Q1: What is the maximum size color job that you can run?
A1: 14.33" x 22.5" is the maximum. *Doesn't refer to large format printing which has a 60" width limit.

Q2: What is the maximum size Black and White job you can run?
A2: 14.33" x 22.5" is the maximum.

Q3: What are your hours of operation?
A3: Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Friday 8 am - 4 pm.

Q4: Do you have Fax service?
A4: Yes. See the contact page

Q5: How long before I can pick up my job?
A5: Depending on our work load at the time. Turn around times do vary quite a bit. Please give us a call and talk to us about when your deadline is and we will do the best we can to meet it.

Q6: Do you have walk in service?
A6: We do have a self service B & W copier located in our lobby. Walk in color does vary, you may want to call ahead if you are expecting to have color copies done on the spot.

Q7: Where are you located?
A7: We have 2 locations to serve our customers all over Central and Southern Maine. Portland Digital is at 141 Preble Street in Portland, and The Copy Center is located at 243 Western Ave., Augusta.

File Questions

Q8: Do I need to include all fonts and graphics that are being utilized when sending my digital files to Portland Digital?
A8: Yes, when sending digital files in any format other than PDF, all fonts and graphics must be included.

Q9: At what Dots Per Inch do graphics and illustrations need to be?
A9: At least 300 X 300 this includes black and white and color images.

Q10: How do I calculate the spine for my cover?
A10: The formula is: The number of pages divided by 2, times the paper stock weight plus .034, equals the spine width. An example might be:
Stock weight: 20# or 50# = .0041
24# or 60# = .0046
We are happy to help. Just call us.

Sample: 100 page book printed on 20# paper looks like this:
100 / 2 = 50 x .0041=0.205 + .034 = .239" would be the spine width

Q11: In what format do color files need to be?
A11: Colors should be in CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black-ink colors that are used in digital printing). If they are in RGB our press will convert them for you.

Q12: At what distance do my text margins in a book need to be set ?
A12: Margins vary from book to book, but generally a half inch on every side and an extra quarter inch for the binding edge is a safe distance.

Q13: What is a PDF file?
A13: PDF stands for Portable Document Format. This is the preferred format for digital printers to print from.. When creating a PDF it is important to make sure that you embed all the fonts. We are happy to review your files with you before you submit your job and we are here to help through every step of the process. You can also learn more about PDF’s at www.Adobe.com or purchase Acrobat Professional to create pdf on your computer.

Q14: How do I create a PDF?
A14: You will need Acrobat Distiller or Acrobat Professional to create PDF’s on your computer. You can learn more about PDF’s on the internet at www.Adobe.com.

Q15: What does embedding fonts mean?
A15: Embedding means that the fonts are contained within the file and do not need to be sent as separate files. You should always choose this option when creating a PDF file for printing.

Q16: Will the color of my digital print job be exactly the same as the image on my monitor or the output from my printer?
A16: The colors will generally look close to your monitor but there can be differences. The printed material will approximate that of your monitor or printer but it will not be exactly alike. Displays (monitors) use a different imaging technology to display colors and characters. Desk top printers use different chemicals and most do have different resolutions. If you are concerned about color we will be happy to supply you with a proof prior to printing your job.

Q17: What is a PMS Color mean?
A17:PMS is the abbreviated name of the Pantone Color Matching System. A specific Library of colors often used in the offset printing world.

Q18: What is a bleed?
A18:To bleed a document means to have ink or image printed right the edge of the paper. To accomplish this Portland Digital recommends you bleed your document in our layout program and turn crop marks on when creating a PDF (See Sample). If your print jobs bleeds we will need crop marks, if your job does not bleed we will NOT need crop marks. Please do not put crop marks on the job if it does not bleed, they do get in way when we use our positioning software on our presses.

Q19: How do I send my job files to you?
A19: PLEASE do not send job files by email. We have an easy to use web-based FTP upload page
for you to use.