Frequently Asked Questions

For most small format printed products, images should be around 300dpi at the final printed size. Large format requirements can differ, so check the specification for the product you are ordering.

A print ready PDF is the preferred format for professional printing, because it keeps page size, fonts, graphics and layout exactly as you set them. Requirements can vary by product.

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

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

It depends on the product and how the artwork is set up. The important thing is that the artwork is the correct size with the right amount of bleed. Follow the artwork instructions for the product you are ordering.

Yes. Every file gets a free artwork check for size, bleed, resolution, fonts and colours before it prints. This is a technical check, not proofreading, so please check spelling, names, dates, contact details, prices and other content yourself before you approve the job.

Yes. Graphic design and artwork help are available as a separate chargeable service. If your file is not print ready or you need artwork created, mention it when you ask for a quote so we can allow enough time before production.

Contact us straight away if you need to replace or change artwork. Once production has started, changes may no longer be possible, and restarting a job can involve extra charges.

No. Screens create colour with light, while print uses inks or toners on a physical material. The printing process and the stock also affect the finished look, so a screen colour will not always reproduce exactly in print.

Digital printing is not an exact Pantone matching process. If a particular colour matters to your project, talk to us about it before production.

Turnaround depends on the product, quantity, material, finishing, artwork and our production schedule. Different products have different standard and express options, and your account manager confirms the timing on your quote.

Yes. Same day production is available on many products when the specification and production capacity allow.

Our usual same day deadline is 14:00 Monday to Friday. Payment and print ready artwork must reach us before then.

Visit our same day printing in London site for full details.

Contact us with the specification and your deadline. Same day production cannot be guaranteed after the deadline, but another fast turnaround may be possible depending on the job.

Printpal London is a commercial printer rather than a self service copy shop. Print jobs are normally arranged by sending us the specification and artwork before production.

If you only need a few ordinary pages printed or photocopied, a library or copy shop may suit you better. Our print shop vs copy shop guide explains which service is likely to fit your needs.

No. Printpal London does not provide photocopying.

No. We do not offer a general document scanning service.

No. Customers do not use our production printers themselves. We produce professionally printed products from the artwork you supply.

Full payment is required before production begins, unless you have a credit account agreed with us in writing.

A purchase order on its own does not authorise production. Payment needs to be received before the job goes into production.

Credit accounts are only available to a small number of large business customers, by prior written agreement. All other orders are paid in full before production.

Yes, by arrangement. Production begins once cleared funds have been received.

Completed orders can be collected from our studio at 14 Hendon Lane, Finchley, North London N3 1TR. Get directions.

Eligible same day orders are usually ready to collect between 17:00 and 18:00, once production is complete.

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

Yes. We deliver anywhere in the UK by DPD. Delivery times depend on the service and destination, and the cost is shown on your quote.

Yes. We keep a selection of printed samples in our Finchley print shop, so you can see and feel some of our most popular stocks and finishes before you order. We do not hold every variation, and we do not run a general sample swatch service. If you are unsure which material suits your job, tell us what you are producing and how it will be used, and we will advise on the options.

Printed proofs are not a standard part of every order. If a physical proof is essential to your project, mention it before ordering, because it can affect the price and turnaround.

Yes. Tell us how the print will be used, the finish you would like and any practical requirements, and we will recommend suitable options.