FAQs

Any non-photographic content (including graphics and text) should be uploaded as vector-based files to ensure lines are crisp and clear. Logos usually need to be separated from the background, resized, or otherwise manipulated. Vector images offer the most versatility for these purposes. Supported formats currently include .jpg, .png and pdf.

For optimal results, format logos and graphics to at least 300 dpi (dots per inch), with transparent backgrounds. This gives good, crisp graphics. Images taken from the internet won’t work as they are generally 72 dpi.

Although you can upload artwork saved as either CMYK or RGB, we recommend converting your images into CMYK before uploading to Hotspot Printing. This is four color process printing or full color print. Using CMYK images will allow you to soft proof your images on screen, giving you a more accurate color representation. If you upload artwork as RGB, your artwork may appear duller or desaturated when printed.

A good rule of thumb is anything dealing with the web should always be in RGB (Red, Green, Blue) and printed material should be in CYMK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, blacK).  Print production usually requires the four-color process CMYK in high resolution of at least 300 dpi.

Our digital printing is done using CYMK, so if you upload your images in RGB we will automatically convert them to CYMK. This automatic conversion process can sometimes result in faded, dull or inaccurate color representation in the final printed project.
For the best printed color results, we strongly suggest converting your file format from RGB to CYMK before uploading. You can then adjust the colors after your conversion to appear more accurately to your intended result. Software programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Acrobat have features to better represent CMYK colors on computer monitors. If you have one of these software programs installed on your computer, that should help you convert and preview the artwork.

To convert your image from RGB to CYMK:
Photoshop: open image > image > mode > CYMK color
Illustrator: open image > edit > edit colors > convert to CYMK
Acrobat Pro: open image > tools > print production > convert colors

To scan properly, UPC barcodes need to be at least 2.2 inches wide. We recommend that barcodes be at least .5 inches tall for the best results. Barcode image files should be at least 300 dpi or uploaded as .ai, .eps, or .pdf files.

All sides of the box are fully customizable — front, back, top, bottom, outside and inside. The inside can be printed for an additional charge. You can customize the outside only. You can customize both the outside and inside (even the flaps that tuck away or reside inside the folded box). You cannot customize the inside only.

Yes, but there is an additional charge for printing on the inside of the box.

Most folding carton boxes are made from 18pt – 24pt SBS paperboard.

While they are superb choices for display and internal packaging of smaller items, they do not have the rigidity that is necessary to protect your items during shipping. We recommend placing them into a sturdy corrugated external box to protect your contents during shipping.

Yes indeed. You will need to call us for a quote before you place your order.

Fold Up Boxes, Gable Boxes, Pillow Packs, Tuck Boxes, Golf Sleeves = 7-10 business days

Resolution should be set to 300 dpi.

Pictures and graphics pulled from the internet are often low resolution, typically 72 dpi or 96 dpi. Avoid these graphics, as they will appear pixilated and blocky when printed.

Also note that you should save all photos in CMYK mode, not RGB mode when possible. Images saved in RGB mode may not print properly. If you are unable to save your image in CYMK mode, please let us know.

Well, since you are here, we would suggest you use our online estimate request form. Otherwise, the best way to ensure that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate quote, give us a call and talk with one of our client service representatives.

Generally speaking, we typically turnaround projects in 5 to 10 working days from receipt of final approval. We also realize there are times when you need us to step it up and deliver your projects sooner. We will do our best to honor your requests for quicker delivery if it is in our power to do so. It is always best to check with us early on in the development of a project so that we may help complete your project on time and on budget.

Not typically. Because white is the default color of paper, it is simply recognized as the absence of any ink. However, when using colored paper, white ink may be used if any text or graphic requires it.

PDF (Portable Document Format) is the most common and preferred file format for submitting digital documents. With the installation of a PDF print driver on your computer, virtually any program can generate a PDF file suitable for printing. Both commercial and free PDF print drivers are available online for download from different sources.

In printing terms, a proof is a one-off copy of your document after all modifications and printing setup processes have been completed. It is your last and best opportunity to make sure that the print job comes out the way you want. By carefully inspecting the proof, you can help us assure an accurate, flawless delivery of your print job on the first run.

The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a color reproduction standard in which colors all across the spectrum are each identified by a unique, independent number. The use of PMS allows us to precisely match colors and maintain color consistency throughout the printing process.

Good question! We are a full service shop and offer a wide range of products and services. To see a full listing and description of what we can offer you, checkout the Products & Services pages of our website.

In short, printers and monitors produce colors in different ways.

Monitors use the RGB (red, green, blue) color model, which usually supports a wider spectrum of colors. Printers use the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color model, which can reproduce most—but not all—of the colors in the RGB color model. Depending on the equipment used, CMYK generally matches 85–90% of the colors in the RGB model.

When a color is selected from the RGB model that is out of the range of the CMYK model, the application chooses what it thinks is the closest color that will match. Programs like Adobe Photoshop will allow you to choose which color will be replaced. Others may not.