Printing Information & Answers

Have you ever had a question and either didn't know where to find the answer or were too afraid to ask? If so, you've come to the right place!

As the name would suggest, we've provided a compilation of answers to the questions our clients most commonly ask, and you'll find those answers starting here...

1. Are you a “green” company?
2. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
3. Can you scan and save my files to a CD?
4. How can I get a credit application for my company?
5. How can I get a W-9 tax ID for Mele Printing?
6. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
7. How long does it take for you to complete my order?
8. Is white considered a printing color?
9. Tips on how to save your design files.
10. What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?
11. What is Adobe PDF JobReady?
12. What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?
13. What is the Pantone Matching System?
14. What is variable data printing?
15. What type of products and services do you provide?
16. Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?

1. Are you a “green” company?

   Absolutely! We take very seriously our role in preserving the environment and integrate numerous green practices into our daily operations. In addition to energy-efficient equipment and chemical-free technologies, we can perform many print jobs using recycled paper stock. If you would like to use recycled paper for your next print job, let us know. You’ll be pleased with the results and feel good about helping the environment, too.

2. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?

   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.

3. Can you scan and save my files to a CD?

   Yes. We can scan drawings and save electronic versions or copy files to a CD.

4. How can I get a credit application for my company?It's easy, just download and complete the file, and either give to your customer service representative or fax it to 985-871-1011. Someone will contact you with details.

5. How can I get a W-9 tax ID for Mele Printing?
   For your convenience we have prepared a document for you that will enable your company to setup Mele Printing as a vendor. Just download, open the file in Acrobat and print. It's that easy!

6. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?

   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 is to give us a call and talk with one of our customer service representatives.

7. How long does it take for you to complete my order?

   Mele Printing takes pride in the quality and performance of all services we provide. However, because each job is unique in its own way, Mele stands by the fact that most jobs are completed and sent for delivery within five business days or less. (Contact your service representative today for details on your job specifications.)

8. Is white considered a printing color?

   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.

9. Tips on how to save your design files.

   What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?

   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.

10. What is Adobe PDF JobReady?

    To help you make PDF’s and send in your order we have an Adobe program called JobReady that you can download for FREE. JobReady automatically makes a PDF from your file, creates an order form and will send us your file directly from you desktop. All you need to do is follow the simply installation instructions. We promise once you have used Job Ready you will never want to use another application to transfer PDF’s again.

11. What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?

    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.

12. What is the Pantone Matching System?

    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.

13. What is variable data printing?

    Variable data printing is technology for printing documents so that each piece is personalized to the specific recipient. At the most basic level, this means personalizing a name and address. But for real impact, many projects include unique graphics and content that speaks directly to the recipient.

14. What type of products and services do you provide?

    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 out the Products & Services area in the Customer Service Section of our website.

15. Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?

    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.