Frequently Asked Questions

For many small-format printed products, raster images should normally be around 300dpi at the final printed size. Large-format requirements can differ, so check the specification for the product you're ordering.

A print-ready PDF is generally the preferred format for professional printing because it can preserve page dimensions, fonts, graphics and layout. File requirements can vary depending on the product.

Bleed is artwork that extends beyond the finished trim edge. It allows backgrounds, photographs and other printed elements to continue cleanly to the edge after cutting.

See our guide to setting up bleed and crop marks for more information.

This depends on the product and artwork workflow. The important requirement is that the artwork is prepared at the correct size with the appropriate bleed. Follow the artwork instructions for the product you're ordering.

Files go through production checks appropriate to the job, but this shouldn't be treated as proofreading or a complete design review. You remain responsible for checking spelling, names, dates, contact information, prices and other artwork content before production.

Yes. Graphic design and artwork assistance are available as a separate chargeable service. If your file isn't print-ready or you need artwork created, mention this when requesting your quotation so sufficient time can be allowed before production.

Contact us immediately if you need to replace or amend artwork. Once production has started, changes may no longer be possible and restarting the job can involve additional charges.

No. Screens display colour using light, whereas printing uses inks or toners on a physical material. The printing process and stock can also affect the finished appearance, so an RGB screen colour shouldn't be assumed to reproduce exactly in print.

Digital printing shouldn't be treated as an exact Pantone colour-matching process. If a particular colour is important to your project, discuss the requirement with us before production.

Turnaround depends on the product, quantity, material, finishing, artwork and current production schedule. Different products have different standard and express production options.

Yes. Same-day production is available across many commercial print products where the specification and production capacity allow.

Our usual same-day cut-off is 14:00 Monday to Friday. Payment and print-ready artwork must be received before the applicable cut-off.

See our same-day printing service in London for further information.

Contact us with the specification and deadline. Same-day production shouldn't be assumed after the cut-off, but another available turnaround may be possible depending on the job.

Printpal London is primarily a commercial printer rather than a self-service copy shop. Commercial print jobs are normally arranged by supplying the specification and artwork before production.

If you only need a few ordinary pages printed or photocopied, a library or copy shop may be more appropriate. Our print shop vs copy shop guide explains which type of service is likely to suit your requirements.

No. Printpal London doesn't provide photocopying.

No. We don't operate a general document-scanning service.

No. Customers don't use our production printers themselves. We manufacture professionally printed products from artwork supplied for production.

Full payment is required before production begins.

A purchase order on its own doesn't authorise production. Payment needs to be received before the job enters production.

No. We don't operate customer credit accounts.

Yes, where arranged. Production begins once cleared funds have been received.

Completed orders can be collected from our studio in Finchley, North London.

Eligible same-day orders are generally available for collection between 17:00 and 18:00, once production has been completed.

Same-day London courier delivery is generally available between 18:00 and 22:00 for eligible orders.

Yes. Standard delivery is available for orders outside the same-day London courier service. Delivery times depend on the service and destination.

We don't operate a general sample-swatches service. If you're unsure which material is suitable, tell us what you're producing and how it will be used so we can advise on the available options.

Printed proofs aren't a standard part of every order. If a physical production proof is essential to a particular project, discuss this before ordering because it can affect the price and turnaround.

Yes. If you're unsure which available option is appropriate, explain the intended use, required finish and any practical requirements so we can advise on suitable choices.