F.A.Q.

You can fill out an online estimate request form, or call 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. We can look at our print production schedule to ensure that you will meet your deadline.

We prefer PDFs (Portable Document Format) with a minimum 1/8” bleed and crop marks. 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.

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 pixelated and blocky when printed. Also, save all photos in CMYK mode, not RGB 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.

The best way to ensure your artwork fonts will print correctly is to send them as outlined objects in your original file. If your program doesn’t allow this, packaging or sending us the fonts will work as well. If you have a question about how to send your fonts properly, please call us and we’ll be glad to help.

AlphaGraphics is a full service marketing communications provider, and offers a wide range of print, marketing, design, and sign services.

Our multi-channel marketing solutions include:

• QR Codes
• PURLs
• SMS and MMS marketing
• Video production and editing
• Variable mapping
• Social media marketing
• Mobile optimized websites, and so much more!

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 your print job comes out the way you envisioned. By carefully inspecting the proof, you can help ensure an accurate, flawless delivery of your print job the first time.

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 your print job comes out the way you envisioned. By carefully inspecting the proof, you can help ensure an accurate, flawless delivery of your print job the first time.

Nope! Some printing methods may be more cost-effective than others, but our professional staff are happy to work with you to determine which printing method is best for your project.

Absolutely not!  We handle all the "back-end" production for you.

The terms are pretty easy to understand, though. Color separation refers to our offset printing process, where we use cyan, magenta, yellow, and black in four separate plates that go directly to the press. These four colors can create almost any color you can imagine!

Half-tone printing refers to converting a solid tone of black ink or one color into tiny dots that are invisible to the eye to create your image. You see a solid image, but it’s really created from the spacing of these tiny dots.

Not typically. Because white is the default color of paper, it is simply recognized as the absence of ink.

We have a large collection of “house” stocks in our production area. If you have a specific style in mind, we can check our in-house inventory to see if our selection is able to match your tastes. Or, we’ll check with our paper vendors to see what they have on hand. Keep in mind that special stocks or materials may require bulk purchasing from suppliers.

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.

In short, printers and monitors produce color 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 the closest matching color. Programs like Adobe Photoshop will allow you to choose which color will be replaced; others may not. We’ll provide you with a sample print right before we print your job to ensure a "what-you-see-is-what-you-get" final product.

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.