F.A.Q.

You can fill out an online estimate request form (https://www.alphagraphics.com/us-alabama-hoover-us448/get-a-quote), or call 205.979.2373 and talk with one of our team members.

If you’re working within a time constraint, let us know when you call for a quote. Because our production time can change daily and the time commitment of every job is unique, we will look at our schedule at the time you request a quote to estimate a turn around time. Hard deadlines can be ensured once your job has been given the go-ahead to begin production.

We do not. In some instances, it may be more cost effective per piece to print at higher quantities. If you would like a quote for different quantities, sizes or paper options, your sales associate will be happy to walk you through different options.

Our design department maintains the responsibility to prefilght all files before they move on to our printing and sign department. Many files will need some type of attention before moving onto the final stage of print. While it may not be specifiaclly graphic design, resizing files, checking for resolution, setting up cut paths, and extending edges to have bleeds when needed are all processes that are handled by our designers. An indication for design charge on your invoice means that your files required time spent for adjustments before printing.

We do our best to minimize this cost for our customers and often re-request files that will need less or no attention from our design department, however there are certain preflight processes that are unavoidable to render files for our specific printing and cutting machines.

We prefer PDFs (Portable Document Format). Most office and design programs allow you to save or export your files into a PDF format. Occasionally, the original file may be needed if artwork edits are required.

If your document bleeds, the file needs to be saved with 1/8” bleed. See the image below to have a better understanding of bleeds. A document needs to bleed if there is color all the way to any of the edges of the document. If this is the case, the document needs to be saved with color BEYOND the edge of the document. This is called a bleed. For further explanation, see here (https://www.alphagraphics.com/us-alabama-hoover-us448/blog/blog-list/2023/06/4-things-to-know-when-submitting-your-print-job).

Resolution should be set to a minimum of 240 dpi (dots per inch/resolution) at the size that your image needs to print. 300 dpi is preferred. If your image is 8x10, it should saved at 300 dpi and 8 in x 10 in. As size increases, resolution decreases proportionally. If your 8x10 300 dpi image is changed to 16 in x20 in in size, resolution will decrease to 150 dpi.

Pictures and graphics pulled from the internet are often very low resolution, typically 72 dpi. Avoid these graphics, as they will appear pixelated, blurry, or blocky when printed. Unless permission has been given, grapics and images pulled from the internet are property of the original creator and should be not be used for this reason as well.

Save all photos in CMYK color mode, not RGB, when possible.

The best way to ensure your artwork fonts will print correctly is to ask for a hard proof before going to final print. Occansionally fonts will not be recognized when going from one computer to the next. This is more prevelant if your document uses a less than ordinary font that our computers may not have. A few ways to avoid font mishaps is to convert your text to outlines before saving the file, or if your program doesn't have an option to do this, send the font file with your document.

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 your print job comes out the way you envisioned. Carefully inspect your proof for possible spelling errors, to make sure the color is accurate, and to verify all fonts are correct. When files are trasferred from your computer to someone else's (your printer), funky things can happen so a proof gives you and us a chance to make sure that everything is going to print exactly how you have envisioned.

Document bleed is when color runs to the edge of the trim area. When this happens, there needs to be some color running beyond the final cut size of your print job. Take a look at the image below. The pink box represents the final size. Let’s say the pink box equals 9”x12”. The first image has a white background. No color is printed to the edge of the pink box. This file can be saved at 9”x12”. The second image DOES have color running to the pink box (it bleeds) but is NOT saved properly. The third box shows how it SHOULD be saved. When creating a PDF to print, look for bleed options in your save menu and add .125” all around. The final size of image number three will be 9.25” x 12.25” and will be trimmed down to 9”x12”.

For basic printing on paper, not typically, because white is the default color of paper. It is simply recognized as the absence of ink.
For more complex and larger projects, like metal or acrylic signage, white would be considered a printing color. However, for a graphic designer's purpose, white should be used in a project just as any other color. Your designer does not need to change how his/her document is created to account for how our printers use white in different projects.

Paper comes in several different weights and finishes. We have a large collection of in-house papers stocked in our production area. If you have a specific style in mind, we can check our inventory to see if our selection is able to match your tastes.

We can also check with our paper vendors to see what they have on hand. Keep in mind that special stocks may require bulk purchasing from suppliers and will extend project completion time.

A vector file is a lossless, scalable file. Vector files must be created in vector programs, such as Adobe Illustrator or Adobe InDesign. Vector file extensions are .ai, .eps, .svg, and some .pdf files. Vector files allow for the images created in them to be scaled as large as needed without losing image quality. If you have a vector logo that is printed on a business card you should be able to take the file for the logo and enlarge it to print on a road side billboard without losing clarity in the image.

Adversely, .jpg, .gif, and .png files are rastor, which means they are made of pixels and are not scalable without the loss of quality and clarity.

For a deeper dive into vector files, check out this blog post (https://www.alphagraphics.com/us/alabama/south-birmingham-hoover/blog/the-difference-between-a-vector-file-and-a-not-vector-file/).

JPG and PDF files are both very common file types that are widely accepted for various uses. So what is the difference between a JPG and a PDF?

A .jpg is essentially a photograph. It is a flat image. Serveral programs can create imagery to be saved or exported as a .jpg. JPG files are not editable.

A .pdf (portable document format) is a document that can contain mulitple types of information. A PDF can have .jpg files, vector files, and editable text all within one document. A PDF is not a flat document and while it's not ideal, can be picked apart if need be.

Take a look at the image below. In a PDF, the photo of our sales team, the white box behind the text ,and the text are all different pieces of information contained within that file. In a JPG, although it will look exactly the same, the photo of our sales team, the white box behind the text, and the text is flattened to make one piece of information - the .jpg image.

A proof is your final opportunity to review your project before it goes into production. At this stage, all requested edits have been made and the file has been prepared for printing. Carefully reviewing your proof helps ensure that text, images, colors, and layout meet your expectations, allowing us to produce your project accurately the first time.

No. Some printing methods may be more cost-effective or better suited for certain projects than others. Our team is happy to review your project details, discuss your goals, timeline, and budget, and recommend the printing method that best fits your needs.

Absolutely not! That's what we're here for. Our team handles all of the technical aspects of print production, so you don't have to be a printing expert to get exceptional results.

If you're curious, color separation is the process used in offset printing to reproduce full-color images by combining four ink colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK). Halftones use tiny dots of ink to create the appearance of continuous tones, gradients, and photographs. Together, these techniques allow us to produce vibrant, high-quality printed materials with remarkable detail.

If you ever have questions about the printing process or aren't sure how to prepare your files, our experienced team is happy to guide you every step of the way.

Not typically. In most printing processes, white isn't printed with ink because the paper itself provides the white areas of the design. As a result, white is treated as the absence of ink rather than a printed color.

We offer a wide selection of paper stocks and specialty materials to suit a variety of projects. If you have a specific paper type, weight, color, or finish in mind, we'll first check our in-house inventory. If we don't have exactly what you're looking for, we'll work with our trusted paper suppliers to source the best option. Please note that some specialty papers and materials may require minimum order quantities or bulk purchasing.

The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is the industry standard for specifying and reproducing precise colors. Each Pantone color is assigned a unique identification number, allowing printers to accurately match colors and maintain consistency across different print runs, materials, and production methods. This is especially important for businesses looking to preserve brand consistency.

Colors may appear different in print than they do on your screen because monitors and printers produce color differently. Computer monitors use the RGB (red, green, blue) color model, while commercial printers use the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) color model. Because RGB can display a wider range of colors than CMYK can reproduce, some colors may shift slightly when printed.

To help ensure you're happy with the final result, we'll provide a proof for your review whenever appropriate. This gives you the opportunity to confirm color, layout, and overall appearance before your project goes into production.

Binding is the process of fastening individual sheets together to create a finished booklet, catalog, manual, or presentation. Common binding methods include staples, wire, thread, glue, coils, and other finishing options depending on the project’s size, style, and intended use.

Binding is the process of securing individual printed pages together to create a finished document. Depending on your project's size, purpose, and appearance, pages can be bound using staples, wire, coils, glue, thread, or other professional finishing methods.

Bleed is artwork that extends beyond the final trim size of a printed piece. After printing, the document is trimmed to its finished size, ensuring colors, images, and backgrounds extend cleanly to the edge without leaving unwanted white borders.

Cast-coated paper is a premium paper stock with an ultra-high-gloss, mirror-like finish. Its smooth, reflective surface enhances color vibrancy and image detail, making it an excellent choice for brochures, postcards, packaging, and other high-impact marketing materials.

Coated paper features a smooth surface created by applying a protective coating to one or both sides of the sheet. Available in gloss, matte, satin, and dull finishes, coated paper produces sharper text, more vibrant colors, and crisper images than uncoated paper. It's an excellent choice for brochures, postcards, catalogs, magazines, and other marketing materials where image quality is important.

Collating is the process of arranging printed pages into the correct sequence before they are bound or finished. This ensures multi-page documents, such as booklets, manuals, and reports, are assembled in the proper order.

Color correction is the process of adjusting and optimizing color, contrast, brightness, and sharpness to improve image quality and ensure accurate, consistent color reproduction in print.

Cover stock is a durable, heavyweight paper commonly used for book covers, presentation folders, brochures, postcards, business cards, and other printed materials that require added strength and a professional appearance.

Cropping is the process of trimming or removing unwanted portions of an image or printed piece to improve composition, fit a desired size, or prepare it for final production.

Crop marks are small printed lines that indicate where a printed piece should be trimmed to its final size. They help ensure accurate cutting and a clean, professional finish.

A gloss finish is a smooth, high-shine coating that reflects light and enhances the appearance of colors and images. It's commonly used to create vibrant, eye-catching printed materials with a polished, professional look.

Lamination is the process of applying a thin protective film to one or both sides of a printed piece. It enhances durability, resists moisture and wear, and is available in gloss, matte, and soft-touch finishes. In some applications, lamination is also used to bond one material or surface to another.

A matte (or dull) finish is a smooth, non-reflective coating that minimizes glare while providing a refined, professional appearance. It's an excellent choice for printed materials that are frequently handled or viewed under bright lighting.

Offset printing is a commercial printing process in which ink is transferred from a printing plate to a rubber blanket and then onto the paper. Known for its exceptional image quality, color consistency, and cost-effectiveness on larger print runs, offset printing is ideal for brochures, catalogs, magazines, and other high-volume projects.

Perfect binding is a popular bookbinding method in which the pages and cover are securely joined with a strong adhesive along a flat spine. It creates a clean, professional appearance and is commonly used for books, catalogs, annual reports, magazines, and thicker booklets.

Resolution refers to the level of detail and clarity in a digital image or printed piece. Higher-resolution images contain more detail and produce sharper, clearer prints, while low-resolution images may appear blurry or pixelated when enlarged or printed.

Saddle stitching is a binding method that secures folded pages together with wire staples placed along the center fold. It's an economical, durable option commonly used for booklets, brochures, newsletters, catalogs, and event programs.

AlphaGraphics produces a wide range of indoor and outdoor signs and displays, including banners, posters, window graphics, wall murals, trade show displays, vehicle graphics, directional signage, retail displays, and custom business signage. Our team can recommend the best solution based on your goals, location, and budget.

Yes. Whether you have finished artwork or just an idea, our experienced design team can help create a professional sign or display that reflects your brand and captures attention. We'll work with you from concept to production to ensure your message stands out.

We offer a variety of materials, including foam board, acrylic, aluminum, PVC, corrugated plastic, vinyl, fabric, canvas, and more. Our team will recommend the right material based on where your sign will be used, how long it needs to last, and the desired appearance.

Production times vary depending on the size, materials, and complexity of your project. Many signs can be completed within a few business days, while larger or more customized projects may require additional time. Contact your local AlphaGraphics center for an estimated turnaround based on your specific needs.

Many AlphaGraphics centers offer professional installation services for signs, window graphics, wall murals, vehicle graphics, and other large-format applications. Contact your local center to learn about installation options available in your area.

AlphaGraphics offers thousands of customizable promotional products, including branded apparel, drinkware, pens, tote bags, notebooks, technology accessories, trade show giveaways, office supplies, and more. We'll help you find products that align with your brand, budget, and marketing goals.

Yes. Most promotional products can be customized with your company logo, brand colors, messaging, or artwork. Our team will help ensure your branding looks professional and is reproduced accurately across your selected products.

The best promotional products depend on your audience, budget, and marketing objectives. Whether you're preparing for a trade show, customer appreciation event, employee recognition program, or direct mail campaign, our team can recommend products that make a lasting impression.

Minimum order quantities vary by product and manufacturer. Some items can be ordered in small quantities, while others require larger production runs. Your local AlphaGraphics center can help you select products that fit your budget and ordering needs.

Production times vary depending on the product, customization method, and order size. Many promotional products are available with standard or expedited production options. Contact your local AlphaGraphics center for an estimated timeline based on your project requirements.

AlphaGraphics provides a wide range of marketing services designed to help businesses build their brand and connect with customers. Our capabilities include branding and identity development, graphic and logo design, copywriting, website design and development, audio and video production, and other creative solutions that support your marketing goals.

Yes. Whether you're launching a new business or refreshing an existing brand, our team can help develop a cohesive visual identity that reflects your organization. From logos and brand guidelines to marketing collateral and digital assets, we'll create materials that communicate your brand consistently across every customer touchpoint.

Absolutely. Our creative team can help bring your ideas to life, whether you're starting from scratch or updating existing materials. We offer graphic design, copywriting, branding, and creative services to develop professional marketing assets tailored to your business.

Yes. We help businesses create integrated marketing materials for both print and digital channels. Whether you need brochures, direct mail, signage, websites, videos, or digital creative assets, our team can develop solutions that work together to deliver a consistent brand experience.

Getting started is easy. Contact your local AlphaGraphics center to discuss your goals, audience, and project requirements. Our team will learn about your business, recommend the right creative and marketing solutions, and develop a customized plan that aligns with your objectives, timeline, and budget.

AlphaGraphics provides professional design services for businesses of all sizes. Our team can assist with logo design, branding, brochures, business cards, direct mail, signage, presentations, marketing collateral, and other custom graphic design projects that help bring your ideas to life.

Absolutely. Whether you're starting with a rough concept or a blank page, our experienced designers can create professional, custom artwork tailored to your business, brand, and project goals. We'll work with you throughout the design process to ensure the final product meets your expectations.

Yes. We can refresh existing marketing materials, update branding, modify artwork, or prepare files for print. Whether you need a simple edit or a complete redesign, our team can help ensure your materials look polished and professionally produced.

Our design process begins with understanding your goals, audience, and project requirements. From there, our team develops creative concepts, collaborates with you on revisions, and prepares production-ready artwork for print or digital use, ensuring the finished design reflects your vision.

We accept a wide variety of file formats, including PDF, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Microsoft Office files, and common image formats such as JPG, PNG, and TIFF. If you're unsure whether your files are suitable, our team will review them and recommend the best approach for your project.

agOnline is AlphaGraphics' customizable web-to-print portal that gives your organization access to approved print and marketing materials in one secure, centralized location. It simplifies ordering, helps maintain brand consistency, and allows teams across multiple locations to quickly order the materials they need.

agOnline streamlines the way businesses manage and order print and marketing materials. By centralizing branded assets, simplifying the purchasing process, and providing 24/7 online access, organizations can improve efficiency, maintain brand standards, and support marketing campaigns across multiple locations.

Yes. AlphaGraphics offers fulfillment services that include inventory management, kitting, packaging, warehousing, and distribution. Whether you're shipping to a single location or coordinating deliveries nationwide, our team can help ensure your materials arrive accurately and on time.

Absolutely. AlphaGraphics helps businesses with multiple offices, franchises, or retail locations manage their print and marketing materials through agOnline. Approved assets are stored in one secure location, making it easy for authorized users to customize, order, and distribute materials while maintaining brand consistency.

Yes. agOnline can be tailored to meet your organization's unique needs. Custom portals can include branded templates, user permissions, inventory management, personalized ordering workflows, reporting tools, and marketing asset libraries, making it easier to manage print and marketing communications across your business.