Your frequentlY asked questions...
What's better? Screen printing or digital printing?
SHORT ANSWER: It depends on the quantity and number of colours in the job.
LONGER ANSWER: Whether your product is screen printed or printed digitally depends on a few factors. How large is the order? For 24 units or more of a one- or two-colour run, screenprinting of apparel is an option that can cost less than digital print. A full-colour job that needs less than 24 pieces, or a job that's full-colour and print both sides will definitely be cheaper to print digitally. Digital printing doesn't need special artwork prep, film or screen creation charges. However, larger quantities will usually be more ideally done as screen printed work. There are other factors, like colour matching, flourescent inks or special brand colours that can't be reproduced digitally.
Don't worry about choosing the right method - that's our job. Send us your artwork and job requirements, and we'll advise the best option and alternates
How do I order embroidered caps?
SHORT ANSWER: Select the cap you like, use the DIY Designer tool to place your artwork and check out.
LONGER ANSWER: We take artwork intended for caps (or anything embroidered) and create a special file to run the embroidery equipment. Changes may have to be made to work within sewing limitations, but you will get a simulated proof for approval. We include the cost for basic file creation for hat or polo orders of 12 or more.
Does Altacolor charge for rush orders?
SHORT ANSWER: Yes, generally, but if we have a hole in the schedule, we may slot the job in, because we're not greedy and we appreciate the business.
LONGER ANSWER: Rush orders are accomodated on an availability basis. If we have to pay overtime to meet a deadline, we pass on those costs. Rushes are not guaranteed - if we miss the deadline, the rush charge, if any, is credited. Our best advice is to avoid chaos and plan ahead as much as possible!
What files will work for printing?
SHORT ANSWER: We accept PNG, PSD, TIFF, SVG, AI, INDD, EPS and PDF files. Send us your file for FREE review.
MUCH LONGER ANSWER: Images should be 300 dpi (dots per inch) at the size the image is meant to print. So, for a 12" wide image, the image should be 3600 pixels wide. If the image is RGB, like a cell phone image, there may be a colour shift when converting to CMYK if a colour is outside what CMYK can reproduce. PDF files should have all fonts outlined before export. If you're using Canva, our best advice is to use the pro version, read all the documentation and understand it, or talk to us, because we do this for a living.
