Note: If you close and reopen your document or look at a preview of the document, it will appear that the CSV has reverted and your leading zeroes were deleted. However, be assured that is not the case. As long as you were able to see the leading zeros at the time you saved the document, your CSV has the leading zeros. It is safe to upload your CSV and your leading zeroes will be preserved.

What if my CSV Data file has more records that the run size I ordered?

Guru Printers will print the full run size ordered. If your CSV Data File contains more records than the run size ordered, Guru Printers will not print those additional records.

What if my CSV Data file has less records that the run size I ordered?

Guru Printers will print the artwork based on your data file. For example if your run size is 500 and your data file has 450 records, we will only print 450 NCR Forms with Variable Numbering.

Will Guru Printers modify my CSV Data file to correct any errors or typos?

No, Guru Printers does not proofread, flag or correct errors. It is your responsibility to double check and ensure the accuracy of your data.

How do I indicate what areas of the ticket I want numbered and how do I set up my CSV Data File?

Choose from the 4 numbered areas shown in the example below. You may choose as few or as many areas as you like. Indicate which areas you would like to utilize by naming the Column Headers on your CSV Data File with the corresponding Area Name.

Note: The CSV data file may contain up to 5 digits or characters for each record. See example below.

What types of files can I upload for NCR Forms with Variable Numbering?

Artwork file formats: We recommend pdf. You may also send the following types: jpg, jpeg, tif, tiff, eps, and png.

Data file format: We accept csv (comma delimited) format only.

Note: The CSV data file may contain up to 5 digits or characters for each record.

What font, size and color will be used for the Variable Numbering portion?

The default font for the Variable Numbering portion is 14pt Calibri, black ink only. Black ink for the numbering should be taken into consideration when designing your artwork file. If your background images are dark, you may need to KO (knock out) the background image in the numbering areas, so that the numbers are visible.

Note: The CSV data file may contain up to 5 digits or characters for each record.

What are the file requirements for NCR Forms? Can I have full bleed?

* Full bleed is not available on NCR Forms
* At least 0.25" of space on the glued edge (short edge) should be free of ink
* Full color and solid colored backgrounds are not recommended, as it may effect your ability to read the text and write on the form
* Light ink coverage is highly recommended

What are NCR forms used for?

NCR Forms are commonly used for order forms, packing lists, invoices, applications and receipts. They are particularly useful when information must be written by hand.

Are NCR Forms printed in full color on each sheet or is the print black ink only?

NCR Forms are available with full color (CMYK) print on each sheet or as one color, 1/0 (K). We only accept one artwork file which will be printed on all parts of the NCR Form.

The 1/0 means black ink only. Files not submitted as grayscale will be converted to grayscale and the conversion might result in print issues.

Can you imprint on NCR forms using standard desktop printers?

Our NCR forms can be imprinted on variety of equipment, but we recommend you test your specific application.

Do the NCR form come collated? Are they glued in sets?

Yes, NCR forms come collated in 2 Part or 3 Part sets. They come in 2 Part (White, Canary) and 3 Part (White, Canary, Pink) forms and are glued on the short edge.

What are NCR Forms?

NCR Forms are the modern alternative to carbon paper and are an efficient way to provide multicolored copies of a single document with handwritten or typed information. Use them as order forms, packing lists, invoices, receipts, and more.

They're available in 2 Part (White, Canary) and 3 Part (White, Canary, Pink) collated sets that are glued on the short edge. NCR Forms are printed on 20LB stock on high tech digital equipment.

Presentation Folders FAQ

Should I include guidelines or crop marks on the art for slits, etc.?

No, please use our template to design the art but remove and do not include guides for slits, if a template is sent as a layer on the art it will print.

Can you print on the inside of the folder?

Yes, when selecting 4/4 the uploader will require two files, here is where Front will designate the cover and back cover of the final piece and Back will be considered the inside of the folder.

Why is there cracking on my Presentation folder job?

Cracking is normal when coated jobs are scored and folded. Ordering the job without UV will help but may not prevent this. As the job is used and folded more and more, cracking will eventually happen. For black Ink or dark designs the higher the ink density, the more likelihood of cracking.

How should I set up my file for proper rotation on pockets?

The designation of the pockets is based on the flat images so when choosing pockets be mindful of this, please use this image as an example.

IMPORTANT - Please follow this rule when choosing slits, keep any design, text or logos out of the slit areas. The pocket side you want the slits on should follow the orientation rule above.

How should I set up my file for proper rotation?

For a Presentation Folder please download our templates, it is important to note that they are printed flat.

Standard FAQ

Will my design/background color have any impact on how the edge color turns out?

Your design might slightly change the way the edge color turns out. This will be more noticeable with dark and light color backgrounds. We recommend having a solid background color. This difference will be more noticeable when the cards are stacked, but less noticeable once you hold up an individual card by itself.

What are Painted Edge Cards and how do I set them up?

Painted Edge cards are 32pt uncoated business cards that are getting painted on the edges of the cards based on the chosen edge color. Painted edge card file setup is just like any other 4/0 or 4/4 cards.

How long do EDGE Cards last?

EDGE Cards are made to last for years under normal conditions. Cards exposed to exceedingly high temperatures will have undesirable results. For example, if one were to expose these cards to a very high heat for extended periods of time, like in the windshield of a car, the longevity of the cards will be compromised. EDGE Cards should not be exposed to excessive heat or cold, as well as excessively dry or humid environments.

Can EDGE Cards be written on?

Yes, EDGE Cards are made of premium uncoated paper and are easily written on. We suggest you test your specific application.

What material are EDGE Cards made of?

EDGE Cards are made of three premium quality stocks adhered together creating an ultra thick, 32pt triple layered card with a colored core.

Face Stock: 9pt Bright White Premium uncoated with a Smooth finish

Insert Stock: 14pt Premium Opaque Black

Are Luster Cards water resistant or waterproof?

Luster Cards are water resistant, but not waterproof. This means the cards stand up well when they come in contact with a small amount of water, but cannot be submerged in water without water seeping into the card and causing damage. Please test your specific application to ensure the cards are appropriate for that use.

How thick are Luster Cards with Gloss Lamination?

Luster cards are printed on 16pt card stock and have a 3mil gloss lamination making them 22pt thick.

How are Counter Cards supported so they can stand up?

Counter Cards are supported by 5" double-wing easel backs with an adhesive strip. Easel backs are applied and shipped flat. Final assembly is required.

What are the bleed requirements for Counter Cards?

We require a 0.5 inch bleed on all sides. If ordering at 8.5" x 11", your file size should be 9.5" x 12" with bleed.

What envelopes are offered with 14PT Natural Greeting Cards and Announcement Cards?

Appropriately sized (A2, A6, A7, A9 and 6.5" square) 70# Natural White Text blank envelopes are offered as an option with our Natural Greeting Cards and Announcement Cards.

What is 14PT Natural Paper?

Our 14pt Natural Cards are a light cream, natural white color with a smooth finish. The stock has a minimum of 30% post-consumer waste content.

What is the difference between Long Edge Binding and Short Edge Binding?

Long Edge Binding means the finished book is portrait, Short Edge binding means the finished book will be landscape. For our short run quantities 25 - 200, only Long Edge binding is available.

What envelopes are offered with 14PT Pearl Metallic Greeting Cards and Announcement Cards?

Appropriately sized (A2, A6, A7, A9 and 6.5" square) 80# Pearl Text blank envelopes are offered as an option with our Pearl Greeting Cards and Announcement Cards.

What is 14PT Metallic Pearl Paper?

Our 14pt Metallic Pearl paper is a unique stock that shimmers in light when viewed from different angles. The stock itself is embedded with Pearl fibers that give the paper an overall smooth, metallic look. Printing on this stock will give your CMYK colors a subtle shimmer, however heavy ink densities or coverage may diminish the effect.

Are Guru Printers Bumper Stickers removable?

Unlike our Low Tac Wall Graphics, Guru Printers Bumper Stickers use a strong permanent adhesive. We do not recommend removing them once they've been applied.

Are Guru Printers Bumper Stickers durable enough for outdoor use?

Yes, Guru Printers Bumper Stickers are intended for use on car bumpers and are resistant to even the harshest weather conditions. Outdoor application will not result in product damage.

What are Bumper Skitckers?

Perfect for outdoor use, our Guru Printers Bumper Stickers are printed on 4mil premium white flexible vinyl film and coated with acrylic adhesive that's laminated to a 90# layflat liner. The film is designed to accept a variety of solvent based and curable inks. The liner offers excellent product layflat, adhering easily to most bumpers and enabling them to withstand a variety of environmental conditions. So go ahead and hit the streets with your brand, full speed ahead!

What is Akuafoil and how do I set it up?

With Akuafoil, you can turn a wide range of CMYK colors into multi-colored foils. Akuafoil uses a special processed foil system that is applied under a 4/c process to create an array of foil colors. It's simple, affordable, and makes your prints stand out from the crowd.

For an Akuafoil job, you must include an Akuafoil mask file along with your CMYK file. The mask file indicates where the Akuafoil will be applied. The file setup is the same as Spot UV. Use 100% K where Akuafoil needs to be applied and white where the Akuafoil is not applied.

Normal CMYK Print File

Want Akuafoil Here

Akuafoil Mask File

Akuafoil Goes Here

As shown above, the file on the left is the normal CMYK print file. If you want the logo to be Akuafoil, then your Akuafoil mask file should look like the file on the right. The white indicates no Akuafoil and black 100% K indicates where the Akuafoil will be applied. When uploading, please remember to upload separate files.

Here are some more things to keep in mind when creating your Akuafoil artwork:

Make sure the mask and CMYK print file are aligned. They should match exactly in size and position.

Akuafoil works best on lighter colors. The darker the CMYK color, the less vibrant the Akuafoil effect.

Do not use very thin or small text and artwork with Akuafoil. Use San Serif fonts above 12 point for best results.

If you have Akuafoil applied to a white area, it will have a plain silver Akuafoil look.
For better quality we recommend creating mask files in vector based programs such as Illustrator or CorelDRAW.

If you would like plain silver Akuafoil to print, make sure to have at least 15% K in the CMYK print file area in order to obtain the highest quality silver Akuafoil effect.

When creating knockouts in the Akuafoil mask or in the CMYK print file, please be aware that there might be a "Halo" of white around the knockout area. Below are two examples: On the left, a file with a CMYK magenta background and a knockout for the Akuafoil text. On the right, an Akuafoil background with a knockout for the CMYK text.

CMYK KNOCKOUT W/ AKUAFOIL FILL

CMYK print file

Akuafoil File

This is the printed result for this:

AKUAFOIL KNOCKOUT W/ CMYK FILL

CMYK print file

Akuafoil File

This is the printed result for this:

You can see the white "Halo" in-between the CMYK ink and the Akuafoil. To prevent this, grow/stroke the Akuafoil area in the mask by 1 point. This will allow the Akuafoil to bleed into the CMYK area, reducing the white "Halo" effect. You can also fill in the knockout with a color to reduce the effect further.

What is Guru Printers' standard round corner radius?

We offer 1/4" and 1/8" radius round corners to all of our customers. The image below shows the two different radiuses for comparison.

How do I set up a Foil Worx job?

We can only use one type of foil per order so for example you can not order a Foil Worx job with Gold foil on the front and Silver foil on the back. Foil job files are set up just like our Spot UV job files. You must provide a separate Foil mask file: black in the areas you want the foil and white in the areas you do not want the foil. All black areas should be solid 100% K with no other added colors. If you order a Foil Worx job with Spot UV, you'll need to provide separate mask files for the Foil (foil mask) and UV (spot uv mask), in which case you may be required to provide up to 6 files. Please keep in mind, however, that the Foil and UV coating can't overlap, both should be at least 1/16" apart to avoid foil peeling off. Also, avoid using small / fine text or lines for foil objects. For best results, please make sure that foil coverage is less than 50% of the entire print side. Also, be aware that there may be up to a 1/16" shift on the placement of the foil. Keep this in mind if you are trying to align foil with other printed artwork on the card.

For better quality we recommend creating mask files in vector based programs such as Illustrator or CorelDRAW.

How do I set up a Plastic Card job?

When designing plastic cards, it is important to keep in mind that the frosted and clear plastic cards are transparent. Also, all plastic cards come with round corners at no extra charge!

As you can see, the difference in the transparency is shown in the image above. The clear cards (right) are completely transparent. The frosted cards (center) are semi-transparent and cannot be seen through easily. The opaque white plastic cards (left) are solid white and not transparent at all. Keep this in mind when designing your plastic cards, it will affect how your design will print.

Printing on Clear and Frosted Plastic Cards will come out slightly lighter than average compared to other stocks. This is due to the plastic itself and is not a production issue.

When setting up a rich black value, please make sure to use C 60 M 40 Y 40 K 100 values. Do not use all 100 since it will cause problems and will not print any darker on plastic.

Since there is no white ink in CMYK, it is important to keep in mind that the frosted and clear plastic cards are transparent. The three designs above are the same as in the first picture. You will notice that the white area in the clear cards (right) and the frosted cards (center) has no ink and will show the transparent material it's printed on. In this case, the clear cards and frosted cards white area show up with no ink on the printed piece. Also, keep in mind that all colors that are printed on clear cards or frosted cards will be transparent as well.

With the clear plastic cards, there might be a small percentage that may have light scratches. This issue originates from the manufacturer and is due to the material and handling. To help compensate for this, we run overs of the clear plastic cards to help meet the required quantity.

Clear plastic cards will come with a thin protective layer on one side that can be peeled off. This is to prevent the cards from scratching during packaging and shipping.

How do I use Guru Printers templates?

Our Certified Templates are a great tool to create artwork that can be printed faster, easier, and more accurately.

Here is what each of the lines mean inside the template:

Here is what an 8.5x11 brochure template looks like:

These templates will help you identify where the cut line, bleed line, and safety line, are located along with other information so you can design your art correctly.

Some of our templates are labeled as OUT and IN. This means that there is some folding involved with the template. OUT means the FRONT of the job and IN means the BACK. During the upload part of your order, remember that OUT is the FRONT and IN is the BACK.

Here is an example of the fold-over business card template:

As you can see, OUT is the FRONT of the job and after folding, will be facing outward. You can also see the rotation of the job. The front must be positioned upside down so it can fold correctly.

Remember, do not move or change any part of the template when using them.

Why is there cracking on my scoring job?

When a job is coated with UV then scored and folded the job may begin to crack. During use, the cracks will become bigger and the ink may start to chip off.

CLOSE UP SCORING

Cracking is normal when coated jobs are scored and folded. Ordering the job without UV will help but may not prevent this. As the job is used and folded more and more, cracking will eventually happen.

What is banding?

Many things can cause banding. Banding can be caused by the program that it is exported from, such as Indesign or Corel. Also, too many gradient steps, for example going from a very light color to a dark color, in a small area will cause banding.

CLOSE UP OF BANDING

To prevent this, check your digital files before sending. If you use a gradient, make sure it has enough room for a smooth transition.

Why does my business card crack around the edges?

Cracking of the edges of a business card sometimes occurs when the card contains high values of ink, as in dark colors.

CLOSE UP OF BUSINESS CARD

This usually happens on a small amount of cards in the run. To prevent this, use lighter colors or if you must use dark colors, use as little ink as possible.

What is rich black and how can I get it?

Rich black is an ink mixture of solid black, 100% K, with additional CMY ink values. This results in a darker tone than black ink alone. If you print black alone as 100% K, the resulting black may not be as dark as you might like.

100% K ON SCREEN

100% K AFTER PRINT

We recommend using
C 60 M 40 Y 40 K 100
This will give you a deep, dark, rich black.

How do I get a grayscale image in a CMYK document?

Grayscale images that are converted to CMYK will have a color shift in the final print. That shift may be green or yellow.

Always check the CMYK values of your grayscale in the final CMYK document. If there are other values other than K in your grayscale image, there is a chance that the color will vary.

To eliminate all values other than K, use your Channel Mixer (adjustment layer) in Photoshop, then click "Monochrome" and adjust accordingly.

How can I make sure my blues do not come out purple?

When using a blue in your design, always make sure to leave at least a 30% difference in your Cyan and Magenta values.

100% C 100% M 0% Y 0% K

ON SCREEN

AFTER PRINTING

Blue is close to purple in the CMYK spectrum. Remember, use a low amount of magenta whenever using high amounts of cyan to avoid purple.

EXAMPLE: C-100 M-70 Y-0 K-0

How should I set up a Spot UV job?

When creating a Spot UV job, you must include a Spot UV template file along with the regular print file. The Spot UV template file is used to show where the UV coating needs to be applied.

"For better quality we recommend creating mask files in vector based programs such as Illustrator or CorelDRAW.

Please only use solid 100% K to indicate where you would like the UV. Do not use shadows, glows or grayscale images. White will indicate no UV.

Remember, if it's white, you can write!"

Can I submit a front and back in the same file?

No. We are now specifically set up to process one side at a time, and this requires that each side of a job must be on a separate file.

2 Files – 1FR, 1BK
1 File – FR&BK

Not separating files will cause delays and you might have to send the files again. Remember to separate the pages of your .pdf files as well.

Should I send a proof or sample file?

When sending artwork, do not send extra files, like proofs or samples, because they might get printed. Only send the files you need printed.

DO NOT SEND THESE KINDS OF FILES

We are not responsible for these kinds of files being printed. Unless requested by one of our employees, DO NOT send files that you do not want printed.

How can I avoid transparency issues?

Any transparency issue can be resolved before saving your file.

What a transparency problem looks like on screen...

After a transparency problem is printed…

To prevent this, never use shadows, glows, or any other transparency (image or otherwise) on top of a spot color. Always convert your spot color to CMYK and flatten before sending.

How should I set up my file for proper rotation?

Guru Printers requires Print Ready files with proper rotation. Files submitted are printed HEAD to HEAD as-is based off your files.

Make sure to set up your files so that when we print them HEAD to HEAD the final product will read the way you would like. Also, front and back files need to be set up either both sides vertically or both sides horizontally.

If you would like your back file to be upside down, please send your artwork as shown below.

If you have a fold-over or greeting card, please send your artwork as shown.

Does Guru Printers accept borders on jobs?

Yes, but if the border is too close to the cutline, it may be cut off-center slightly.

We cut through many sheets at a time, so watch your borders to avoid an unwanted mistake.

How should I set up my bleed?

Bleed must extend past the cut-line and will be trimmed from the product during the final cutting phase. When the image is required to extend all the way to the edge, bleed is needed to preserve the finished look and the quality of the final product.

Please keep all text at least 0.125" inside the cut-line.

  • The bleed for Standard Products is 0.125".
  • The bleed for Booklets and Presentation Folders is 0.25".
  • For Grand4mat Products, please see the G4Mat FAQs for individual substrate guides.

We recommend using our templates at all times.

What resolution should my file be?

Low resolution files may be printed as is or will be placed on hold until we receive new files, slowing your turn-around.

THIS IS A 72 DPI LOW RES IMAGE

THIS IS THE SAME IMAGE BUT AT 300 DPI

We only accept 300 dpi files and no less.

What color mode should my files be?

If you send us an RGB file, there is a chance that a color shift may occur and you may not be satisfied with your job.

THESE COLORS ARE IN RGB

THESE ARE THE SAME COLORS BUT IN CMYK

You should always start and finish your designs in CMYK color mode.

What type of files can I send to Guru Printers?

We recommend saving as a .PDF. You may also send the file in the following types: jpg, jpeg, tif, tiff, eps, and png.

Promo Product FAQ

What types of files do you accept for Buttons?

Acceptable files types at the moment are .pdf and .jpg files.

What process do you use to print Buttons?

Buttons are printed by a CMYK digital print process. They are near photo quality.

Do I need to include crop marks for my Mug files?

No, please do not send your artwork with crop marks or any other printer marks, including crop marks, registration marks, or color bars.

Do I need to setup my Mug files with Bleed?

The print area is 8.5x3 for the 11oz. Mug and 9x4 for the 15oz. Mug. It is then centered and wrapped around the mug.

What background color should I use for the Mugs?

For White Mugs, the background color must be C-0 M-0 Y-0 K-0. White color for White Mugs will be ignored.

What is the total print area for the Mugs?

The print area is 8.5x3 for the 11oz. Mug and 9x4 for the 15oz. Mug. It is then centered and wrapped around the mug.

As you can see, the print area (GREEN) will be printed on the Mug. Anything outside that area (RED) will not be printed. Remember, the print area for the 11oz. Mug is 8.5x3 while the print area for the 15oz. Mug

Above is an example of offset position for Mugs. As you can see, you can achive a left, center, or right print by positioning the logo or artwork accordingly on the 8.5x3 document size.

What types of files do you accept for Mugs?

Acceptable files types at the moment are .pdf and .jpg files.

What process do you use to print Mugs?

Mugs are printed by a CMYK digital print process.

Greeting Cards FAQ

What envelopes are offered with 14pt Natural Paper?

Appropriately sized (A2, A6, A7, A9 and 6.5" square) 70# Natural White Text blank envelopes are offered as an option with our Natural Greeting Cards.

What is 14pt Natural Paper?

14pt Natural Cards are a light cream, natural white color with a smooth finish. The stock has a minimum of 30% post-consumer waste content.

Are envelopes included with my Greeting card order?

You will be able to choose envelopes as an extra option.

How do I set up my file for proper rotation?

For a greeting card, please send your artwork as shown.

Brown Kraft Cards FAQ

What types of Envelopes are available with Briwn Kraft Greeting Cards and Invitations?

Appropriately sized (A2, A6, A7) 80lb Brown Kraft blank envelopes are offered as an option with our Brown Kraft Greeting Cards and Invitations.

How do I set-up artwork for Brown Kraft cards with white ink?

Brown Kraft has the option to add white ink as an overprint. The white will be a base for the CMYK providing a bright white surface which will allow for vibrant, crisp color. Areas without white ink will appear darker due to the color of the stock.

Similar to Spot UV masks, White Mask files are separate from your artwork files. Black in the White Mask file indicates where white ink will be printed.

Make sure to create your mask file the same size as your artwork file. This will prevent alignment issues during printing.

Note: White Masks must be made in vector format and be saved as EPS or PDF. Please be aware that anything less than 100%K will be transparent and allow the brown stock to show through.

Use vector paths/shapes to create black color areas that will indicate where the white ink base will go. The rest of the areas will show the Brown Kraft stock.

Remember the following when creating a white mask for your white ink base:

  • White ink base will be printed behind any color that’s in your Artwork Layer.
  • Areas with color but without a White Mask will be printed with color directly on the material.
  • Areas with color and a White Mask will be printed as opaque or solid color.
  • Areas with a White Mask and no color will be printed as white.

What material is Brown Kraft made of and is it recycled?

Brown Kraft paper is light brown with natural fibers and subtle visible flecks lending it a natural, organic look and feel. The uncoated smooth finish provides excellent print quality, while the colored stock adds warmth and a rustic appeal to images. Optional white ink can be applied in specific areas or all over giving you the flexibility to add contrast and brighten images. Brown Kraft is 100% recycled with a minimum of 30% post-consumer waste content.

Please be aware that recycled and colored stocks may have slight color variation due to the materials used to manufacture the paper. The flecks in the paper will also vary from sheet to sheet and press run to press run.

Raised Spot UV Cards FAQ

How can I ensure the best results on Raised Spot UV Cards?

For best results, please make sure that UV coverage is less than 30%. Otherwise, the cards will be stuck together and become a block of cards. Also, The mask file must be a vector art created in a vector-based program such as Illustrator. Otherwise, you won't have sharp edges on the artwork.

Please see the pictures below for reference.

What's the smallest size font I can use in my Raised Spot UV artwork?

It is recommended that you do not use smaller than 6pt font on the Raised Spot UV Artwork. If, however, you use fonts with thicker strokes, it is recommended that you do not use smaller than 9pt font.

Whats the difference between Spot UV and Raised Spot UV?

Spot UV is a flat finish of a shiny layer that goes on the exact spot where you would like your printed piece to have an area of a high gloss coating.

Raised Spot UV is the same process, except the UV that gets applied stands out from the product, that if you run your fingers over the card you will feel the UV. The depth of the Raised Spot UV is 50 microns.

How do I set up a Raised Spot UV job?

Raised Spot UV jobs are set up the same way as Spot UV jobs. When creating a Raised Spot UV job, you must include a Raised Spot UV mask file along with the regular print file.

Please note, the mask file must be vector art created in vector-based programs such as Illustrator.

The Raised Spot UV mask file is used to show where the UV coating needs to be applied.

Please only use solid 100% K (C 0%, M 0%, Y 0%, K 100%) to indicate where you would like the UV. Do not use shadows, glows or grayscale images. White will indicate no UV.

Painted Edge Cards FAQ

Will my design/background color have any impact on how the edge color turns out?

Your design might slightly change the way the edge color turns out. This will be more noticeable with dark and light color backgrounds. We recommend having a solid background color. This difference will be more noticeable when the cards are stacked, but less noticeable once you hold up an individual card by itself.

What are Painted Edge Cards and how do I set them up?

Painted Edge cards are 32pt uncoated business cards that are getting painted on the edges of the cards based on the chosen edge color. Painted edge card file setup is just like any other 4/0 or 4/4 cards.

Raised Fold FAQ

What's the smallest font size I can use in my Raised Foil artwork?

We do not recommend having fonts smaller than 10pt on the Raised Foil Artwork. However, if you use fonts with thicker strokes or bold fonts, we do not recommend having fonts smaller than 12pt.

Please see the picture below for reference.

What's the difference between Foil Workx and Raised Foil Cards?

Foil Worx has a flat finish foil whereas Raised Foil has a raised foil finish, that if you run your fingers over the card you will feel the foil. The height of the foil is approximately 60 microns.

How can I ensure the best result on Raised Foil Cards?

For best results, please make sure that foil coverage is less than 50%. Otherwise, the foil will be wavy and won’t look good. The only time a 50-75% coverage is acceptable is with patterns, thin strokes or small shapes.

Can I have any printing under the foil mask?

We highly recommend having a solid color behind the foil mask. We do not recommend having any artwork or text under the foil mask since it might be visible through the foil mask. Knockouts are not recommended since there may be a shift (up to 1/16”) when the foil is applied.

What are Raised Foil Cards and how do I set them up?

Raised Foil cards are printed on 16pt card stock, laminated on both sides with 1.5mil scuff resistant, soft velvet laminate, which gives them a substantial thickness of 19pt.

Raised Foil jobs require a mask file. When creating a Raised Foil job, you must include a Raised Foil mask file along with the regular print file. The Raised Foil mask file is used to show where the foil needs to be applied.

Please note, the mask file must be a vector file created in vector-based programs such as Illustrator.

Please only use solid 100% black color (C 0%, M 0%, Y 0%, K 100%) to indicate where you would like the foil. Do not use shadows, glows or grayscale images. White will indicate no foil.

Knockouts are not recommended since there may be a shift (up to 1/16”) when the foil is applied.

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