Login   |   Register

Questions? Call 1-888-PRINT-89 (1-888-774-6889)
Hours: M-F 6AM-6PM, Sat 8AM-4PM PDT
Products
Hablamos Español   
Glossary
   
Home > Help Center > Frequently Asked Questions

File Preparation and Troubleshooting
What is bleed?
Where do I upload my files?
What type of files do you accept?
Do you accept Publisher or Word Document files?
What is safe area?
Can I write on UV coating?
How do I know if the correct file has been uploaded?
Do I need to use a product template?
Do you have an FTP site for uploads?
How do I know if your graphics department will set up two-sided artwork correctly?
What is CMYK?
What is RGB?
What is the maximum file size that can be uploaded?
Do you archive files?
What if my file is missing fonts?
Why should I convert my text to outlines?
What are print-ready files?
Your Order
How can I check the status of my order?
What if I found a mistake in the artwork?
Can I upload my files before placing an order?
Can my graphic designer upload files for me?
Why am I not getting automatic email updates?
How can I cancel my order?


Payment Options

Can I pay by check?
Can I use my resale license?


Shipping and Turnaround Time
When does my turnaround time begin?
When will my job be complete?
Does my turnaround include shipping?
What shipping options do you offer?
Where are you located?


File Preparation and Troubleshooting
    What is bleed? back to top back to top
A bleed is when an image extends beyond the trim edge of the product. If your image is not white on all four sides, you MUST include bleeds in your files. Add 1/8” (.125”) to each side of the file. For example, for a 2” x 3.5” business card with full bleed, the image size should be submitted at 2.25” x 3.75”



Get a Product Template to start your design with these guidelines.
For more information about Template Guidelines, Click Here.
  
    Where do I upload my files? back to top back to top
Files can be uploaded through our website after an order has been placed. If you select to upload files later, you may do so by going to the “My Account” page and clicking on your order number.
  
    What type of files do you accept? back to top back to top
While PDFs are preferred and recommended for art uploads, we accept any of the following file formats:

Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)
Adobe Illustrator (.ai, .eps)
Adobe Photoshop (.psd, .tif, .jpg)
Adobe InDesign
QuarkXpress(.qxd)


Visit our File Preparation Help Center for more info.
  
    Do you accept Publisher or Word Document files? back to top back to top
We do not accept native Publisher or Word Document files. However, we have instructions on how to convert your Publisher 2007 files into a format we can accept on our Preparing Your Files section. For older versions of Publisher or word documents, there are several FREE utilities such as PrimoPDF, which allow you to create a PDF document from these applications (or ANY other application). When creating the PDF, please adhere to Print Runners PDF guidelines. You may then upload this PDF to us for printing.
  
    What is safe area? back to top back to top
Safe area is the 1/8” margin that we require between the trim line and the text closest to the trim line.



Get a Product Template to start your design with these guidelines.
For more information about Template Guidelines, Click Here.
  
    Can I write on UV coating? back to top back to top
UV coating cannot be written on. However, we do offer a matte or aqueous coating on several products which is writeable.
  
    How do I know if the correct file has been uploaded? back to top back to top
The only way to be certain you’ve uploaded the correct file is by double checking the file name prior to uploading the artwork. You will be asked to upload your files after the order has been placed. Once the upload has completed successfully, you can view the file name at the receipt page to confirm you’ve uploaded the proper file
  
    Do I need to use a product template? back to top back to top
Although it is not required, we encourage you to use our templates as this may prevent delays in processing your files. These templates include guidelines for bleed and safe area.

Download a Product Template to start your design with helpful guidelines. For more information about these template guidelines, Click Here.
  
    Do you have an FTP site for uploads? back to top back to top
No. However, uploading can be accomplished through our website after an order has been placed.
  
    How do I know if your graphics department will set up two-sided artwork correctly? back to top back to top
You must upload artwork so that the finished piece backs up correctly. On two sided work, the head of one side backs up to the head of the other side. The head of a page is defined by the top of the rendered proof and the bottom is called the foot.

For folded products, we create a mock-up prior to approving the job to ensure the artwork is set up correctly. On jobs where the orientation is not so obvious, please describe how it should back up in the order notes.

For animated examples of how to rotate and orient your artwork, please refer to our:
Artwork Orientation InstructionsArtwork Orientation Instructions
  
    What is CMYK? back to top back to top
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). This is the industry standard process colors used in full-color offset printing. The combination of these four colors can produce a wide spectrum of colors. Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow combine to create the color, while Black is used to change the shade of the color.


Additional information about color can be found on the following page:
Template Guidelines ExplainedConverting your Colors for Print
  
    What is RGB? back to top back to top
RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue. These are most commonly used with web design, television screens and computer monitors but are not used in offset printing. RGB files should be converted to CMYK prior to uploading. Colors may need to be adjusted after the conversion and may not appear correct on your monitor.


Additional information about color can be found on the following page:
Template Guidelines ExplainedConverting your Colors for Print
  
    What is the maximum file size that can be uploaded? back to top back to top
Although Print Runner does not enforce a specific file size limit, we recommend uploading files no larger than 50MB. To reduce your file size, you can “zip” or “stuff” them.
  
    Do you archive files? back to top back to top
Although we cannot guarantee your files will be archived for more than 90 days, we do make an attempt to store all client files on our servers. Print Runner may, at its discretion remove any files from our servers at any time. It is recommended that you maintain a copy of all our files. If you wish to re-order a specific project, please use our “re-order” tool available through Print Runner’s “My Account” section. A preview of your previous files may be available through this tool.
  
    What if my file is missing fonts? back to top back to top
If your job has been placed on “Hold”, and a message states that your file is missing fonts, it may be possible to provide us the font file you used in your design. However, in most cases we require that you convert your text to outlines before uploading your files.

For more information about submitting your files, please visit our File Preperation Help Center.
  
    Why should I convert my text to outlines? back to top back to top
Converting your text to outlines is the most effective way to ensure your typefaces look exactly as you designed them. Once text has been converted to outlines, it can no longer be typeset like standard text layers, so be sure to save your source files accordingly.

For detailed instructions on converting your text to outlines, or to find out if it is necessary for your file type please visit our File Preperation Help Center.
  
    What are print-ready files? back to top back to top
Print-ready files are files that contain adhere to Print Runner’s file submission requirements.
  

Your Order
    How can I check the status of my order? back to top back to top
You can check your order status by going to our website and clicking on the green order status tab on the home page of our website. You will be asked to enter your order/job number and order billing zip code or the email address and password that is listed on the account.
  
    What if I found a mistake in the artwork? back to top back to top
As a customer, you are responsible for the accuracy of your artwork. You are encouraged to carefully inspect the positioning, copy, and design elements in your art files before submitting them to us. Ordering a PDF or Hard Copy Proof affords you the opportunity to check for errors you wish to correct in your files prior to production.
  
    Can I upload my files before placing an order? back to top back to top
All files uploaded need to be associated with an order number, and therefore can not be uploaded prior to placing the order.
  
    Can my graphic designer upload files for me? back to top back to top
Yes. We’ve provided a tool that allows your designer to upload files to your order/job using only the order/job number and billing zip code. Simply have your designer visit our website and click the green “Order Status” button.
  
    Why am I not getting automatic email updates? back to top back to top
If you use an address with an email filter that requires each sender to fill out a form, you may not receive our automatic email notifications regarding the status of your order. Print Runner is not responsible for automated email notifications that are redirected due to a customer’s email filter settings. It is the customer’s responsibility to check their “My Account” page or contact their sales person for the status of their order.
  
    How can I cancel my order? back to top back to top
A request to cancel should be done by phone to prevent the job from moving forward in the production process. Cancelled orders require compensation for incurred costs and related obligations at the time of cancellation. Due to our company procedures, you may only cancel an order without incurring additional fees prior to the approval of the artwork. All requests for cancellations after a PDF proof, Hard Copy proof, or the approval of the artwork are subject to a minimum cancellation fee of 15%. No refunds will be given for orders cancelled after the plating process.
  

Payment Options
    Can I pay by check? back to top back to top
Yes, we can accept payment by check. However, this process takes much longer than a credit card transaction. If you prefer to pay by check, you must mail in a completed order form including payment and print ready artwork. Once we receive the order it will be submitted but remain “On Hold” until the check clears with the bank. After the check has cleared, the standard turnaround time will apply.
  
    Can I use my resale license? back to top back to top
If you are producing a product for resale and would like to provide us with your resale number, you will need to fax us a copy of your California Resale Certificate.
  

Shipping and Turnaround Time
    When does my turnaround time begin? back to top back to top
Turnaround time for a print job where a PDF or Hard Copy proof is selected begins once the proof has been approved by you. If you did not select a PDF or a Hard Copy proof, turnaround time begins once your file is uploaded. If you approve your job by 2 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, turnaround time begins that business day. Also note that if we are unable to print your files because they do not conform to Print Runner’s file requirements, your job status will be put “On Hold” and your turnaround time will be reset.

Please visit our Turnaround page for more information.
  
    When will my job be complete? back to top back to top
Turnaround time varies with each product and begins once the submitted artwork has been approved. If no proof was requested, turnaround time begins the next business day if ordered before 2 PM Pacific Standard Time. For additional information visit the turnaround section on our website.
  
    Does my turnaround include shipping? back to top back to top
Turnaround time represents the business days required to produce the approved artwork. Shipping is based off the method selected at the time the order was placed, and is not included in the turnaround estimate.
  
    What shipping options do you offer? back to top back to top
Our primary method of shipping is via UPS. If you have an account with UPS or with a different shipper, you may provide Print Runner with your account number and we will arrange a pick up to fulfill your order.
  
    Where are you located? back to top back to top
Print Runner, Inc. is a commercial printer located in the city of Chatsworth in Southern California. We specialize in affordable high quality printing all of which is done in-house.

Our address is:
9673 Topanga Canyon Place
Chatsworth, CA 91311

Get Directions
  

How can we improve this page?

If we're missing any information on this page which would be helpful or if you have a suggestion on something we should add, please tell us so we can improve our site to better serve you.

Please Note: without an email address we will be unable
to respond to suggestions made through this form.


Are you looking for a custom print quote? Click Here
Do you need help with your order? Contact Customer Service



BizRate Customer Certified (GOLD) Site - PrintRunner.com Reviews at Bizrate © 2010, PrintRunner, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Accepted Payment Methods
Accredited by Better Business Bureau - BBB OnLine Reliability Program
Online Payments