Digital vs. Offset
In offset, the file to be printed is first transferred to printing plates that create the document imprint on press. Offset is best suited for high quality, high volume printing of static documents and for pieces that have large image areas of solid ink coverage. In digital, prints are made directly from a computer file; there are no plates. Digital is fast and cost-effective for short-run jobs. And it’s the only way to use variable data.
Variable Data Printing
Variable data printing (VDP) allows elements such as text and graphics to be changed from piece to piece in one print run on a digital press. This is done by merging information from a database (usually provided by the customer) with a document design. VDP enables you to produce personalized marketing, which can be as simple as a form letter where just the recipients’ names and addresses change on each letter, or as complex as a catalog with variable information and graphics tailored to each recipient’s interests.
Pre-press Proofs
Your approval on the final proof is assurance that you have looked over every aspect of our work and approve it as accurate. It benefits everyone when errors are caught in the proofing process rather than after the job is completed.
Postal Regulations
Complying with current postal regulations is an important consideration for anything that goes through the Post Office, from direct mail to the envelopes that are part of your paper system. If you have specific questions, you can contact the Business Mail/MailAcceptance desk at the main Austin Post Office at 512.342.1290 or call our Mailing Services department at 512.454.6874. It’s a good idea to have your artwork reviewed for compliance by the Mail Acceptance desk before you send your files to Ginny’s.
For comprehensive information, go to the US Postal Service Quick Service Guides at http://pe.usps.com/text/qsg300/q000.htm.
FSC Certification
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) promotes the highest social and environmental standards for forest management in the production of wood used in paper manufacturing. FSC has a certification system whose goals are to eliminate habitat destruction, water pollution, displacement of indigenous peoples and violence against people and wildlife that often accompany logging. A printed product comes under the FSC “environmental claim” when the product has flowed through the FSC chain-of-custody, from an FSC-certified forest to a paper manufacturer, a merchant and a printer who have FSC chain-of-custody certification. Ginny’s is an FSC-certified printer.
Tips & Tricks
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Software Downloads
Web-to-Print Applications
Web-to-print refers to the process of using the Internet to manage and simplify a printing program. It can also involve online customization of print files or the use of a web-based library. This approach allows a company's ordering agents (field sales reps, franchisees, remote marketing offices, etc.) to place printing orders online through a company-controlled portal. It’s a fast, cost-effective way to reduce inventory hassles and decentralize logistics while centralizing brand control.