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210 Euclid Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50313-4404
Phone 515-244-9444

OFFICE HOURS:
Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 3:00pm
*Closed on Weekends

2024 HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
November 28-29
December 24-25
January 1, 2025

About Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you'll find answers to common questions our clients ask. Start by selecting one of the links below. If you don’t see what you need – call or contact us online.

  1. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?

    Resolution should be set to 300 dpi.

    Pictures and graphics pulled from the internet are often low resolution, typically 72 dpi or 96 dpi. Avoid these graphics, as they will appear pixilated and blocky when printed.

    Also note that you should save all photos in CMYK mode, not RGB mode when possible. Images saved in RGB mode may not print properly. If you are unable to save your image in CYMK mode, please let us know.

  2. Can you scan and save my files to a flash drive or email them?

    Yes. We can scan drawings up to 11" x 17" and save electronic versions. We can copy files to a flash drive or email them to you directly. Minimum cost for service is $5.00.

  3. Well, since you are here, we would suggest you use our online estimate request form. Otherwise, the best way to ensure that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate quote is to give us a call and talk with one of our customer service representatives.

  4. How long does it take for you to complete my order?

    There really isn't a short answer to this question. Some jobs can be produced in minutes and some jobs may take days. Let us know when you need your job completed and we'll let you know if it can be done. We go to great lengths to meet your most stringent demands.

  5. Is white considered a printing color?

    Not typically. Because white is the default color of paper, it is simply recognized as the absence of any ink. However, when using colored paper, white ink may be used if any text or graphic requires it.

  6. Many layout programs have collecting or packaging functions that will automatically collect your document, fonts, all art including and a report. When possible, it is recommended to use these functions because without any or all of these elements we will be unable to print your postcard.

    • Enclose all screen fonts and printer fonts
    • Include all placed images
    • Make sure your files are set with proper bleed, trim and safety areas.

    BLEED: All art trimming off the edge MUST be pulled out 1/8” beyond the trim line

    TRIM: This is the guideline where the card will be cut

    SAFETY: All art and text within this safety area will assure that nothing will be trimmed off during the cutting process. A 1/4” guide in from the trim should work fine.

    *Please click on "Tips on file format setups" to download our Artwork Guidelines.

  7. Make them print ready and acceptable for us to print.

    *Please click on "Tips on how to save your design file" to download our Artwork Guidelines.

  8. What is a vector file?

    A graphic image that is composed of shapes and lines. Vector files do not lose resolution when enlarged.

  9. What is a raster file?

    Raster files are composed of pixels. They have the potential to lose resolution when altered or enlarged.

  10. What is a bleed?

    Where the image runs off the edge of the page as to not leave any white space when the image is cut during production.

  11. What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?

    PDF (Portable Document Format)
    From any native application. High resolution, print ready.
    For best results, use the PDF/x-1a2001.

    ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR (EPS or AI files)
    Change all text into “outlines” in your document. If you are
    using an imported graphic in your document, be sure to
    include or embed the original graphic file. Place graphics
    at 100%. Save the file as an Illustrator AI or EPS.

    ADOBE INDESIGN
    Change all text into “outlines” in your document. If you are
    using an imported graphic in your document, be sure to
    include or embed the original graphic file.

    ADOBE PHOTOSHOP (TIFF or JPG files)
    Do not color an image in Photoshop (for spot color printing).
    Convert all photos to CMYK for 4-color process printing.
    All files need to be submitted at the size being used for
    printing. If bleeds are needed, allow 1/8” (.125”) on all sides.

    TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)
    Resolution must be at 300dpi. Images must be in
    CMYK mode for 4-color process jobs.

    JPG (Joint Photographer’s Expert Group)
    JPG files are not the preferred format for printing, but
    may be acceptable if they are not highly compressed,
    and the resolution is 300dpi. High compression and/or
    low resolution will result in fuzzy text and images.

    MICROSOFT PUBLISHER
    Microsoft Publisher files are not the preferred format for
    printing, but may be acceptable.

  12. What are the various ways to send files?

    E-MAIL / WEBSITE
    Please forward artwork material to: info@sprint-print.com OR uploaded to our website at www.sprint-print.com

    Files over 2MB in size must be compressed. Larger files, (over 5MB), can be uploaded to our website at www.sprint-print.com.

    PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR COMPANY NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATION IN THE EMAIL.

    PORTABLE MEDIA
    As an alternative to e-mail, Sprint Print currently supports the following portable media formats:
    • CD ROM
    • Flash drive

    Portable media may be sent or dropped off at Sprint Print’s address below.
    Please include a hardcopy and contact info for each disc submitted.

    If you have any questions about artwork, please contact:

    Jennifer Mulaney
    (515) 244-9444
    jennifer@sprint-print.com

  13. What forms of payment do you accept?

    We accept cash, company check and all major credit cards. We can also set up a business account for you, as well. Contact us for details.

  14. What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?

    In printing terms, a proof is a one-off copy of your document after all modifications and printing setup processes have been completed. It is your last and best opportunity to make sure that the print job comes out the way you want. By carefully inspecting the proof, you can help us assure an accurate, flawless delivery of your print job on the first run.

  15. What kind of work does our store do?

    COPY SERVICES - Our high-speed duplicators can produce copies efficiently and economically whether you provide hard copy or bring in digital files on disk. Our state of the art production duplicating equipment allow us to deliver work quickly and efficiently.

    OFFSET PRINTING - From one-color to full-color printing, our store has the capability to meet your needs. From short run to long run, we can offer a solution that will be just right for you.

    BINDERY & FINISHING SERVICES - We can cut, perforate, score, number, fold, collate, saddle stitch, bind, and just about any other bindery process you could ever need.

    DESIGN SERVICES - We utilize the latest design technology available in order to offer a full range of design services. If you need a brochure produced, we can work from your camera ready copy, use the files you provide on disk, or design your brochure from scratch.

    PRINTING & COPYING SERVICES
    WIDE FORMAT PRINTING
    DIRECT MAIL MARKETING
    FINISHING & BINDERY SERVICES
    FAX AND SCANNING SERVICES
    PICKUP & DELIVERY

  16. What is coated paper stock?

    Coated paper stock is a premium, high-quality paper that has been given a smooth glossy finish designed specifically for documents that require sharp details and vivid colors. Uncoated paper, by contrast, is relatively inexpensive but porous, and is best suited to the printing of black and white text documents.

  17. What is the Pantone Matching System?

    The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a color reproduction standard in which colors all across the spectrum are each identified by a unique, independent number. The use of PMS allows us to precisely match colors and maintain color consistency throughout the printing process.

  18. Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?

    In short, printers and monitors produce colors in different ways.

    Monitors use the RGB (red, green, blue) color model, which usually supports a wider spectrum of colors. Printers use the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color model, which can reproduce most—but not all—of the colors in the RGB color model. Depending on the equipment used, CMYK generally matches 85–90% of the colors in the RGB model.

    When a color is selected from the RGB model that is out of the range of the CMYK model, the application chooses what it thinks is the closest color that will match. Programs like Adobe Photoshop will allow you to choose which color will be replaced. Others may not.