FAQ
Whether you are an expert or a beginner we are sure that in this area you will find helpful information that you could really use.
File Setup
What file types are accepted?
.AI (Adobe Illustrator) please downsave to CS3, .PSD (Adobe Photoshop), .EPS, .PDF, JPG, .TIF
What color space should I send my files in?
All files should be sent in CMYK. Any files submitted in RGB may experience unacceptable color shifting. All files submitted in RGB are automatically converted to CMYK.
What are the bleed requirements?
All files must include a 1/8″ (0.125 inch) bleed per dimension regardless if your design bleeds to the edge or not. An example of bleed setup for a 4″ x 6″ postcard would be 4.125″ x 6.125″.
What are your resolution requirements?
All rasterized (bitmap) images must be at least 300 dpi. However, 400 dpi for photo images and 1200 dpi for text and line art is highly recommended.
Should I include crop marks in my file?
NEVER include crop marks in your artwork. Always submit your artwork at trim size + bleed. An example of bleed setup for a 4″ x 6″ postcard would be 4.125″ x 6.125″.
Can I include front and back images in 1 file?
Each side of your artwork must be in a separate file. Do not put both front and back in the same file.
Should overprint be turned on or off?
It is STRONGLY suggested that overprint is turned off to avoid unexpected results.
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File Submission
How do I send my files to Riot Prints?
You will be given access to a client only upload portal.
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Ordering
Can I change paper, quantity or any other job specifications after I’ve finalized my order?
Due to the highly automated and fast paced gang-run process, once orders are placed, they are final. Changes cannot be made and orders cannot be cancelled or refunded.
What payment methods are accepted?
PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are accepted. All orders must be paid in full.
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Production
What type of printing is used?
All products except banners are done using a gang run procedure on offset presses including jobs of 200 and 500 quantities. This is possible due to our highly efficient workflow and job volume. Banner jobs are not offset
What line screen are my jobs printed at?
200 lpi
How long does it take to start printing?
Printing may start as early as a few hours. Riot Prints has full discretion in scheduling and makes sure all jobs are completed within stated turnaround times.
How do I calculate turnaround time?
There are two components to turnaround time. First is production time. This is the time to manufacture your job. The second component is transit time. This is the time for the product to reach you. Transit time varies on shipping method used. Both production time and transit time never include weekends or holidays. The day of ordering is not counted as the first day. I.e. Ordering Monday before cut-off with a 2 day turnaround time means the job will be ready to ship on Wednesday (Tuesday = Day 1 of Production, Wednesday = Day 2 of production).
What is your time-cut?
12:00 p.m. Pacific time is the daily time cut.
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About Offset Printing
Offset printing uses plates and inks to image onto paper. The offset make-ready process often warrants approximately 30 minutes to burn, mount, and register the plates, and to bring the output up to pleasing color. It often takes an hour or more to print a single page. Once up and running however, the economies and speed of offset printing for print runs over 1000 pages typically will be better than digital processes. This is why you typically can not print under 1000 quantities with offset.
Digital Printing utilizes a different technique for applying image onto stock. It produces images with toner instead of ink. The time it takes to produce the first page is usually under a minute. Digital technology makes runs shorter than 1000 less expensive as well as quicker to produce than offset printing.
Some things to keep in mind regarding Offset printing:
Every printer and every press is not set up exactly the same and likewise no job will print exactly the same between different printers and/or different presses. If you have printed a particular job before with another press then we strongly recommend you order a ColorMatch™ proof before you print. There is an accepted industry standard for color variation amongst presses and printers; however, this variation is minor in scale.
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Shipping
What carrier does Riot Prints use to ship with?
All shipments are sent via UPS.
Where do you ship to?
Riot Prints ships to all 50 US states.
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