Alpina Digital

CMYK is the color mode used by ALPINA to reproduce your job on one of our presses. The color calibration of Cyan (C), Magenta (M), Yellow (Y), and Black (K) determines the final color in your design. As a result, your submitted files must be in CMYK color mode to maximize color quality. If your files are submitted using any other color standard, such as RGB or Pantone, they will be converted to CMYK during preflighting. Conversion from one color standard to another may cause colors to shift. If you are not familliar with printing in CMYK color mode, we highly recomend that you order a hard copy proof, which can be selected for most ALPINA products. Please note that we can not guarantee that the color of your design printed on our presses will match that seen on your monitor or printed via any other method.

Do I need to use CMYK color mode?

Yes. If your files are submitted using any other color standard, such as RGB or Pantone, they will be converted to CMYK during preflighting. Conversion from one color standard to another may cause colors to shift.

How can I guarantee color accuracy?

It is impossible to guarantee 100% color accuracy. However, you can maximize color quality by ensuring that all submitted files are in CMYK color mode and that the correct color calibration is set for the desired color match. When these four inks (collectively known as CMYK) are combined, they can produce millions of different colors. Changing the percentage (screen) of one ink can dramatically effect the color. Black (K), the fourth process ink, is often used to darken the colors created by the other three process colors CMY. When color fidelity is critical, ALPINA recommends that you order a hardcopy color proof. A hardcopy color proof, which can be selected for most ALPINA products, is the only way to ensure the color accuracy for your print job.

How do I match CMYK colors?

It is always challenging to match CMYK colors 100% on paper. Mixing colors on the computer can be challenging, namely when you are trying to translate specific colors to work in a four-color printing process. However, when color matching is critical, you should use a CMYK chart and enter the values that best reflect the color you are trying to reach. Your software program and file type impact the best way to do color matching. Software programs have different tools to do color corrections, and some programs do not have any tools for color corrections. When printing a process (CMYK) document, you should make sure all of your colors are made up of process inks. For example, one hue of green can be made by combining 100% cyan and 100% yellow, and that hue can be changed by reducing the amount of yellow or cyan, or adding small amounts of magenta or black. When color fidelity is critical, ALPINA recommends that you order a hardcopy color proof. A hardcopy color proof, which can be selected for most ALPINA products, is the only way to ensure the color accuracy for your print job.

What file format does ALPINA accept?

Print-ready files in any of the following formats: .eps, .jpg, .pdf, .ps, .psd, .tif. In other words, ALPINA accepts print-ready files saved from the following design software programs: Adobe Photoshop� CS, Adobe Illustrator� CS, Adobe InDesign� CS, Adobe PageMaker, Macromedia Freehand�, QuarkXpress�. We can also print raster images (.tiff and .jpegs) independent of the application program used to create such designs if they are submitted at high-quality, uncompressed 300 dpi resolution, 8 bit, CMYK color mode. We can not guarantee files created in MS-Word or MS-Publisher will produce high-quality images and text. Please refer to your user manual or software vendor for information on how to output a print-ready raster image that meets ALPINA specifications.

Why is resolution important?

Resolution also known as DPI (Dots Per Inch) can be described as the number of dots that fit horizontally and vertically into a one-inch space. Generally, the more dots per inch, the more detail captured and the sharper the resulting image. For an image to print properly, the image must be at least 300 dots per inch (dpi) at the final output size. If your file is not 300 dpi, you can not simply increase the dpi from a low resolution to a higher one by increasing the DPI in your imaging program.

What resolution is needed for my job?

For most printing jobs, 300 dots per inch (DPI) is the minimum resolution to guarantee acceptable printing results. For larger products such as large format posters and banners, we recommend sharper resolution which can range from 300 to 1200 dpi, depending on the intended use of the printed piece.

What if my file is missing fonts?

It is important that you supply all fonts used in your layout. If you do not supply fonts in your design file, we will request that you resubmit your files with fonts included. If you have vector design and your file is missing fonts, you can open your file in Illustrator, select "Create Outlines", save your fonts, re-save your design file, and then upload it. If you have design that is rasterized, you can open your file in Photoshop and select "Flatten the Layers", re-save your design file, and then upload it. Please do not submit your fonts seperately from your file because it is critical that we receive your print-ready file with fonts included to avoid any printing issues.

How much is the finished trim & fold tolerance?

The trim line is where your product will be cut to the final size once the bleed area is removed. Please remember that due to cutting tolerances of printing, the cut may shift up to 1/16 of an inch in any direction. On our templates, the color black indicates the trim line. Broken black lines typically indicate folding areas, if any. The tolerance for folding is the same as trimming, i.e. 1/16 of an inch in either direction.

Does my design have borders?

If your design contains borders, you must make sure all borders are 1/4 (0.25) of an inch wide on each side of your design. In addition, you need to add a 1/8 (0.125) of an inch bleed on each side of your design. This approach will ensure proper cutting and help the finished product maintain a symetrical appearance. If your border is not at least 1/4 (0.25) of an inch wide on each side, you risk creating a border that looks uneven.

What if my file is missing images?

If your file is missing the images you desire, you should re-save your file properly so that the images will not drop out during printing. We do not normally accept images by themselves. The only exception is if you engage one of our graphic designers to help you with your project. Otherwise, you must place all images in your design and make sure to save your files properly. Please refer to your software program manual for more information on how to save your files properly. For example, if you are using a vector-based software program such as illustrator you must make sure you are using tif file images to place, then when saving to an eps or pdf you must embed the images. If you are using Photoshop, you should flatten all layers before saving to keep all images and text in place.

What if my design contains gradients?

Gradients are commonly used in printing and in most instances produce good results. Gradients can be represented in a file as a mathematical equation (Vector) or rendered by the application into a series of pixels (Raster).

Does lighting impact color quality?

Yes. Lighting is important since it will affect how your design is perceived in terms of brightness, contrast and color. Ambient lighting, while viewing a digital image file on screen, needs to be considered. A bright room tends to yield darker than expected files, especially when printed. A dark room does the opposite. As a result, we recommend that a room be darker rather than lighter, but also consistent from morning through night.

How do I upload my design files?

You can initiate the upload process anytime by clicking on the green "Send Files" button at the top of any page on our website. Then, you can log in to your account and follow the instructions for uploading new files. If you do not have a ALPINA account, you will need to take a moment to register.

How long will file upload take?

The time needed to upload your file will vary depending on file size, number of files being uploaded, your connection speed (broadband vs. dialup), and other programs running on your computer. A small file can be uploaded in less than one minute while a large 50 MB file may take 20 minutes to upload. For best results, we recommend uploading files via our standard upload process when no other programs are open.

How can I get my order even faster?

Our standard shipping service is quite fast. For most products we ship your order within 5-7 days after you approve your proof . In most parts of the country, that means you will have your order in about 6-10 days. If you want to receive your order faster, select one of our faster shipping options when you place your order.

How will the final printed job compare to my uploaded design file?

The color may vary, depending on how you submitted your files and whether you selected a hardcopy proof with your printing job. The color on the screen cannot be guaranteed to match the finished product because every monitor can be calibrated differently. In addition, screen colors are represented in RGB, while offset printing colors are represented in CMYK. The color mode of submitted files must be CMYK to maximize color quality. If your files are submitted using any other color standard, such as RGB or Pantone, they will be converted to CMYK during preflighting. Conversion from one color standard to another may cause colors to shift. For best results, we recommend that you submit your files in CMYK and order a hardcopy proof.

What is the difference between RGB and CMYK and why is it important?

RGB refers to the primary colors of light�Red, Green, and Blue�that are used in monitors, TVs, and computer screens; CMYK refers to the primary colors of ink pigment�Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black�that are used in four-color process printing. RGB color combinations cannot be exactly reproduced if your file is converted to CMYK via automated preflighting. As a result, if your design was created in RGB, we strongly recommend that you convert your file to CMYK before uploading. After you convert your files to CMYK you may need to make color corrections to the file to match your colors to the original colors you desired.

Can I send you documents created in MS Word or PowerPoint?

Absolutely! If you have created documents in Word or PowerPoint that contain photos, clip-art, or other color images, convert them into a Adobe .PDF file and send them in. Same great service, same great pricing.

How do I know if my files uploaded successfully?

If there is a problem, an error message will appear . Otherwise, the file was uploaded successfully message will be displayed.

What is the maximum file size that can be uploaded?

There is no limit to the size of file you can upload. However, the larger the file, the more time that is needed to upload your file. The time needed to upload your file will vary depending on file size, number of files being uploaded, your connection speed (broadband vs. dialup), and other programs running on your computer. A small file can be uploaded in less than one minute while a large 50 MB file may take 20 minutes to upload. For best results, we recommend uploading files via our standard upload process when no other programs are open.

Can I upload multiple files at once?

No. You can only upload one file at time.

What are print-ready files?

Print-ready files are design files that contain all fonts and images and are 100% ready to print, requiring no additional adjustments by ALPINA other than visual preflighting and standard prepress work. ALPINA accepts print-ready files in any of the following formats: .eps, .jpg, .pdf, .ps, .psd, .tif.

Can I receive a price quote before ordering?

Yes, You can receive a price quote by selecting the product that interests you along with appropriate product options.Whenever you select different options, price will automatically adjust in the ALPINA QUOTE located on the right side of the page.

Where can I see what products you offer?

You can review a complete list of products at: http://www.alpina.net/Pages/products.asp.

How do I check on the status of my order?

You can check the status of your order at any time by entering your order ID in the TRACK section at the top of any page on our website. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to do so.

What types of storage media do you accept?

We can take your files on a CD, DVD or Zip disk

Can I change my design files?

Design files can be changed anytime before you approve your print job. After you approve your print job online, including design files, ALPINA cannot guarantee that we will be able to update your design files unless you have requested a proof. If you have requested a proof, you can change your design files before approving your proof. Please note that ALPINA cannot guarantee that we will be able to update your design files after you have approved the proof for your print job since your job will be sent to our production department to be printed on one of our presses.

Can I change quantity option after ordering?

Although ALPINA will try to accommodate any changes to your order, ALPINA cannot guarantee that we will be able to update quantity option for your print job(s). Our ability to change quantity option for you will depend on many factors such as status of your design, production schedule, day of the week, product selected, etc. In addition, you could incur an additional cost to change your print job(s).

Can I change paper option after ordering?

Although ALPINA will try to accommodate any changes to your order, ALPINA cannot guarantee that we will be able to update paper option for your print job(s). Our ability to change paper option for you will depend on many factors such as status of your design, production schedule, day of the week, product selected, etc. In addition, you could incur an additional cost to change paper option for your print job(s).

Why do I have to create an account?

Your account helps us identify you when you are on the site, allowing us to provide you with information for your orders and your files. It also gives us a way to contact you regarding your printing needs, as well as keep track of your searches and purchases.

How do I create an account?

Creating an account is simple and takes just a moment. Click the "SIGN UP" button at the top of any page on our site to begin the process. Then, you will need to follow these steps to create an account: 1. Enter your email address. 2. Enter a unique password. 3. Enter your first and last name in the "Name" field. 4. Enter your Organization details. 5. Address and Contact Details. Remember, the email address you give us is where all of your ALPINA communications-including order confirmations, special updates, and any email newsletters you sign up for-will be sent. Your email address will also be used when you log in to ALPINA.

How will my information be used?

ALPINA respects your privacy completely. We will never sell, rent, or give away any of your personal information without your permission. The information contained in your account helps us identify you when you are on the site. We use your email address to send you order confirmations, important updates, and any email newsletters you've requested. The password you create for your account is for you alone. It ensures that only you have access to your account.

How do I access my ALPINA account?

Your ALPINA account can be easily accessed by clicking the "My Account" button at the top of any page on our site. You will need to be logged in with your email address and password before any account information is displayed. Only registered ALPINA users have an account. To log in, select the "Client Login" link at the top of any page on our web site, and then enter your email address and password. Click the "My Account" link, which is also located at the top of any page.

How do I view my orders?

In order to view your ALPINA orders, you will need to log in . If you are not already logged in, please click the "Client login" link at the top of any page on the site. Follow the instructions to enter your email address and password.Click on ORDER button located at the top of any page.

Can I get existing account information if I log in on a different computer?

Yes. Your account information is stored on ALPINA's secure Internet servers, so you can access ALPINA from just about anywhere. Your ALPINA account can be easily accessed by clicking the "My Account" link at the top of any page on our site. You will need to be logged in with your email address and password before any account information is displayed.

What does Over and Under Run mean?

Over and Under run is a percentage of the amount of prints that the job could end up over the initial quantity ordered or under the initial quantity ordered. When printing many things factor into the efficiency of the job. If the job takes a while to set up and a good amount of material is wasted during set up, the run may come in short. If set up goes very smooth the run may come in with more prints than ordered. The Over / Under run percentage is the Min and Max amount of prints expected. Unless specified by a customer for the "EXACT QUANTITY NEEDED", which may incur an additional charge. For example: If you order 10,000 postcards in that case you can receive as low as 9,500 postcards or you can get extras up to 10,500 postcards.

"Very professional team. Great quality. Quick turnaround. Highly recommended - Joe P, NJ."