Tag: Online Printing Company

Top 4 Mistakes Made When Submitting Art to an Online Printing Company

Submitting artwork for color prints online seems simple, but small mistakes can lead to costly errors, wasted materials, and frustrating delays. If your design isn’t set up correctly, your printed materials—whether they’re brochures, business cards, or booklets—might not turn out as expected.

At Color Copies USA, we’ve seen it all. Our online printing company has been helping businesses and individuals get high-quality, cheap color prints since 2004. To help you avoid common pitfalls, we’re breaking down the top four mistakes people make when submitting files and how to fix them.

The final print of this image is 8.5″x11″. The printed image size is 8.75″x11″. The sheet of paper is at least 9″x12″

1. Ignoring Bleed and Safe Area: A Costly Overlook

The Mistake: No Bleed or Placing Content Too Close to the Edge

Bleed is an essential part of print design that many overlook. Creating a bleed extends your background or design beyond the final trim size, ensuring there are no unintended white borders after trimming. The safe area is equally important—it keeps text and critical elements from getting too close to the edges, where they might be trimmed off.

The Result: Unwanted White Borders or Cut-Off Text

Without bleed, your printed materials might end up with thin white lines along the edges, making them look unfinished. If content is placed outside the safe area, crucial text or images can get trimmed, leading to a design that looks sloppy or incomplete.

How to Prevent It

  • Always extend your background at least 0.125 inches beyond the trim line. This means your document will need to be .25 inches larger than the finished size.
  • Keep text and important elements at least 0.125 inches inside the trim line.
  • Most professional design programs allow you to set up bleed margins before you start.
“Bleed and safe margins are basic printing principles, yet they’re often ignored. It’s one of the most common errors we see, and it’s easy to avoid with proper file setup.”
– Gustavo Baner, owner/operator of Color Copies USA

2. Low-Resolution Images: The Blurry Print Problem

The Mistake: Using Low-Quality Images

Resolution plays a massive role in how sharp your color prints online turn out. Many people submit files using images pulled from websites, which are typically 72 DPI (dots per inch)—far too low for professional printing. Printing requires 300 DPI images to produce crisp, high-quality results. Anything lower can lead to a noticeable drop in clarity.

The Result: Blurry, Pixelated, or Jagged Prints

When a low-resolution image is stretched or enlarged for print, the pixels become visible, making the final product look blurry or distorted. Even when buying our cheap color prints, high resolution is key to making your designs look crisp.

How to Prevent It

  • Avoid copying images directly from websites—they’re optimized for screens, not print.
  • If your image looks blurry when zoomed in, it won’t print clearly.
If your images aren’t high-resolution, the final print will suffer. It’s always worth taking the extra time to find or create high-quality graphics.

3. Color Mismanagement: The RGB vs. CMYK Issue

The Mistake: Designing in RGB Instead of CMYK

Many people create their designs in RGB (Red, Green, Blue)—the default color mode for screens. However, color printing relies on CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black), which is specifically formulated for ink on paper.

The Result: Unexpected Color Shifts

A vibrant blue on your screen might turn into a dull purple once printed. That’s because RGB colors use light to create brightness, while CMYK uses ink, which naturally has a different range of colors.

How to Prevent It

  • Always design in CMYK mode for print.
  • If you’re unsure how colors will translate, request a printed proof before placing a large order.
  • Monitor calibration can also affect how colors appear, so don’t rely on your screen alone.
“We always advise clients to work in CMYK from the start,” says Gustavo Baner. “It saves time and prevents surprises when the prints come out.”
– Gustavo Baner

4. Font Issues: Missing or Altered Text

The Mistake: Not Embedding or Converting Fonts to Outlines

If you use custom fonts in your design but don’t embed them or convert them to outlines, they may not appear correctly when printed. If the printer doesn’t have the same font installed, it may be substituted with a default font, completely altering your layout.

The Result: Incorrect or Missing Text

Your carefully chosen typography might get replaced with a generic font, throwing off alignment, spacing, and design aesthetics. In some cases, text can even disappear entirely.

How to Prevent It

  • Convert text to outlines (vector shapes) before submitting.
  • Always check your proof carefully before finalizing your print order.
Typography is a huge part of good design. One missing font can make a design look unprofessional and ruin a print job.

Need Help? Let Color Copies USA Handle It for You!

If all of this sounds overwhelming, don’t worry—we have solutions to make the process easier.

Professional Design Services

Not sure how to set up your file correctly? Our talented online printing design team can take your ideas and create a professional layout that’s print-ready. We make sure your files meet the right specifications, so you don’t have to worry about errors.

Online Design Tool

Prefer to design it yourself but want to avoid mistakes? Use our online design tools when placing your order. You can create your design directly on our website with pre-set templates that eliminate common issues.

Customizable Templates

We provide a huge selection of templates that you can personalize. Whether you need color prints online for business cards, postcards, or banners, our templates simplify the process.

“At Color Copies USA, we don’t just print—we help businesses create the perfect printed materials. We make it easy, whether you need full design services or just a little guidance.”
– Gustavo Baner

Why Choose Color Copies USA?

Color Copies USA has been a trusted online printing company since 2004, providing cheap color prints with high quality and fast turnaround. We offer color printing solutions for businesses of all sizes, making it easy to get professional materials without breaking your budget.

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What Sets Us Apart?

  • Experience: Over 15 years of expertise in high-quality printing.
  • Affordable Pricing: Get premium results at cheap color print prices.
  • Customer Support: Our team is here to help with every step, from design to production.

Get It Right the First Time with Color Copies USA

Avoiding these common mistakes saves you time, money, and frustration. Whether it’s setting up bleed, using the correct resolution, selecting CMYK, or embedding fonts, small details make a big difference.

If you’re unsure about your file setup, Color Copies USA can help. Our online printing company offers easy-to-use templates, professional design services, and high-quality color printing to ensure your project turns out exactly as you envision. 

Reach out today, and let’s create something extraordinary together. To get your order started, click here or give us a call at 877-421-0668.

Top Tips For Successful Color Printing Online

In today’s digital age, hopping on the web to get your business printing done by an online printing company can be an advantage over working with a local print shop.

With an array of commercial printing options from wide format presses to commercial laser printers, leveraging a color printing website for your print marketing needs can save you time and money without compromising on quality.

In this blog, we’ll explore key aspects to consider for successful results and introduce you to Color Copies USA, a leader in discount printing services since 2004.

A desktop covered with online printed materials from Color Copies USA

Understanding Color Profiles and Settings

The Key to Accurate Hues

Color accuracy is vital in print jobs. Misunderstood color profiles can lead to unexpected results. Here’s how to get it right:

  • Use a Standard CMYK Profile: This is the universal format used whether color printing online or if you go to your local print shop.
  • Calibrate Your Monitor: Ensure your screen displays colors accurately for a reliable preview.
  • Consult with Your Online Printing Company: Experienced companies like Color Copies USA can guide you on the best settings for your project.

Recap

Accurate color reproduction starts with understanding and using the right color profiles. Regularly calibrate your monitor and consult with professionals for the best results.

The Importance of High-Resolution Images

Clarity and Detail in Every Print

Image resolution plays a pivotal role in the sharpness and clarity of your prints. Here’s how to ensure high quality:

  • Use High-Resolution Images: Aim for 300 dpi (dots per inch) for crisp prints.
  • Avoid Enlarging Images: This will cause pixelation. Use images that are already high in resolution. Making a 72 dpi image into a 300 dpi image will result in a giant blurry image.

Recap

For clear and detailed prints, always use high-resolution images. Avoid enlarging low-resolution images to maintain quality.

Preparing Files for Optimal Results

Ensuring Flawless Prints

Proper file preparation can significantly impact the final output. Follow these tips:

  • Use Professional Software: Software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign gives you greater and more precise control over your files.
  • Check for Errors: Look for any missing fonts or graphics before sending your files.
  • Include Bleed and Safe Margins: This ensures no important content is cut off during the printing process.
  • Save as a PDF: This is the universally accepted file format for printing anything. Saving your file as a PDF will ensure greater print quality and less chance of errors.

Recap

Prepare your files carefully using professional software, check for errors, and include bleed and safe margins for flawless prints. Save your art as a PDF file.

The Cost-Effective Advantage Of Online Printing

Maximizing Savings Without Compromising Quality

A significant advantage of doing your color printing online is the potential for cost savings. Here’s how online options can be more economical:

  • Leveraging Internet Efficiency: Online printing allows for efficient processing and handling of orders. This translates to lower costs for the customer.
  • Economies of Scale: Large online printing companies, like CC USA, benefit from economies of scale. They can handle large volumes of orders, which means they can offer more competitive pricing compared to your smaller local printers.
  • Reduced Overheads: Online operations typically have lower overhead costs than traditional brick-and-mortar stores. These discounts can be passed on to customers, offering better deals and discounts.

Recap

Choosing color printing online can be a cost-effective solution. It leverages the efficiency of the internet, offers the benefits of economies of scale, and reduces overhead costs, leading to savings for customers without compromising on quality.

Choosing the Right Online Printing Company

Where Quality Meets Service

Selecting a suitable online printing company is crucial. Here’s what to look for:

  • Experience and Reputation: A company like Color Copies USA, with years of experience and a solid reputation, is a reliable choice.

Recap

Choose an online printing company with a good reputation, a wide range of services, and excellent customer service for a hassle-free experience.

Conclusion

Achieving high-quality color prints requires understanding color profiles, using high-resolution images, properly preparing files, and choosing the right online printing company. By following these tips and partnering with a trusted company like CC USA, you can ensure your print projects are successful and visually striking.

Remember: For all your printing needs, from cheap color copies to beautifully printed promotional materials, Color Copies USA is here to provide top-notch service and quality. Let us help bring your vision to life with our expertise and commitment to excellence in color printing online.

To place your order, click here or give our team a call at 877-421-0668.

It’s 2020 – Like Oprah – Focus on Getting Your Message Out NOW!

2020 online print marketing ideas

Even with the online market growing and succeeding, businesses still use their physical stores to make money and to get their foot into the business world. Because of this, physical advertisements, like fliers, work to tell people about your message or products. You can create these prints through an online printing company

Print Marketing

You can still effectively advertise your business or share your message through printed materials. This is known as print marketing. It allows you to contact a business to print out different materials that you need, including color copies, to share a message or your business with people.

Just like with any other types of marketing, you want to create the best prints possible. As Oprah Winfrey said, “Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.” As you put effort into your marketing, it will pave the way for you to increase your profits.

Online printing company ideasThe Benefits of Print Copies

You can gain a variety of benefits by creating print copies to get your message to people. First off, you can easily advertise your business or message to other people. Simply create a nice design with information on it and make multiple copies. If you work with an online printing company, they can create these copies for you.

This process also brings top quality to your prints. While you could use your own printer, you probably don’t have a high-end printer that can create pristine quality prints in a variety of materials and styles. By going to a company that does printing, you can ensure that you create the perfect prints for your business.

On top of this, you can save money in the long run. If you’re creating prints on your own, you could easily make mistakes, not like how it looks or face other problems. This might require you to reprint the batch. By working with an online printing company, they can handle all of that hassle for you.

Different Types of Prints

You can create different types of prints depending on your needs. While you should always make color copies whenever possible, also consider what you want to make. However, did you know that you can have different types of prints made of various materials? Here are some examples of types.

  • Fliers.
  • Banners.
  • Business cards.
  • Posters.

You can also use these material and others.

  • Paper.
  • Metallic.
  • Card stock.

You have many possibilities when you create prints for your business. Companies that focus on prints have access to materials that you wouldn’t be able to print by yourself. Get in contact with an online printing company so that you can create the messages that your business wants to release to the public.

Conclusion

If you want to create the perfect copies for your prints, then you can use online companies to help you out. You can keep things as simple as creating color copies to complex prints like making metallic business cards. It comes down to your preferences and what the companies can do for you.

Remember what Oprah said: “You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.” Ask for those messages on your prints and you can get them. Get your message out now!