FAQ
Getting Quotes & Ordering
How quickly will I receive my quote?
Most estimates are completed within 24 hours. For complex projects requiring special materials or finishing, we may need an additional day to provide you with the most accurate pricing.
How long are quotes valid?
Your quote is valid for 30 days and will be available on our website during that time. After 30 days, we’ll need to create a new estimate to ensure current pricing and availability.
What happens after I receive my quote?
Once your estimate is ready, you’ll receive a link to view it online. If you’re satisfied with the pricing, simply add it to your cart, upload your print files, and proceed to checkout. It’s that easy!
How do I check on my quote request?
Log into your account and select “Quotes” from the “My Account” menu to see the status of all your quote requests.
Can I request a quote by email instead of using your online form?
While email quotes are possible, our online quote form is much faster because it captures all the information we need upfront. Email requests often require follow-up questions, which can delay your estimate.
Printing Methods & Quality
What's the difference between offset and digital printing?
Offset printing transfers ink from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to paper. It’s ideal for large quantities and jobs with solid color areas.
Digital printing sends your file directly from computer to paper, perfect for smaller quantities and quick turnarounds.
Digital printing sends your file directly from computer to paper, perfect for smaller quantities and quick turnarounds.
When should I choose offset vs. digital printing?
Choose offset printing for:
- Large quantities (typically 500+ pieces)
- Jobs with large solid color areas
- Projects requiring the highest print quality
- Cost-sensitive high-volume runs
Choose digital printing for:
- Small quantities (under 500 pieces)
- Quick turnaround needs
- Variable data/personalization
- Environmentally conscious projects
Is there a quality difference between offset and digital?
For most text and photos, both methods produce excellent results. However, offset printing delivers superior quality for large solid color areas. While our high-end digital presses are top-of-the-line, offset still has the edge for certain applications.
File Preparation & Requirements
What file format do you need for printing?
We need a press-ready PDF file with crop marks and bleed. This ensures your job prints exactly as intended without any formatting issues.
What are crop marks and do I need special software to create them?
Crop marks are lines that show where your printed piece should be cut to final size. Any desktop publishing software (like InDesign, Illustrator, or even Word) can automatically create crop marks when you export to PDF.
Do I need to impose my files (arrange multiple pages on one sheet)?
No, please don’t! Our automated workflow handles imposition. If you submit pre-imposed files, we’ll likely need to break them apart and re-impose them, which could delay your job.
What is "bleed" and when do I need it?
Bleed is when design elements extend beyond the edge of your finished piece. You need bleed anytime graphics, photos, or colors touch the edge of your document. Extend these elements about 1/8″ beyond the trim line to ensure clean, professional edges.
What resolution should my images be?
All images should be 300 DPI (dots per inch) for crisp, professional print quality. Lower resolution images may appear blurry or pixelated when printed.
Proofing & Color
Can I see a proof before my job prints?
Yes! We offer both soft proofs (emailed PDFs) and hard proofs (physical samples) for color-critical jobs. Hard proofs are shipped overnight and provide the most accurate color representation.
Do I need to convert my colors to CMYK?
No, our workflow automatically converts RGB colors to CMYK for printing. However, if color accuracy is critical, we recommend designing in CMYK from the start.
Security & Privacy
Is my payment information secure?
Absolutely. We use the latest secure server technology for all transactions. We don’t store credit card information, and all data is transmitted through encrypted connections.
Do you share customer information?
Never. Your information stays completely confidential. You may occasionally receive promotional emails from us, but you can unsubscribe at any time, and we never share your data with third parties.
Have a question that’s not answered here? Contact us at 813.251.0244 or chris.brockett@4dimension.com – we’re always happy to help!