F.A.Q.s

How do I go about getting an estimate from you?

The easiest way to receive and estimate is by clicking here for our request an estimate form. If you are not comfortable with Online forms, you can contact us via Email at to client@copycats.com or calling 212-557-2111 to speak to one of our professional account managers.

How long will it take for you to complete my order?

Each job is unique. Some can be produced quickly while others may take several days to complete. By providing us with as many details as you can about your job, we'll let you know what kind of timeline to expect. We go to great lengths to meet even your most demanding timelines.

What is the best file format for submitting a document for printing?

The Portable Document Format (PDF) is generally the preferred file format for submitting a file for printing. It works with virtually all professional printing and digital output devices. By design, a PDF file incorporates all the data necessary to maintain document consistency from system to system. Most other file formats such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Microsoft Word are easily converted to PDF format. We can provide assistance with the steps necessary to convert your files to PDF.

How well will what I see on my monitor match what I see on paper?

The technology of design, layout, and printing has come a long way to the point where much of the work is done in a WSYWIG (What You See Is What You Get) digital environment. However, there are sometimes noticeable differences in color calibration and spatial conformity from monitor to monitor and consequently from screen to print.
The process for minimizing any variance begins with adjusting your monitor for optimal color and clarity according to the manufacturer's recommendations as outlined within its product manual or website. Doing this will alleviate a number of potential issues.
Beyond that, for the greatest conformity in color from screen to print, there are tools available that will ensure exact color calibration. Perhaps you have already invested in such a tool. If so, let us know what you use and we'll work with you to achieve the best results. If you are considering investing in a color calibration tool, talk to us first and we'll be happy to offer our advice.   What is a proof and why is it needed? A proof is a one-off copy of your printed document used for visual inspection to ensure that the layout and colors of your document are exactly how they are intended to be. A proof is made prior to sending the document to the press for final printing. We offer two different types of proofs, hardcopy proofs, and digital. Hardcopy proofs are physical copies of the completed document ready for inspection and can be delivered by courier or picked up from our office. Digital proofs are PDF files processed by our printers that can be sent via email. These proofs can be made and sent quickly for review before final printing begins.

What are the different grades of paper and their respective basis weight?

The basis weight of a given grade of paper is defined as the weight (in pounds) of 500 standard-sized sheets of that paper. With that in mind, here are different examples of paper grades and their respective basis weights:
Bond: Most commonly used for letterhead, business forms and copying. Typical basis weights are16# for forms, 20# for copying and 24# for stationery.
Text: A high-quality grade paper with a lot of surface texture. Basis weights range from 60# to 100# with the most common being 70# or 80#.
Uncoated Book: The most common grade for offset printing. Typically 50# to 70#.
Coated Book: Has a glossy finish that yields vivid colors and overall excellent reproduction. Basis weights range from 30# to 70# for web press, and 60# to 110# for sheet press.
Cover: Used in creating business cards, postcards and book covers. Can be either coated or uncoated. Basis weights for this grade are 60#, 65#, 80# or 100#.

What is the difference between coated and uncoated paper stock?

Uncoated stock paper is comparatively porous, inexpensive, and is typically used for such applications as newspaper print and basic black-and-white copying. Coated stock, by contrast, is made of higher quality paper having a smooth glossy finish that works well for reproducing sharp text and vivid colors. It tends to be more expensive, however.

What is color separation?

Color separation is the process of separating a colored graphic or photograph into its primary color components in preparation for printed reproduction. For example, to print a full-color photo with an offset printing press, we would create four separate printing plates each accounting for one of the four basic printing inks (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) needed to reproduce the image.
As the paper is fed through the press, each single-color plate puts onto the paper the exact amount of ink needed at exactly the right spot. As the different colored wet inks are applied, they blend together to create the rich and infinite pallet of complex colors needed to reproduce the original image.

What is halftone printing?

Halftone printing converts a continuous tone (solid areas of black or color) photograph or image into a pattern of different size dots that simulate continuous tone. When examining the page closely, you will see a series of dots spaced slightly apart. At a normal viewing distance, however, the spacing between dots becomes essentially invisible to the eye and what you see is a continuous tone.

What are Pantone or PMS colors?

Pantone colors refer to the Pantone Matching System (PMS), a color matching system used by the printing industry. The system identifies colors by a unique name or number (as opposed to just a visual reference) and assigned a unique mixing formula for reproduction. This allows color matching and reproduction across multiple systems and between two print runs.

Is white considered a printing color?

No. White is not generally considered a printing color as typically the paper itself will be white. If a colored paper (something other than white) is chosen, then white becomes a printing color if any text or graphics require it.

What are the most common sizes for catalogs and booklets?

Standard sizes for catalogs and booklets are 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", 8 1/2" x 11", and 11" x 17".

What are the most common sizes for brochures?

Common brochure sizes are 8 1/2" x 11", 8 1/2" x14" and 11" x17".

What are the most common business envelope sizes?

Business envelope sizes are referenced by a number such as #9 or #10. The chart below indicates the most common sizes in use today:

Size	Width x Length
#6 1/4	3 1/2" x 6"
#6 3/4	3 5/8" x 6 1/2"
#9	3 7/8" x 8 7/8"
#10	4 1/8" x 9 1/2"
#11	4 1/2" x 10 3/8"

What is the standard size of the address window on a business envelope?

The address window on a typical business envelope measures 4 1/2" x 1 1/8".

What are the most popular sizes for personalized notepads?

The three most popular sizes for personalized notepads are 4" x 6", 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" and 8 1/2" x 11".

What are the most popular sizes for sticky notepads?

There are four popular sizes for sticky notes: 3" x 3", 3" x 4", 3" x 5" and 4" x 6".

What different types of materials can be used for labels?

Materials for labels and their application include:
Paper, Uncoated: Use where you need the label to be easily written on by hand or printed on by machine.
Paper, High Gloss: Use when you need good printability. Keep in mind that it cannot be written on easily by hand.
Vinyl: Use vinyl for outdoor environments, or if applying a label to a vinyl surface.
Acetate: Use when the label needs to be transparent.
Mylar/Polyester: Best for applications where the label needs to be applied to an object with sharp, angular corners.

What are the types of bindings I can use for multi-page projects?

Some of the common methods of binding books and other multi-page documents include:
Perfect binding: Gluing the outside edges of the pages together to create a flat edge.
Saddle-stitch binding: Using staples along the folds of the pages to bind them together.
Spiral binding: Wires in a spiral form threaded through punched holes along the binding edge of the papers. Allows the document to lay open flatly.
Plastic comb binding: Similar to spiral binding but using a tubular plastic piece with teeth that fit through rectangular holes punched into the binding edge.
Three-ring binding: Holes are punched into the pages and fitted into a binder.