General FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

FILE TIPS:

Acceptable File Formats
Popular File Format Tips
Bleed
Borders
Color Mode
Fonts
Image Resolution
Fonts & Lines
Safety Zone
Size

ORDERING:

How do I place an order?
How do I know I'm ordering the right product?
How do I see the price before placing my order?
What shipping methods can I choose?
Is your website secure for online payments?
Can you you refuse my order?
What turnaround times do you offer?
Is it necessary for me to approve my proof?
When does production of my order start?
Do turnaround times include shipping time?

PAYMENT:
Accepted payment methods
Billing

What are Acceptable File Formats?

If you are uploading a JPG, please make sure the resolution is 150 or above (preferably 300 dpi). Please do not use images from online sources, as they are almost always unusable.

DO NOT include bleed or crop marks. Files should be at final size.

If you are working in a design program, be sure to outline any text and embed any photos so that no links or fonts are missing from the uploaded file. You can also email a "Links" folder to info@streamline-graphix.com, but it is preferred if all fonts and images are embedded into the file. If this is not possible, we may have to substitute fonts or graphics.

Preparation Tips See our File Preparations Tips FAQ for details on submitting the highest quality files to eliminate extra file charges or production delays.

The preferred file types are .PDF, .EPS, .AI, .PSD, .TIF. Although these are the preferred file types, see below for a complete list.

Accepted File Format List:

+ .AI (Adobe Illustrator)
+ .EPS (Encapsulated Postscript).INDD (Adobe InDesign)
+ .JPG or .JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): a lossy image format widely used to display photographic images.
+ .PDF (Portable Document Format): this format is widely used among the printing industry and is the preferred file format.
+ .PNG (Portable Network Graphic): lossless, for display and edition of graphic images
+ .PSD (Adobe Photoshop Drawing)
+ .RAW (General term for image data acquired by a digital camera)

+ .SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)
+ .TIF (Tagged Image File Format)
+ .TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)

Popular File Format Tips:

+ .AI (Adobe Illustrator): Convert all fonts to outlines and embed any linked graphics.
+ .INDD (Adobe InDesign): Converting your fonts to outlines is recommended if you are not using True Type
+ .JPG or .JPEG (Photographic images): Set your camera to the highest resolution if using your own photos. Note that most jpeg images downloaded from the web are low quality and

unsuitable for printing.
+ .PSD (Adobe Photoshop): Flatten your layers before submitting your files.
+ .TIF or .TIFF : This graphic file format will retain the highest possible image quality.

Bleed
Does your artwork contain images, text or graphics that extend the the very edge of the finished piece? This is called "bleeding off the edge" or simply "bleed". Files with bleed need to be built to the final trim size plus 1/8" extra on each side for the bleed. Example, if you are ordering an 8.5" x 11" sell sheet, the graphic file's size should 8.75" x 11.25". When saving the file into the proper format (preferably PDF), do not use any crop or printer's marks. These will increase the dimensions of the file.

For more information on bleed and to see visual examples, visit our Bleed Examples page in our knowledge base. If you are still unsure, you can view our collection of pre-made, Downloadable Templates to get an idea of how to lay out your piece or insert your own design onto the template itself.

Borders
Does you piece contain a graphic or artistic border close to the paper edge? See related Bleed above and Safety Zone below. When paper is trimmed there is a cutting tolerance of 1/16" which may result in uneven borders. For this reason we do not recommend borders. However, if they are necessary in your piece, the border should be at least 1/4" thick and at least 3/8" from the bleed line. Perfect trimming is not guaranteed.

Color Mode
Does your piece contain more than black color? Files that contain color text, artwork, or images must be saved in four color "CMYK" (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) color mode. Files submitted in the RGB or Pantone color mode will need to be converted to CMYK. Note that converting RGB to CMYK will cause a color shift as they are not the same color spectrum.

If you do not switch color modes in your design, your product may not be printed true to the digital version and certain colors may have much different hues than expected.

Fonts
Are you using vector-based software such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW? When working with these types of vector files (.AI, .EPS, or .PDF), all text should be converted to outlines before being uploaded to our site. Otherwise, you run the risk of a font being substituted after your file is submitted.

Are you using a raster software application such as Adobe Photoshop? For these types of files, you may flatten the image or rasterize the text before uploading. Be sure to use legible, large-enough fonts, as when you rasterize, things may become a bit more blurry and pixelated.

Image Resolution
While your computer screen will display low resolution images well, when printed they will look rough, blurry and jagged. For best printing results, a resolution of at least 300 dpi is recommend. Files with resolution lower than 300 dpi can be printed, but the results may be unsatisfactory.

Lines
Do you have lines on your piece? All lines should be at least .25 pts thick to make them printable. Thinner lines may display on your screen but be too thin to print.

Safety Zone
Does your piece have any images, text or other elements close to the page edge? If too close, it may get cut off. Establish a no-go "safety zone" of at least 1/8" from the edge of the final trim size. To avoid any images or text being cut off when the piece is trimmed, do not place them in the safety zone.

For more information on safety zones and to see visual examples, visit our Bleed Examples page in our knowledge base. If you are still unsure, you can view our collection of pre-made, Downloadable Templates to get an idea of how to lay out your piece or insert your own design onto the template itself.

Size
Does your artwork contain images, text or graphics that extend the the very edge of the finished piece? This is called "bleeding off the edge" or simply "bleed". Files with bleed need to be built to the final trim size plus 1/8" extra on each side for the bleed. Example, if you are ordering an 8.5" x 11" sell sheet, the graphic file's size should 8.75" x 11.25". When saving the file into the proper format (preferably PDF), do not use any crop or printer's marks. These will increase the dimensions of the file.

How Do I Place an Order?

1. Select Your Product.

Select Product. Select your product from the Products menu, or by starting on the Home page of this site.
Get Price. Each product has a price calculator beside it. Besides quantity, there may be other options (ink color, paper stock, size, turnaround, etc.) to choose from. Click a menu to view the available options and make your selections. If the menu has a single item, that is the only choice available and you need do nothing. The price of the product is displayed automatically after you've chosen all your options.
Upload Files. Click the Select button under Upload Files. Find and select the file you are sending us. If more than one file, use the other file upload buttons, or compress your files into one file using Zip, Stuffit, etc.
See Shipping. Under Estimate Shipping, a shipping rate can be displayed by entering your zip/postal code and clicking the "Get Rates" button.

2. Click "Add to Cart"

Edit, Remove, Add Products. To edit a product (quantity, file attachments, etc.) in the cart click the Edit link, to remove the product click the Remove link. To add more products to the cart, click the "Continue Shopping" button.
Select Shipping Method & Ship To. To select your desired shipping methods and your ship to address, you must be logged in. Click the "Login if you are a returning customer, or Create An Account" link. After login, return to the saved cart, select your shipping methods and ship to address. Review your order summary and click the "Proceed to Checkout" button.

3. Click "Proceed to Checkout"

Enter Promotional Codes, PO#, Cost Center Number. If you have a promotion code, enter it on this page and select "Apply Promo Code." Promotional codes cannot be applied to your account after you have submitted your order. If you have a PO# or Cost Center Number, enter it here and include any additional order instructions.
Review Order Summary. At checkout, please carefully review your order summary again. Click the "Edit quantities or shipping options" link if changes need to be made.
Place Order. To place and pay for the order, click the "Submit Order and Pay with Credit Card" button.
Pay Securely. A secure PayPal page will allow you to pay by credit card (or by using your PayPal account). You do not need to log in to PayPal to pay by credit card. Approve your proof as the final step.

4. Approve Your Proof

Approve Proof. If you requested a PDF softproof, you will receive an email with a link to view the proof. Click the approval button to approve your proof. If you selected a hard copy proof instead, we will send you a hardcopy by mail or courier. Fax your approval. Changes cannot be made after the proof is approved.
Start Order Processing Turnaround Time. We will begin processing your order and turnaround time of your print job begins once we receive your proof approval.

Back to Top

How do I know I'm ordering the right product?
The Products page displays all the products we offer. Simply click on a product to view complete information about the product, including pricing. If you have questions about any product, please use the Contact Us in the navigation menu at the top of this page. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will help you.

How do I see the price before placing my order?
Our product pages provide instant pricing. The price is displayed automatically after you've selected all your choices for the product (ink color, paper stock, size, turnaround, etc.). Price quotes for custom print jobs can be requested by clicking "Custom Quote" in the navigation menu at the top of this page.

What shipping methods can I choose?
A list of shipping methods and your estimated shipping rate are displayed on each product page. Under "Estimate Shipping", simply enter your zip/postal code and click the "Get Rates" button. You'll be able to select a shipping method after adding the product to the shopping cart.

Is your website secure for credit card payments?
Yes. We use PayPal or Authorize.net to process credit card payments. They are among the largest online credit card processors in the world and comply with the most stringent industry security measures. You can use American Express, Discover Card, Mastercard, or Visa without the need for a PayPal account. Alternatively, if you have a PayPal account you can use that instead.

Can you you refuse my order?
Yes. We reserve the right to refuse an order at our discretion. We reserve the right to refuse orders which in our opinion contain offensive, indecent and improper material including those of an illegal nature or that infringe on the rights of any third party. Even if we print your order, under our Terms of Use, you (the Customer) accept full legal liability for the content of material processed and printed on the your behalf and under the your instructions. The link to our Terms of Use is at the bottom of the website.

What turnaround times do you offer?

The Standard and Rush production turnaround time advertised for a product on this site is based on the typical number of days a print job is completed under normal circumstances, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. While we employ best efforts to meet your target deadline date, unforeseen delays in delivery services, breakdown of equipment, illness, inclement weather, acts of nature and other occurrences may impact our ability to meet the deadline.

When does production of my order start?

Production will start when all of the following are met: all print-ready artwork is uploaded, full payment is received, and—when a proof has been requested by you—when your proof approval has been received before any indicated cutoff time.

Is it necessary for me to approve my proof?

Yes. Production of your order will not start until we receive your proof approval. If you have requested a softproof, the proof approval must be received by us by via the emailed approval link we send you. If you have requested a hard copy proof, the signed and approved proof must be received by us by mail or fax. For orders and/or proofs that are approved after 8:00 AM, the production turnaround time starts the next business day.

Do turnaround times include shipping time?

No. The transit time for shipping is always additional to production turnaround. Please take this into consideration when placing the order.

What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payment by credit card. Your credit card is processed by PayPal or Authorize.net. A PayPal account is not necessary to make a purchase from us. You may use any of the following credit cards to make a purchase:

American Express
Discover
MasterCard
Visa

When am I billed for my order?
The full amount of the order is automatically charged to your credit card at the time your order is placed.