How do I get a quote for my project?
You can easily request an estimate by filling out our online form (link to form). However, to ensure that we get you the most accurate quote, it’s best to give us a call so we get all the information necessary.
When will my order be complete?
We do our best to meet any requested timelines. Due to the differences in what a project requires, we can not give you a completion date until all details of the project have been discussed. Let us know when you need your job completed and we’ll let you know if it can be done.
What file format can I submit for printing?
We prefer a PDF, as it works with virtually all professional printing and digital output devices. A PDF file incorporates the information needed to maintain document consistency from system to system.
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 are 16# 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 coated vs uncoated paper?
Commonly used for projects such as newspapers and basic black-and-white copying, uncoated stock paper is more porous and inexpensive. Coated stock is typically more expensive because it is made of higher quality paper and creates a smooth glossy finish that works well for reproducing sharp text and vivid colors.
What are Pantone (PMS) colors?
Pantone colors refer to the Pantone Matching System (PMS), a color matching system used by the printing industry whereby printing colors are identified by a unique name or number. This ensures that colors turn out the same from computer to computer, and print run to print run.
What are the standard sizes for catalogs and booklets?
5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
8 1/2″ x 11″
8 1/2″ x 11″
11″ x 17″
What are the standard sizes for brochures?
8 1/2″ x 11″
8 1/2″ x14″
11″ x17″
What are standard business envelope sizes?
| Size | Width x Length |
| #6 1/4 | 3 1/2″ x 6″ |
| #6 3/4 | 3 5/8″ x 6 1/2″ |
| #7 | 3 3/4″ x 6 3/4″ |
| #7 3/4 | 3 7/8″ x 7 1/2″ |
| #8 5/8 | 3 5/8″ x 8 5/8″ |
| #9 | 3 7/8″ x 8 7/8″ |
| #10 | 4 1/8″ x 9 1/2″ |
| #11 | 4 1/2″ x 10 3/8″ |
| #12 | 4 3/4″ x 11″ |
| #14 | 5″ x 11 1/2″ |
What are standard sizes for postcards?
4″ x 6″
5″ x 7″
5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
What types of bindings can be done for multi-page projects?
Perfect binding: Most commonly used for letterhead, business forms and copying. Typical basis weights are 16# for forms, 20# for copying and 24# for stationery.
Saddle-stitch binding: 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#.
Spiral binding: The most common grade for offset printing. Typically 50# to 70#.
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.
Case binding: Sewing the pages together and then attaching them to a hard cover
Choctaw Print Services accepts a variety of digital file formats for print. We work closely with our clients to assure that the quality of your project meets your expectations. Please review our following recommendations to ensure best results:
File Formats
PDF: in CMYK mode with a 300 DPI or higher image resolutions and all fonts embedded or outlined.
Adobe InDesign: package for print or include all images and fonts.
Photoshop or other image file: Layered PSD files with fonts included. Flattened PSD files or raster (.jpg or .tif) images from other photo editing platforms should be submitted at 300 DPI in CMYK color mode. Please note that our ability to alter or correct flat image files is limited.
Adobe Illustrator: Vector files in AI, PDF, or SVG formats are recommended for large format reproduction. For best results, submit files at final size with fonts converted to outlines. Embedded raster images should be in CMYK color mode and a minimum of 150 DPI at final size.
Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft PowerPoint: Microsoft Publisher and PowerPoint files are not accepted for professional printing. Prepress charges will apply for file conversion and changes required before print.
Microsoft Word: Microsoft Word files are not recommended. For best results, convert Word files to a PDF file before submitting files.
Bleeds & Safe Area
Bleed: 1/8” all sides
Safe Area: Allow a minimum safe area (margin) of 1/8”
Color & Resolutions
All images and files should be submitted in CMYK color mode with an image resolution of 300 DPI at final size.
Fonts & Graphics
Fonts and graphic images should be embedded in files. Please include or package font files and images separately if submitting native files. For best results, convert fonts to outlines in vector images. Fonts are not embedded in Microsoft applications and substitution problems are likely to occur.
