Print Products FAQ: Questions about materials, finishes and formats

FAQ – Printed Products
FAQ: Copy paper
FAQ – Payment and Delivery

Can I order very small or single-copy print runs?

Yes. Depending on the product, you can order both very small print runs and single copies from us.

Which file formats are accepted for uploading?

You can create your layout entirely within our FreeDesign tool. Files in JPG, PNG and SVG formats are suitable for uploading images and logos. You can also upload layouts that are already complete as PDF files. Please ensure that all fonts used are embedded in the PDF file. For images and graphics with transparent areas, please use PNG files only. Transparent areas of images will be automatically excluded.

What does ‘drag-and-drop’ mean?

‘Drag-and-drop’ means ‘drag and drop’. This feature allows you to move, copy or upload files to our website quickly and easily.

What resolution should my file be?

For the best possible print result, your file should have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi. For posters in sizes from DIN A1 upwards (from ½ full-surface), a minimum resolution of 150 dpi is required. As a general rule, the higher the resolution, the better the print quality tends to be.

What are vector data and SVG files?

Vector data does not consist of individual image points, known as pixels, but of mathematically defined lines and curves. This allows graphics and fonts, amongst other things, to be saved. Vector data is resolution-independent and can be scaled up or down without any loss of quality. SVG files can be used in our FreeDesign tool.

Do I need to add a bleed or margin?

Yes. The bleed is the area that extends beyond the actual final format. This prevents white ‘gaps’ that can occur during trimming. In our layout templates, the bleed area is displayed as soon as you place elements close to the edge or beyond it. Please ensure that any design elements and background areas close to the edge are positioned entirely within the bleed area. Text should be placed at least 1.5 mm from the edge of the final format.

What tolerances do I need to take into account?

Precision and accuracy are of the utmost importance when finishing printed products. Although computer-controlled machines are used, minor tolerances during the cutting and folding of paper cannot be entirely avoided. Depending on the type of product and the material used, these deviations can be up to 1 mm. This means that elements extending to the edge, such as images, text or narrow strips, may be positioned accordingly. Similarly, a layout may appear slightly uneven after cutting or folding. To ensure the best possible quality, you should position text and important design elements at a sufficient distance from the edge when creating the layout. Unfortunately, we cannot accept complaints relating solely to deviations within the specified tolerances. Further information can be found under the question ‘Do I need to include a bleed or a trim margin?’.

When uploading a finished design, can I select different fold dimensions?

Please prepare your print files in accordance with the product information on the relevant product page. Fold dimensions other than those specified there cannot be accommodated.

What types of paper are available?

We have selected suitable paper types for each available print product. Depending on the product, these are available in different paper weights, known as grammages. Grammage is expressed in grams per square metre (g/m²). The higher the value, the heavier and, as a rule, the thicker or stiffer the paper is.

The following paper types may be available, depending on the product:

Gloss: Paper with a glossy and smooth surface
Matt: Paper with a matt and smooth surface
Natural: Paper with a matt and rough surface
Recycled: White recycled paper
Cardboard: Particularly stiff paper

Gloss and matt paper

Our gloss and matt paper is a high-quality, double-coated paper. Depending on the machine-based production process, the paper can subsequently be finished with a dispersion varnish in a matt or gloss finish. Consequently, the ability to write on or print on the paper afterwards cannot be guaranteed.

Water-resistant paper

For poster orders, wet-strength paper with a grammage of 115 g/m² is available. It has a blue reverse side and, thanks to its light and weather resistance, is particularly suitable for outdoor use.

Film

A permanently adhesive, white film with a gloss finish is available for stickers and labels. The polyethylene film is water- and weather-resistant, as well as hard-wearing and tear-resistant. It is therefore suitable for outdoor use. By using lightfast inks of grade 6, a lightfastness of up to 4 months can be achieved, depending on the amount of sunlight. The stickers are neither suitable for use in car washes nor resistant to car wash detergents. They contain solvent-based components and must not be used as primary packaging for foodstuffs.

Adhesive paper

Permanently adhesive paper with a slightly glossy surface is also available for stickers. As adhesive paper has properties similar to those of normal paper, it is suitable for indoor use only. The stickers contain solvent-based components and must therefore not be applied directly to food.

What is cellophane wrapping or special film?

In cellophane lamination, a very thin film is applied to the printed product. This enhances the product’s appearance whilst also making it more durable and long-lasting. Depending on the finish chosen, the film creates a glossy, matt or soft-touch matt effect.

What do you need to bear in mind when it comes to textile printing?

If you are using your own image or logo, please ensure that the file supports transparent areas, if these are required for your design. PNG files, for example, are suitable for this purpose.

What do I need to bear in mind when washing textiles?

To ensure that the quality of your design is preserved for as long as possible, please follow the cleaning and care instructions below. Once a garment has been printed on or embroidered, the care instructions on the manufacturer’s label no longer apply in full. Printed designs and embroidery may be more delicate than the garment itself when it comes to washing and care. You can find details of the printing process used in the technical data sheet on the design selection page.

Digital printing – Direct-to-garment

Wash the product before wearing it for the first time.
Wash it at a maximum of 30 °C, preferably on a gentle cycle.
Do not use fabric softener, chemical cleaning agents or bleach.
Do not tumble dry the product.
Always wash and iron the garment inside out.
Do not use steam when ironing.
For garments with multiple printed designs, the designs must not touch each other whilst ironing – for example, if there is a design on both the front and back. In this case, place a piece of fabric between the designs.

Transfer printing and embroidery

Follow the washing instructions for the garment in question.
Transfer prints and embroidery are washable at up to 60 °C.
Always wash and iron the garment inside out.
Do not use bleach.
Do not tumble dry the product.

Does the paper used come from reliable sources?

Yes. Our materials do not originate from illegal deforestation or illegal production. Every paper product is marked with a DDS number (‘Due Diligence Statement’), which ensures that its origin can be traced. Many of our materials also hold recognised sustainability certifications, such as FSC, PEFC or the Blue Angel.

How do I obtain the DDS number and the EUDR information?

You will automatically receive the DDS number (‘Due Diligence Statement’) and all relevant information regarding the EUDR (‘European Union Deforestation Regulation’) for each individual item in your order once your order has been completed. You will find the relevant details on your invoice and in your customer account under ‘My Orders’.