Printing Guidelines
Want your custom envelopes to look their best? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. ARTWORK FILES MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
Start with high-quality artwork, logos, etc. Vector artwork (Illustrator) with PMS (Pantone Matching System) colors will produce the best printing.
If you're using another program, like Photoshop or inDesign, be sure to output your file in at least 300 dpi for the best quality printing. When you save your file, save it as a PDF format, as it will help to preserve your design and text. Don’t have a PDF or are unsure what you have? Feel free to upload what you have, and we’ll do our best to help. You can also call or email for more information.
2. HELP WITH ARTWORK
Unsure of your artwork or need a little help? No problem! Our art department is happy to review your files and offer advice to help make your printed order a success.
We offer a complimentary artwork file review for each printed order to let you know if the artwork provided will print in high quality. We will provide suggestions and/or feedback if needed if we think there may be a challenge.
If you need a little extra help, or need design services for your project, we will be happy to provide this for you at a very reasonable price!
3. PROOFS
Our art department will send a free PDF proof for approval for all new orders. They will also send a confirmation proof for all reorders. The PDF proof ensures you are able to see an on-screen representation of what your printed envelopes will look like.
Please note that due to monitor color differences, paper textures, ink colors, and other factors, what you see on your screen may not be identical to what is printed. The PDF is proof is designed to make sure your artwork is correct, the colors are approximate, and the print location is as desired.
If you are ordering a large quantity of envelopes (5,000+) and you need to see a printed sample of your order, you can contact our team to place a printed sample order. Because of the setup and machine production time, there is a charge for a printed sample. The price is dependent on color options, type of printing, envelope choice, etc.
If you would like to request a complimentary generic printed sample, to show print quality, please contact our team and we will be happy to help if possible.
You can also request a complimentary pre-order PDF proof if you would like to see what your artwork will look like before ordering. Simply visit the product on our website, and choose the option for a pre-order proof. You can also email our print department to request a proof.
4. KEEP DESIGN COLORS IN MIND
Choose PMS (Pantone Matching System) colors whenever possible for your designs. This will help us print your artwork as accurately as possible.
Keep in mind, envelopes are made from an uncoated paper stock, so you will want to choose your colors from an Uncoated Pantone color book. If you're not familiar with PMS colors, don't worry, send what you have and we'll do our best to help you!
5. HOW MANY COLORS?
Our website will provide pricing options based on the number of ink colors used to print your job.
Since this is based on the number of inks, not just actual colors, black ink is indeed considered one (1) color of ink. If your artwork will be printed in only 1 color — black, blue, red, etc.— you can choose 1-color printing.
If your artwork (logo, return address, etc.) is red, but the return address is black, this would be considered two (2) colors, as it would require two inks to produce the print. If there are three (3) or more colors in your artwork (including black) then the job would default to full-color.
Please keep in mind, if your artwork is currently full-color, but you would like to print it in only one (1) color — black, etc. — you can select 1-color printing, and include a note with your order. Our art department can change it to print in only one color.
5. CHOOSE THE RIGHT ENVELOPE
If you're mailing your envelopes, you probably want them to get noticed! Printed envelopes in bright or pastel colors can help get the job done. Keep in mind, if your logo or text have colors in them, they will print best on a white, or light colored envelope. If you want a brightly colored envelope, black or dark-colored ink will be easiest to read.
7. DIGITAL VS. OFFSET
Depending on the quantity ordered, and the number of colors, your order will either run on a digital or an offset printer. A digital printer is a commercial-grade laser printer, and is most commonly used for quantities up to 1000, or jobs with 3+ (full color) inks. Offset printing uses liquid ink and produces very high quality printing. Offset printing involves a longer setup time, but is better suited for runs of 1,000 or more envelopes.
8. NEED HELP?
Ordering for the first time? Don't worry, we’re here to help! If you're new to the process, please feel free to contact our print team with any concerns you might have before placing your order.
We're happy to answer any questions you might have, or send you a pre-order proof before ordering. You can contact our team via phone, email, or live chat. Reach out now.