Please make sure that your pages are all in the same orientation. Be sure to verify that your pages will back up as you intend by printing your file and aligning the top of all pages (use the top as defined in the file submitted) to ensure that your piece will back up as intended.

For a three-panel brochure, please adjust the panel size on the first folded panel so that it is 1/16” shorter than the other two panels, and will tuck neatly inside when folded flat. We verify folds as a courtesy for customers that order our folding service only. If that service is not ordered, we cannot verify your folds because we will be unaware of the folding method.

Our prepress software automatically positions pages on the press sheet in the correct order and configuration for printing and finishing, therefore, it is not necessary to create spreads in your layout program. In fact, it is preferable that you do not create spreads, especially reader’s spreads. Reader’s spreads show how bound and finished pages will appear to a reader, and have no relationship to printer’s spreads, which are based on how the finished piece is assembled when bound and finished.

Please ensure that all images, logos, and layout elements are either specified as or converted to CMYK color model. We will convert any files that are submitted to us in RGB to CMYK and will notify you of this change so please review your proof to make sure colors are represented correctly. If they do not, please resubmit your files in CMYK as we're not liable for color shifts that may occur as a result of RGB to CMYK conversions.

Also, please turn off all color management controls. Make sure there are no embedded ICC profiles in your files. Please see the documentation for your software to know how to do this, as it varies from package to package.

For information on RGB vs. CMYK click here!

Because our prepress system is configured to ignore overprint settings, please do not attempt to achieve a particular color in your file(s) by overprinting one color over another. This will frequently yield unexpected results. Instead, please use the appropriate transparency controls in your application program.

If you have questions about how to correctly configure color mixes and transparency settings, please contact us at customerservice@kingstonprinting.com, or call us at 785-690-7222.

Make sure that any trapping controls in your creation software are turned off. Our prepress system automatically calculates trapping values where colors need to overlap, so it is not necessary to worry about trapping in your files.

Please send us any fonts used in your project. If you are submitting PDF files, be sure that all fonts are embedded in the file. It is a good practice to avoid using the type styles in your application to make type bold or italic. It is always best to select the actual font style from the font list itself.

When using Illustrator or Freehand, convert all fonts to outline format.

Please ensure that all images are converted to the CMYK color model, and are at least 300 dpi in resolution. Images may be scaled up by 20% before they lose quality. Kingston Printing is not responsible for customer-supplied images that are low-resolution, flat, pixelated, over saturated, or otherwise inappropriate for high-quality printed results.

Line art (non-photographic images) should be scanned at 1200 dpi for best results.

Do not specify a line weight of less than .25 points, nor specify "hairline" as your line weight, as that may be a device-dependent setting. Avoid reversing white type out of a dark background at any point size less than 9 points. Avoid using any type size less than 6 points anywhere in your project. Rules less than .5 points, and type less than 9 points should be specified in a solid color for best results.

Computer monitors are RGB-based devices, while color printing is a CMYK-based process. Therefore, it is not possible to make critical color judgments for printing based on monitor viewing. However, please note that viewing a PDF proof on your computer is an industry-accepted method for approving correct size and layout, and for making non-critical qualitative decisions about color. Rest assured that Kingston Printing uses the best equipment available, and utilizes industry-standard densitometry and colorimetric measurement techniques to ensure consistent, pleasing results.

We offer coated paper as a standard paper option for all of our products except business cards, which have standard uncoated paper options as well. Coated papers are a superior printing medium, and provide better color quality and durability when compared to uncoated papers. Because of the tendency for uncoated papers to absorb printing ink, we cannot guarantee color match when printing on uncoated paper stocks.

When designing and setting up your files, please note that coated papers are usually a better choice for projects requiring heavy ink coverage. Please also note that we offer C1S (Coated 1 Side) papers for some products, and that the uncoated side of C1S papers are subject to the same issues as any uncoated paper. Also, C1S stocks tend to be more prone to paper curl than stocks that are coated on both sides. We are not responsible for paper curl that occurs when printing on C1S papers.

Please contact us at customerservice@kingstonprinting.com or call us at 785-690-7222 if you want your project to print on an uncoated paper, or if you have any questions about how your project design and paper choice work together

Please contact us at customerservice@kingstonprinting.com, or call us at 785-690-7222, if you have a perfect bound project or have questions about perfect binding. We do not offer perfect binding as a standard binding option, but if you have a project that requires perfect binding, we can handle that for you. Your perfect bound project should be designed so that information that is close to the bound edge (spine) of the pages does not get lost during the spine grinding and gluing process. Please be sure to contact us in advance of submitting a perfect bound project so we can advise you on the best way to prepare your files. Please note that although perfect binding is a durable, high-quality binding method, we have no control over how perfect bound products are used or handled after they are delivered, and we are not responsible for page pull out, or cracking of perfect bound products.