It is not necessary for you or your company to provide artwork. Pinpoint has a full time in-house graphic design team that can assist you through this design process. We utilize the most widely used and recommended graphic and layout programs with our powerful graphic systems. We offer thousands of fonts, available to you at no extra cost, used for simple typesetting of your name and messages. We also have stock images that can be used on a per-project basis. Need a complex or elaborate design for a brochure, catalog or print piece? No problem we’re capable of that too. Just send us the info and concept and we’ll send you an estimate.

If you have a logo or artwork that is not print ready our design team can convert the file for a charge of $40.00. For rush jobs, recreation of art is $65.00. These are standard charges are for simplistic conversions that take less than one hour. For art recreation that may take longer than one hour and is more complex please receive an estimate first.

Mechanicals, photographs and art fully prepared for reproduction according to the technical requirements of the specific printing process being used. Also considered artwork that can be utilized without further touch up, preparation or changes. All artwork should be color separated and registered to size. When applicable fonts and graphics should be converted to outlines.

The following artwork is NOT considered camera-ready: photo copies, slides, hand sketches, low-resolution artwork, transparencies, negative film, faxed art, letterhead, business cards, web/images or any other art that needs to be adjusted, color separated, or multi-color art to be made one-color or otherwise improved.

If you are having trouble finding the right art or one that matches our compatibility standards; we are more than happy to work with you to find the best solution possible. The charge for the recreation of artwork is a one-time fee and will not be incurred again (as long as the same artwork is used). Before any final decisions we will always provide a digital for your review.

In producing your requested order we have the ability, in many instances, to accurately match your specific color requirements. In these cases we ask that you please provide a Pantone Matching System number (or PMS color) with your order. Should you decide to use this tool but don’t have access to PMS colors; we conveniently provide a PMS book available during normal office hours at our location for your review. PLEASE NOTE: If referring to PMS colors via the Internet be aware that most monitors will have different calibrations and settings that may present a different color or shade on a computer screen compared to when printed and seen in person. Also, certain papers and substrates absorb inks differently - this may cause the specific color to appear a shade or two off from product to product.

Because of the additional process and expense of the inks there is typically an additional charge for PMS color printing. This is purely product driver and will be communicated at the time of the order.

For embroidered logos, a thread will be chosen that most closely matches your PMS color. Before any finalizations are done, you will be able to review the color prior to approving your “sew-out”.

For most offset printing print pieces Pinpoint Promotions & Printing may utilize a print method called “Gang-Run Printing” which refers to the specialization in supplying customers with affordable four-color printing. Utilizing this method known as "Gang-Running/Printing", this approach combines your short-run jobs with others having similar requirements. This allows the initial production costs to be spread out over several jobs, greatly reducing the make-ready charges for each customer. All work is carried out by skilled professionals on state-of-the-art equipment to assure you quality work at affordable prices.

Because of limitations with the Gang-Run printing process, as well as neighboring image ink requirements the accuracy of color reproduction is NOT guaranteed and by placing an order with Pinpoint Promotions & Printing, you agree to this limitation. We accept no responsibility for color variations between submitted files and the final printed piece. Under no circumstances will a reprint be honored for color variations that have occurred during the printing process.

If you are in need of exact color reproduction please notify a Pinpoint representative prior to submitting your artwork.

We accept files from both Macintosh and PC platforms. The type of files that we accept is dependent on the specific product and printing process. Preferred files we accept: .PDF, .EPS, .AI, .INDD, .PSD, .JPEG, .TIFF or .BMP. Please speak with your account representative find out what file format is preferred for your specific product and order.

Artwork with text

Whenever possible, we suggest all text be converted to outlines. If this is not possible; you must include all fonts with your file submission. Generally 6-8pt font size is the smallest text size able to be successfully imprinted. Embroidery lettering is best suited as non-serif with a height of at least 3/16’’ to ¼’’ inches.

Single color artwork

Adobe Illustrator files are the preferred files accepted; however in some cases if necessary, we can accept high-resolution .PSD, .JPEG or .TIFF files- as long as they have a resolution of 600 dots per inch (dpi) or higher. A black logo on a white background is preferred.

Multiple color artwork

Send only original, native or vector format files unless otherwise specified. If the file is for a paper print piece such as a brochure, catalog, flyer etc. please submit the file in CMYK color mode. Our art department is always willing to answer any questions you may have and will be happy to take you through any problems step by step.

A multi-page document should only be used when submitting graphic files for a booklet/catalog order. When submitting a booklet/catalog graphic file, page 1 of your multi-page PDF should be the outside front cover, page 2 should be the inside front cover. The last page of your multi-page PDF should be the outside back cover. The multi-page PDF should also have a page count that is a multiple of four (4) and each page must be built to the final trim size plus bleed.

Sometimes booklets and catalog can get confusing. If you have any questions please call our design team at 1.866.9.PINPOINT and they will be happy to help.

All artwork should be sent directly to your Pinpoint representative. Don’t have one yet? Not a problem, please email your artwork files to design@pinpointpromos.com or visit our FTP file upload section, complete the form and a Pinpoint representative will be in contact with you shortly.

When a page or a cover design extends to and off the edge of the paper it is called a "bleed". In print design, the artwork or block of color must extend off the edge of the page. The artwork or block of color is then printed on larger-size paper. Then the printed page is trimmed to the desired size. Typical bleeds are .25 or ¼ inch. Meaning if you are submitting a 4” x 6” file you must submit as 4.25” x 6.25”.

CMYK is the color mode used by Pinpoint to reproduce your job on the print presses. These are the basic colors used in four-color process printing. The color calibration of Cyan (C), Magenta (M), Yellow (Y), and Black (K) determines the final color in your artwork. 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 unless otherwise specified. This conversion from one color mode to another will likely cause colors to shift.

If you are not familiar with printing in CMYK color mode, we highly recommend that you order a hard copy proof, which can be selected for most Pinpoint products. PLEASE NOTE: we cannot guarantee that the color of your artwork printed on our presses will match the colors seen on your monitor or printed via any other method.

Raster images are more commonly called bitmap images and they are composed of pixels. A bitmap image uses a grid of individual pixels where each pixel can be a different color or shade. The following file types are ALWAYS raster-based: .JPEG, .JPG, .GIF, .PNG, .TIF and .BMP. You cannot change a raster file to vector simply by changing the file extension name.

Vector graphics use mathematical relationships between points and the paths connecting them to describe an image. A typical vector file extension is: .AI, .EPS, .PDF and sometimes .PS. These file types can be raster, vector or a combination of both, depending on the contents embedded.

Bitmap images require higher resolutions and anti-aliasing for a smooth appearance. Vector-based graphics on the other hand are mathematically described and appear smooth at any size or resolution. Bitmaps are best used for photographs and images with subtle shading. Graphics best suited for the vector format are page layout, type, line art or illustrations.

We know that making a purchase is a big decision. So, in order to better serve you we can provide samples for most of our items to aide you in your decision-making. In some cases for qualified customers samples will be free of charge. By sampling our products, you eliminate any concerns about quality, color and size.

To inquire about samples please email: sales@pinpointpromos.com or give us a call at 1.866.9.PINPOINT

International shipping of samples is a service we are more than willing to provide; simply supply us with your Fed Ex or UPS account number for shipping charges and we will get your samples right out to you. Questions? E-mail our specialists at sales@pinpointpromos.com or give us a call at 1.866.9.PINPOINT

Before you make any purchase, an electronic proof of your artwork will be made available to you for your review upon request. If you would like, our graphic design team will offer suggestions regarding the aesthetic quality of the work. You can receive your proof via e-mail or fax.

Pinpoint can provide an actual product with your requested imprint, for your approval before we run an order in its entirety. If you have the luxury of time, we recommend this service so you can see how the final product will look in person. Pre-production proofs are priced according to each individual product and can be worked into the final invoice if you choose. Because of the individual setup for running a single item, one should expect an extra 5-10 days added onto the order process.

Pinpoint still believes that personal contact is necessary in building relationships and trust with our customers. However, we recognize the importance of today's technology, and have built a dynamic website to keep up with the new trends. If your order was placed online you will receive an e-mail confirmation with the order details. If applicable please send your artwork to design@pinpointpromos.com. After your first order a Pinpoint representative will be assigned to manage your account. Aside from the standard services such as: checking product availability, reviewing for potential problems with artwork, imprint issues and delivery times, your representative will also offer any assistance and recommendations regarding the totality of the order- so that you will be best served by our experienced staff.

Our staff will then review your order and send you a digital proof. Once we receive your approval we will process your order and begin production unless you have waived the need of a digital proof due to time constraints. Tracking information will be provided when your order has shipped. A final receipt will be emailed to the email address provided on the original order.

The minimum order is individually marked per item on the website.

We may provide discounts on certain quantities that exceed those listed on the website, as well as for loyal and consistent customers. These discounts will be decided on a per-situation basis. For more information please contact sales@pinpointpromos.com

Need in a hurry? Not a problem. Turnaround times for each product vary, however a majority of our products are a standard 5-10 business days for production not including shipping. Most products have the standard turnaround time in the product description. If you need it faster let us know which product and what the in-hands date is and we will do our absolute best to meet your timelines. Proof prior to production may be waived in order to meet your timeline. Rush charges vary per product. Rush service is not available during the weekends or holidays.

We at Pinpoint we are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality promotional and print products and customer service. However, as we deal with customized work, once an item is in production, no changes, cancellations or refunds can be made. We will not accept returns on imprinted, customized, or blank merchandise or print items unless you received the incorrect product ordered, the product is printed incorrectly or the product is defective or damaged. WE DO NOT ACCEPT UNAUTHORIZED RETURNS. Please do not return the items to an address on the packing materials or Web site. Please call our customer service department at 203.301.4273 ex 301 for additional assistance.

Pinpoint makes every attempt to ship exact quantities. Due to our post-production quality control efforts and the high speed of the custom production process, there is the potential for up to 10% over/under runs. Over/under runs for plastic bags may vary from 10% - 20%. However we will only invoice for the exact quantity shipped.

Our preferred shipping carrier is UPS. Prices listed do not include shipping & handling charges. We make it a priority that, given your individual requests regarding time and production limitations, every order is shipped in the most economical way possible- always specific to your needs. UPS ground is usually the least expensive way to ship your product (barring unusually heavy orders, in which case an alternative carrier may be employed). We make all the arrangements to be sure your products arrive where and when you need them. However, we cannot be responsible for inclement weather, national disasters, holidays, customs delays, acts of god and/or other unusual circumstances beyond everyone's control.

We guarantee the quality and timeliness of your order up to the point of departure from our factory. Pinpoint’s products are sold F.O.B. (freight on board) factory. Meaning the goods are now owned by the purchaser once they are picked up by the carrier. Thus, any goods lost or delayed by common carrier, customs department, or other matters of the sort are no longer our responsibility.

Deliveries made on Saturday are limited UPS next day service and are restricted to domestic US shipment only. Also, additional shipping charges will be added for delivery on this day. Some orders placed on the same day may still arrive at separate times due to the fact that we ship from factories positioned around the country. Please make sure to inform us of any additional or individual requests regarding the products’ arrival. The “additional instructions” area of your order form allows for specific requests. Please feel free to contact a representative should you need to alter your order after you have placed it.

If you so chose to rush a delivery, we will be happy to make those arrangements for you through your Fed Ex or UPS account, or through charging your credit card accordingly and using our UPS account.

Is when we will we split up your order into two or more shipments and ship it at different times if necessary. Pinpoint will ship your order using our UPS account and invoice the freight charges including insurance (if requested) at full value, at published rates. We will also ship using your account number, if you prefer. If you choose to use your own account, you are responsible for the insurance, and the shipment belongs to you once it leaves our facilities.

Is when we will we ship your order to multiple locations if necessary. This form of shipping can be very useful and save you time and money. Pinpoint will ship your order using our UPS account and invoice the freight charges including insurance (if requested) at full value, at published rates. We will also ship using your account number, if you prefer. If you choose to use your own account, you are responsible for the insurance, and the shipment belongs to you once it leaves our facilities.

We offer international shipping. Pinpoint Promotions & Printing realizes how important your shipments are, and thus we ship to most countries outside the United States. However, it should be noted that we cannot guarantee delivery times outside the United States due to customs, international regulations, foreign holidays and/or other factors not within our control. We strive to get our shipments out on time; when we achieve this we no longer accept responsibility of oversea delays. If packages are returned due to incorrect or lack of information on ANY orders, the reshipment fees are charged to you the customer as it is YOUR responsibility to make sure it is correct before submission. Depending on the order, international shipping can get expensive. The rates are based on the destination, the weight and box dimensions of the order, the complexity of the order, and the time involved to process the order. Our fees do not include customs fees, duty fees, local taxes or any other fee your country may charge when the package arrives. Please contact us for an international shipping estimate at estimates@pinpointpromos.com

All major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express), money orders or certified checks are acceptable. We do accept company checks but funds must clear prior to the product(s) being shipped. If you wish to establish credit at Pinpoint Promotions & Printing, please contact accounting@pinpointpromos.com for a credit application. It will take two to three business days for Pinpoint Promotions & Printing, to review the application. Upon satisfactory review, payment terms will be established.

Payment in full is required for first time orders. Our accounting department will gather some necessary information from you to complete the order. You may use a company check, money order, or cash; however we recommend using a credit card to ensure the quickest turnaround of your order. Orders are only shipped upon confirmation of funds by our bank.

All domestic applicable state and local sales tax will be added to your invoice. Connecticut is a 6% sales tax; customers in other states may be required to remit use taxes. Please consult your tax advisor. If you have questions about your tax exempt status or if you are a tax exempt organization and do not have a tax exempt customer number, please contact Pinpoints accounting department at 203.301.4247 ex302

We only accept USD (United States Dollars).

We are more than willing to establish a corporate account for your business. Before we begin any production based on a corporate account we must complete a credit review, which usually only takes 3 business days. To receive the application please email accounting@pinpointpromos.com. In the case of an urgent order; we suggest the use of a credit card.

You are granted permission to access and use this website: PinpointPromos.com and its content for the sole purpose of preparing, evaluating, and ordering products or services solely through Pinpoint Promotions & Printing. No other download, retention, use, publication, or distribution of any portion of the content is authorized or permitted. You are not allowed to copy content, text or images, graphics, designs, logos or other matters of the sort from any part of the site including but not limited to our portfolio section or product images.

Your submittal of an online order and/or your signature on our presentations or estimates is a conditional acceptance by Pinpoint Promotions & Printing of your consent to purchase our products and/or goods and your acceptance of our terms and conditions.

We strive to provide current and accurate information on our website. Nevertheless, errors and misprints may occur. Accordingly, we reserve the right to reject, correct, cancel or terminate any order for goods or services for which the price was incorrectly displayed or where we otherwise displayed erroneous or inaccurate information. Pinpoint Promotions & Printing is not obligated to sell products or services based on errors or misprints on our website.

All items shown on our web site containing corporate logos or registered trademarks are shown only to illustrate the logo reproduction capabilities of the companies that produce the respective merchandise displayed on our site. The illustration of any trademark on our site does not constitute any endorsement by Pinpoint Promotional Products on behalf of the owner of said trademark or design.

We warrant that we have not altered or enhanced any promotional product images shown on our web site to misrepresent the true nature of the product displayed. We strongly urge our customers to request samples of the products they are considering for purchase to ensure that the color and quality meet their requirements for distribution.

If you use this site, you are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your online account and password. You agree to accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account or password.

In all cases where we have a check returned for Insufficient Funds we will assess a $50 fee.

If you are granted payment terms, you agree that if you are late paying your invoice, a 18% finance charge or the maximum charge permitted by law may be assessed against all accounts with past due balances. You agree to pay all the company's reasonable attorney's fees and all collection agency fees incurred in the collection of any amount owed thereunder and not paid when due.

All goods become your property at the time they are accepted by the carrier.

While we make best efforts to keep our site up to date, from time to time actual market conditions may change the price of a product. We reserve the right to change prices on the site at anytime. If a site price is incorrect on an item that you ordered, we will contact you immediately with the most updated price or help you choose a different item that is within your budget.

We make best efforts to provide clear and color-correct product images on our site that best reflect the true nature of the products. However, web site images are inherently limited in their ability to communicate color, scale, and detail. We want to remind customers to be careful about making assumptions about products from the site image alone. We strongly urge our customers to order actual samples. If you choose not to evaluate a physical sample, we cannot be held responsible for the difference between the image as it appears on your monitor and the final product.

Please note that we encourage you to take the opportunity to review a sample of the actual product before you order in bulk quantity. It is important that you understand that these samples are representative in nature. While we are very careful about the suppliers and manufacturers we use, manufacturing variations are unavoidable and a natural result of the manufacturing process. By choosing to place and order with Pinpoint Promotions, you are agreeing to accept merchandise with reasonable manufacturing variances in product material, color and packaging. The most common example of this is apparel dye-lots.

We reserve the right in our sole discretion to terminate or restrict your use of the Website, without notice, for any or no reason, and without liability to you or any third party.

You agree that we are free to use any comments, information or ideas contained in any communication you may send to us, without notice, compensation or acknowledgement to you, for any purpose whatsoever, including but not limited to developing, manufacturing and marketing products and services and creating, testimonials, modifying or improving the Website or other products or services.

Your use of the Website shall be governed by the laws of Connecticut, without regard to choice of law provisions. Except where prohibited, you agree that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action directly or indirectly arising out of or relating to the Website shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively in the state or federal courts located in New Haven, Connecticut. Any cause of action or claim you may have with respect to the Website must be commenced within one (1) year after the claim or cause of action arises, or it shall be forever barred.

PinpointPromos.com may link to sites operated by third parties. However, we have no control over these linked sites, all of which have their own terms of use and data collection practices. These linked sites are only for your convenience, and you access them at your own risk.

By using the Website, you agree to receive electronic communications from us. You agree that any notice, agreement, disclosure or other communication that we send you electronically will satisfy any legal communication requirements, including that such communications be in writing.

The capacity a paper has for accepting liquids, like the inks or water used to run offset lithographic presses

A useful or interesting item of merchandise usually carrying an imprinted advertising or promotional message and given with no obligation. Another, though older, term for promotional products.

A water-based coating applied after printing, either while the paper is still on press ("in line"), or after it's off press. An aqueous coating usually gives a gloss, dull, or matte finish, and helps prevent the underlying ink from rubbing off. Unlike a UV coating or a varnish, an aqueous coating will accept ink-jet printing, making it a natural choice for jobs that require printing addresses for mass mailings.

Fastening papers together for easy reading, transport, and protection. Papers may be bound together with a variety of materials like: staples, wire, thread, glue, and plastic combs.

A bitmap is one of many types of file formats for images stored in a computerized form. It carries the extension .BMP. Computers use bits of 1 and 0 to store data. A bitmap is literally a map of bits that form a particular picture when rendered to a display like a computer monitor.

An extra amount of printed image which extends beyond the trim edge of the sheet or page. An image or printed color that runs off the trimmed edge of a page. Bleeding one or more edges of a printed page generally increases both the amount of paper needed and the overall production cost of a printed job. Bleeds are created by trimming the page after printing.

A design which is stamped in a promotional product without metallic leaf or ink giving a bas-relief effect.

Merchandise given by a business in goodwill, without obligation to its customers, employees, friends and the like. Unlike promotional products, the business gift often is not imprinted with the advertiser's identification.

Paper that is coated on one side only.

Paper that is coated on both sides.

Mechanicals, photographs and art fully prepared for reproduction according to the technical requirements of the specific printing process being used. Also considered artwork that can be utilized without further touch up, preparation or changes.

Metal emblems that are stamped from a die. A colored paste made from ground glass is applied into the recessed areas of the emblem. The emblem is then fired at 1400 degrees and polished by stone and pumice to achieve brilliant color. Gullies and ridges separate each individual color, so fine lines between colors are difficult to achieve. This is considered a very high-quality product, and is slightly more costly than other alternatives. Used in emblematic jewelry and pins.

Abbreviation for the four process color inks: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. Subtractive primary colors. Printing colors for process color reproduction. Black (k) is added to enhance color/contrast.

In printing, an emulsion, varnish or lacquer applied over a printed surface to protect it.

In binding, the gathering of sheets or signatures.

The degree of difference between light and dark areas in an image. Extreme lights and darks give an image high contrast. An image with a wide tonal range has lower contrast.

The cost of reaching one thousand units of a media vehicle's circulation or audience with a particular advertising unit. Thus, the cost of an advertising unit divided by the circulation or audience (however it is defined) of the media vehicle in which it appears. Since promotional products are advertising media, one can calculate their CPM just as one would in traditional advertising.

Heavier, generally stiffer paper commonly used for book covers, catalogs, folders, greeting cards, business cards, and brochures. Uncoated cover papers generally match the color and finish of corresponding text papers (inside papers).

Premium or other reward given by manufacturer to retailers or distributors in return for a specified bulk purchase.

The image is depressed into a material such as paper, leather or suede, so the image sits below the product surface. Ink may or may not accompany the stamp (color stamping).

A water-soluble decal, printed on an offset or letterset press, is submerged in water and slid onto the product to be imprinted. The decal is rubbed with a cloth or squeegee to remove any excess water and air from between the product and the decal. The product is then kiln-fired. Once fired, the decal becomes fused with the glaze. Hairline registration and superior reproduction of detail make it an excellent choice. This imprint withstands washing very well. This method is labor intensive, since each decal must be aligned and applied by hand. Used in when many colors and tight registration are desired on less than perfect porcelain, ceramic and glass products.

A mold into which molten metal, plastic or other material is forced to make a special shape, such as pen barrels or rings. Also a tool made of very hard material used to press a special shape into or onto a softer material such as coins and emblems.

Molten metal is injected into the cavity of a carved die (a mold).

The use of sharp steel blades to cut special shapes from printed sheets.

Steel plate engraved with desired image used to “stamp” (apply) gold or silver leaf.

A method of producing emblems and other flat promotional products. A blank, cut from a metal sheet, is struck with a hammer that holds the die.

A die is used to press an image into a softer metal such as brass or gold. The die is put into a press, and the press is released and actually squeezes the metal into the recess of the die making the imprint on the metal. The height of detail is not as deep as casting; the letters and /images are shorter. Fine detail and deep /images cannot be achieved because the lines and gullies in the die may break during the striking process. Used in metals such as medals, coins and belt buckles.

A type of printing which uses digital imaging process that transfers the image directly onto plain paper immediately, without traditional offset rollers and plates.

An item given free with a purchase at the time of the purchase. Includes on-packs, in-packs and container premiums as well as those given separately.

Advertising that seeks an immediate response from consumers by mail or telephone usually outside established channels of distribution. Direct response advertising may be carried by mail, by the broadcast media or by the printed media.

The number of dots that fit horizontally and vertically into a one-square inch measurement. Generally, the more dots per inch, the more detail is captured, and the sharper the resulting image.

Materials such as a product replica, for example, are suspended in a clear substrate, usually poured acrylic or Lucite(r).

Stamping an image on a material, such as paper, leather or suede, so the image rises above the surface of the object. As in debossing, ink may or may not accompany the stamp.

A design stitched onto a material through the use of high speed, computer controlled sewing machines. The design is reproduced with tightly-stitched thread. Embroidery is most commonly used on logo patches and directly on some wearables. Fine detail is difficult to achieve.

The cutting or etching of designs or letters on metal, wood, glass or other materials. There are three engraving techniques. hand-engraving, hand-tracing, and computerized laser engraving. Engraving is performed with a diamond point or rotary blade that cuts into the surface of the product. Engraving offers a permanent imprint that will not wear off because it is cut into the metal base. Used in metals such as trophies, pens and nameplates.

The product to be imaged is coated with a resist (a protective coating that resists the acid). An image is exposed on the resist, usually photographically, leaving bare metal and protected metal. The acid attacks the exposed metal thus leaving the image etched into the surface of the metal. Very fine lines can be reproduced by this process and the only tooling is a piece of film, so spec samples are easily-made.

Size of product after printing and trimming, but before folding, as compared to finished size.

A flexible rubber plate is wrapped around a cylinder for speed and control. As the paper moves under the printing plate, it is pressed against the printing plate by another roller, and the ink is transferred onto the paper. A separate plate is needed for each individual color. Typically done on less expensive materials than screen printing. The inks are very thin and not as durable as those used in screen printing.

To cover paper with a thin, flexible sheet of metal or other material. The foil, which may be clear or opaque, comes in a range of colors, and is carried on a plastic sheet. Stamping separates the foil from the plastic and makes it adhere to the paper. Foil stamping can be combined with embossing or debossing as an added design element.

The collection of a typeface including the lower case, caps, numbers and special characters having unified design. This can be an important consideration when copy includes foreign terms or names with special characters. The different kinds and quantity of characters in a font will vary according to the manufacturer of the typesetting system.

The reproduction of full-color artwork through the combination of four process ink colors - magenta (red), cyan (blue), yellow and black - in specified intensities. Colors are separated into individual color plates so that when printed in register, they produce a full-color illustration. Four-color separations refer specifically to the process colors: magenta, cyan, yellow and black.

The process of packaging and shipping an order for a distributor. Fulfillment may be performed by a supplier, a distributor or an independent fulfillment house.

A process in which a piece of glass is covered with a template that has a design cut out of it. The glass is then sandblasted while the portion of the item not covered by the template is protected. The template image is thus etched into the glass.

Graphic Design is an arrangement of type and visual elements along with specifications for paper, ink colors and printing processes that, when combined, convey a visual message. A way of communication with visual elements and information to present an idea or concept.

The reproduction of a continuous tone artwork (such as a photograph) done by filtering light through a screen that converts the image into a pattern of dots of varying size.

Image is screened on a transfer substrate which is then laid directly on the material to be imprinted. The image is then “transferred” from the substrate to the material through the use of heat and pressure. Works best on cotton and cotton blends.

A process in which a design is transferred to a synthetic fabric by heat and pressure. The heat causes the inks to turn into a gas so that they penetrate the fabric and combine with it to form a permanent imprint.

Method is which type or designs in the form of a relief die are impressed with heat and pressure through metallic or pigmented foil onto the printed surface. It is used to decorate fabric, leather, paper, wood, hard rubber, coated metal and all types of plastic. Hot stamping is a “dry” imprinting process meaning the object can be handled immediately after the stamping without fear of smearing the imprint.

A specific color such as yellow or green.

Advertising designed to make its recipients feel more favorable toward the advertiser by portraying the advertiser in a favorable light.

Reward for a purchase or performance; as it applies to promotional products, it could be, depending on the response required, an ad specialty, premium or prize.

A printer that reproduces by projecting ink onto paper without the mechanical impact of plates.

Coated with a clear plastic or two separate sheets of paper joined together as a single sheet to provide a special thickness or varying colors from side to side.

A process in which an optically-read or stenciled art/copy is engraved (burned) into a material by a laser beam. Wood is the most common lasered material, but acrylic, some plastics, marble, leather and paper are also used. Metal requires specialized lasers.

A process of creating multi-dimensional, animated or bi-view effects by photographing with an extremely fine screen and placing plastic made up of tiny lenses over the top. Sometimes called xography.

The original method of mechanical printing, still used though to a lesser extent, based on relief printing. In other words, the ink is transferred from raised metal or rubber to the receiving surface. Also called rubber-plate printing.

  A generic term for printed material. Most typically used to refer to offset printed paper that is intended to be mounted to a display.

A firm's registered symbol, outline, drawing, picture, brand, abbreviation or unusual type style of letter, word or brand name. Used in identifying and advertising and becomes recognized as synonymous with that particular company, brand or service.

A printing method in which an inked image on a flat plate is transferred to a rubber surface before being pressed on the printing surface. The plate surface is treated to accept greasy ink in image areas that resist water and to accept water in non-image areas while resisting ink. In this method of printing, the ink is less likely to rub off after an object is handled as often happens with letterpress printing.

An additional number of products in excess of what was originally ordered. Five to ten percent is generally considered customary and acceptable.

A recessed surface is covered with ink. The plate is wiped clean, yet the ink remains in the recessed area of the plate. A silicone pad presses against the plate and pulls the ink out of the recesses. The pad then moves and presses directly against the product. Pad printing is excellent for imprinting small, unusually-shaped objects for which screenprinting is not practical. Small watch dials and cylinder shapes are some examples. This is not the most highly-recommended process for imprinting large areas; screen printing is better for large areas of ink coverage. Used in plastics, paper, ceramics, glassware, wearables, leather and vinyl.

Taking place on a press or a binder machine, creating a line of small dotted wholes for the purpose of tearing-off a part of a printed matter (usually straight lines, vertical or horizontal).

Process in which an illustration and/or copy is imprinted into metal, usually aluminum, by acid and then sealed by an anodizing process. This is popular for awards and plaques.

An image carrier, rubber or metal which transfers the ink to the printing surface.

The most widely used system for specifying and blending match colors. The PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM identifies more than 700 colors. It provides designers with swatches for specific colors, and gives printers the recipes for making those colors. PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM was developed by neither a commercial printer nor an ink manufacture, leaving the choice of ink brand up to the printer.

Advertising materials - displays, cards, etc. - which are placed within retail stores at the place where purchases are actually made.

A product imprinted with the specified design and copy of an issued purchase order. Its purpose is to clarify the appearance of the product and the imprint prior to manufacturing.

A product or service offered free or at a reduced price if the recipient performs some task, such as purchasing an item, meeting a sales quota, etc. Usually consumer-related.

Useful items that can be imprinted with the name of a company or individual and given free to the end user without obligation.

A screening process, using “puff inks.” After screening, the product is exposed to heat. A chemical additive in the ink will cause the ink to rise as it is heated to dry. This process must be used on a cotton weave material where the ink has something to latch on to. Therefore, it cannot be used on nylon. Used on wearables, such as caps and hats, T-shirts.

The process of alignment of the different elements in a printing job. Such as the different colored inks on a print job, so they are correctly printed next to each other or over each other. (i.e. If the inks can be seen to overlap improperly or to leave white gaps on the page, the printing is said to be "out of registration" or "poorly registered".)

A book binding process where pages are stapled together through the spine of the book. Traditionally performed on V shaped saddle. Many magazines are saddle stitched or stapled.

Pressing a channel into a sheet of paper to allow it to fold more easily. Scoring and pressing the paper fibers together creates an embossed channel that does two things: acts as a guide for easier folding, and creates a hinge that keeps the fiber stretch short. The score should run parallel to the paper grain; the thicker the paper, the wider the score should be. Paper should be folded with the scored side on the outside, making two short stretches rather than one long one. The outcome is a straight, durable fold that doesn't crack or break. see also finishing, folding, grain.

A method in which image is transferred to the surface to be printed by means of ink squeezed by a squeegee through a stenciled screen stretched over a frame. Screens are treated with a light-sensitive emulsion, and then the film positives are put in contact with the screens and exposed to a strong light. The light hardens the emulsion not covered by the film leaving a soft area on the screen for the squeegee to force ink through. Screen printing is capable of printing on irregular shaped objects. Glass, plastic, fabric and wood are popular materials on which to screenprint. Also called “silk screening.”

Special charges added to certain products that are priced in the catalog without printing included in the price. The set-up charge covers the cost of preparing type for the copy on the press; the running charge covers the actual printing.

Another, older name for promotional products.

Single colors applied to printing when process color is not necessary (i.e. one, two and three color printing), or when process colors need to be augmented (i.e. a fluorescent pink headline or a metallic tint).

The same image is printed continuously in a pattern on the same sheet of paper.

A process for imitating copperplate engraving, such as on calling cards, by dusting the freshly printed ink surface with resin powder which, when heated, fuses with the ink to form a slightly raised surface. The finished product is very similar to embossed printing in feel and appearance but is much less expensive.

A number of products less than what was originally ordered.

Ink specially formulated to dry quickly with ultraviolet (UV) light while still on press. UV drying improves turnaround time because it eliminates waiting for the first side to dry before printing the second side. This eliminates the need for the paper to pass through the press more than once.