FAQ
Have a question about printing? We've answered some of the most common questions our customers ask. If you don't see the information you're looking for, please contact us—we're always happy to help.
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For the best print quality, images should be at least 300 dpi (dots per inch) at the final printed size.
Images copied from websites or social media are often only 72–96 dpi, which can appear blurry or pixelated when printed.
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Turnaround times vary depending on the type of project, quantity, finishing requirements, and our current production schedule.
Many standard jobs can be completed within a few business days, while more complex projects may require additional production time. If you have a specific deadline, please let us know when placing your order or requesting a quote. We'll do our best to meet your timeline and will let you know if a rush option is available.
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For the best printing results, we recommend submitting a print-ready PDF whenever possible.
If you're designing in Canva, we recommend exporting your artwork as a PDF Print file with Crop Marks and Bleed enabled. This helps ensure your artwork prints correctly and extends to the edge of the finished piece when needed.
If you're sending native design files (such as Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, or Photoshop), please include:
All linked images
All fonts (or convert fonts to outlines when appropriate)
Any supporting files used in your documentTo ensure the best possible print quality, please:
Design in CMYK color mode whenever possible.
Include 1/8" bleed on all sides if your artwork extends to the edge of the page.
Keep important text and graphics at least 1/8" inside the trim edge.
Use high-resolution images (300 dpi at final size).If you're unsure whether your file is print-ready, don't worry. Our team is happy to review your artwork and let you know if any adjustments are needed before printing.
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The advantages of our duplicating devices are best realized on runs of 1000 or less requiring black printing and where a fast turnaround is needed. If the piece included photos or halftone screens the copy quality would be lower than that achieved by the printing process. On longer runs or where multiple colors are desired, as well as when screens or halftones require higher quality, offset printing would be the best alternative. The only disadvantage of the printing process would be the longer production time requirements.
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We accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards.
Credit card payments made over the phone are subject to an additional 3.5% processing fee.
If you have any questions about payment options, please contact our team.
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A proof is a preview of your project that allows you to review the layout, spelling, images, colors, and overall appearance before printing begins.
Please review your proof carefully. Once you approve it, your job will be printed exactly as shown. Gateway Printing is not responsible for errors that were present on an approved proof, including spelling, grammar, phone numbers, addresses, or other content.
If you notice anything that needs to be changed, simply let us know before approving your proof. Taking a few extra minutes to review your proof can help prevent costly mistakes and ensure your finished project looks exactly the way you expect.
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The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a standardized color matching system used throughout the printing industry to ensure consistent color reproduction.
Unlike CMYK process printing, which creates colors by combining cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks, Pantone colors are pre-mixed to produce a specific, consistent color. This is especially important for logos and brand colors that need to remain the same across different print projects.
If maintaining an exact brand color is important for your project, let us know. We'll be happy to discuss whether a Pantone color is the best option for your printing needs.
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Gateway Printing provides professional printing services for businesses, organizations, schools, churches, print brokers, and individual customers.
We offer walk-in black & white copying for customers who need quick copies, but most of our products—such as business cards, brochures, invitations, banners, and signs—are professionally produced and require production time.
Whether you need a few copies or a large commercial printing project, our experienced team is committed to delivering quality results and exceptional service.
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Computer monitors, phones, and tablets display colors using RGB (red, green, and blue) light, while commercial printing uses CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) inks. Because these color systems work differently, printed colors may not look exactly the same as what you see on your screen.
Other factors, such as your monitor's brightness and calibration, the type of paper, and the printing process, can also affect the final appearance of color.
If color accuracy is critical for your project, we recommend requesting a printed proof or discussing Pantone (PMS) color matching with our team before production begins.
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We accept most common file formats, including:
PDF (preferred)
AI (Adobe Illustrator)
INDD (Adobe InDesign)
PSD (Adobe Photoshop)
EPS
PNGPrint-ready PDFs are always our preferred file format because they help preserve fonts, images, and page layout.
If you're using Canva, export your design as a PDF Print with Crop Marks and Bleed enabled for the best results.
AI-generated artwork (created with tools such as ChatGPT or other artificial intelligence image generators) may require additional editing to make it suitable for professional printing. If artwork adjustments are necessary, additional design charges may apply.
Not sure if your file is ready to print? Send it anyway! We'll be happy to review your file and let you know if any adjustments are needed.
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Bleed is the portion of your artwork that extends beyond the final trim size. It ensures that backgrounds, colors, and images print all the way to the edge of the finished piece without leaving an unwanted white border.
During the printing process, printed sheets are trimmed to their final size. Because trimming has a slight tolerance, artwork that extends into the bleed area helps ensure a clean, professional edge on every piece.
For most printed products, we recommend including 1/8" (0.125") of bleed on all sides of your document. Also, keep important text, logos, and other critical elements at least 1/8" inside the trim edge to prevent them from being trimmed.
If you're creating your own artwork, we offer downloadable templates for many of our products to help you set up your files correctly. If you have questions, our team is always happy to help.
