Printing

File Type: We prefer PDFs for quality retention. We also accept EPS, SVG, AI and even properly sized PNGs.

Resolution: A minimum of 300 dpi (dots per inch) for image resolution ensures that your images are sharp and clear when printed at full size.

Color Mode: Save files in CMYK color mode, not RGB. CMYK mode is used for printing and will provide you with a more accurate representation of how your colors will appear on the final product.

Fonts: Outlining your fonts converts text into graphic objects, promising your text appears as intended without any font substitutions that could alter your design.

Bleed Requirement: Add .125 inches to each edge of the canvas size. 

DPI stands for Dots Per Inch, which measures print resolution. We recommend using a minimum of 300 DPI for most projects to ensure high-quality prints with sharp detail.

Please use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key-Black) for all your print projects. While RGB is used for digital screen displays, CMYK is used for printing and will ensure accurate color reproduction.

Bleed is the extension of artwork past the cut-off edge to ensure a margin of error when trimming. For Inscriptu, we ask for a 0.125-inch bleed on all sides of your artwork. This means that you should extend your design 0.125 inches beyond the final cut size.

Outlining fonts is a crucial step in preparing your print files to ensure that the final printed materials reflect the precise typography you have selected. To outline fonts in popular graphic design software:

  • In Adobe Illustrator: Select the text, then go to `Type > Create Outlines`.
  • In Adobe Photoshop: Right-click the text layer and choose `Convert to Shape`.
  • In Adobe InDesign: Select the text, then go to `Type > Create Outlines`.
  • For Canva: Select PDF Print and check the 'Flatten PDF' option.

Always remember to save a copy of your design with editable text layers before outlining fonts, allowing for future revisions if required.

Our standard turnaround time varies by product, but we aim to complete most orders within 3-5 business days. If you require faster service, please inquire about our same-day copy service for urgent needs.

Inscriptu offers a wide selection of paper stocks and materials, including but not limited to:

  • Standard and premium papers from Sappi, Hammermill, Mohawk, or Verso
  • Single-sided and double-sided glossy cover options from Tango, Neenah or Kelly
  • Specialty photo papers from Epson, HP, or Canon

Our Digital UV printing uses ultraviolet lights to dry and cure ink as it’s printed on your materials, providing vibrant, durable prints that are resistant to fade and wear. UV inks can create striking raised spot gloss features, enhancing text and patterns with a tactile dimension.

Laser Engraving

Laser engraving is a non-contact process that uses a laser to etch designs onto various materials. At Inscriptu, our high-watt CO2 lasers carefully vaporize the material—be it wood, acrylic, or metal— creating an indelible mark that is both precise and permanent.

We specialize in engraving a wide array of materials:

  • Acrylics: For business branding, products, and unique gifts.
  • Metals: Including aluminum, marking serial numbers, and metal plates (excluding delicate glass like jewelry which we refer to our trusted colleagues).
  • Wood: From personalized projects to industrial wood engraving, such as wooded wedding invites.
  • Glass: Custom patterns and text, such as ceramic mugs and glass panes
  • And More: Paper, cardboard, and certain stones.

Visit our laser engraving services page for an extended list of materials and ideas at Inscriptu's Laser Engraving Services.

For a successful engraving, we require vector files (.PDF, .AI, .EPS, .SVG), or high-resolution raster images (.JPG, .PNG) in black and white with a minimum resolution of 300 DPI. Clear file setups ensure the highest quality of your custom engravings. Any fonts should be outlined. Discuss special cutting instructions with us beforehand.

Our largest laser bed can accommodate materials up to 36" x 24". Anything beyond these dimensions may not be suitable for our engraving services. We also do not engrave on jewelry or extremely delicate glass items, but we are happy to recommend colleagues who specialize in these areas.

At Inscriptu, we use primarily CO2 lasers for a wide range of materials, and a fiber laser specifically designed for precision on smaller items such as nameplates, dog tags, and silverware. We employ various engraving techniques to suit the unique needs of each project:

  • Etching: This method involves the laser beam penetrating the surface of the material to create a visible cavity that reveals an image or text. It’s particularly popular for intricate designs in wood or acrylic.
  • Annealing: For metals, we use a laser that etches a solvent, creating marks by altering the metal coloration without cutting into the surface. This is perfect for medical devices and industrial tags where surface integrity is crucial.
  • Ablation: This technique involves the laser removing a layer of paint or other covering to contrast the underlying material. It is ideal for items like coated metals or anodized aluminum where the top color layer needs to be selectively removed to reveal the base material, such as tumblers.

Turnaround times may vary based on the complexity and volume of the project. We strive to complete your project efficiently while maintaining high-quality standards. Some projects can be done within 3 days, some larger more complicated projects can take up to a week.

Our rate is $125 per hour, with a minimum setup charge of $35. For example, a medium to complex etching of 12" x 12" could take about an hour, amounting to $160 in total.

Yes, we welcome customers to bring in their items for engraving. Please ensure your item is compatible with our machine capabilities and material restrictions. It is best to consult with us beforehand to confirm we can meet your needs.

Signage

At Inscriptu, we provide a variety of high-quality materials tailored for different applications, including:

Each material offers unique benefits, and our team can help recommend the best choice based upon your specific needs.

Our prints can be up to 5 feet wide by 10 feet long or more for banners, with many of our rigid materials such as Falconboard and Cardboard in sheets up to 5 foot by 8 foot.

For a seamless printing process, ensure your design files are:

  • In vector format (.ai, .eps, .pdf) for scaling without losing quality.
  • Set to the actual size of the finished print.
  • Outlined fonts to prevent font substitution.
  • Accompanied by any critical color or printing instructions.

For specific setup details, reach out to our team for personalized assistance.

Yes! We use UV printing processes that are designed specifically for brightness and durability, ensuring that our signs are resistant to weather elements, including water and sunlight.

Your creativity is the limit! Inscriptu offers:

  • Laser Cutting for Custom Shapes: Utilize our precision laser cutting services to create signs of various shapes or designs.
  • Gloss and Spot Gloss Varnish: Enhance the visual appeal of your signs with our gloss or spot gloss varnish options. These finishes add a premium look to highlight key elements of your design.
  • Long-lasting and Temporary Solutions: Whether you're looking for a durable sign that withstands the elements or a temporary promotional piece, we provide options for both. Our team can guide you in selecting the perfect material and printing process to meet your requirements.
  • Replacements for Existing Signage: Inscriptu can also assist in updating existing signage, including A-frames and box lights.

It largely depends on where and how you plan to use your sign. Here are a few examples:

  • Store advertising and special events might benefit from our vibrant foamcore or PVC signs.
  • Sellable art prints and higher-end displays look stunning on aluminum or acrylic.
  • Economical options like corrugated plastic work great for political yard signs or temporary notices.
  • POP displays and durable table signage can be created from recycled Falconboard

Our team at Inscriptu can help align your purpose with the perfect sign material and style.

Business Cards

The standard size for a business card in the United States is typically 3.5 x 2 inches.

Bleed refers to the portion of the design that extends beyond the actual dimensions of the card. This ensures that after cutting, the card has no unprinted edges, resulting in a more professional finish.

We offer a selection of upgrades to your standard cards. Matte finish gives a non-glare, professional appearance, while glossy finish makes colors more vivid and the cards stand out. We also offer soft-touch finishes, metallic foiling, plastic business cards, tent cards, and laser engraving options.

You can read more in-depth FAQs, see options, upload or set up your files, and order online here: 

Stickers

We pride ourselves on the longevity of our stickers. They’re printed with UV ink on high-quality, all-weather vinyl or foil to withstand elements like water and sunlight, making them perfect for both indoor and outdoor usage.

We provide:

  • Standard shapes: circles, ovals, squares, rectangles
  • Die-cut Custom shapes are available. Contact us to learn more.
  • Available in sheets as well as rolls for larger quantity needs

Absolutely! We are equipped to handle orders of any size—whether you need a small batch for a show or a large order for a major campaign.

Although we can special order many styles, we have in-house two distinct holographic sticker options—Prismatic Holographic and Holographic Sparkle.

Tumbler Engraving

Tumbler laser engraving is a precise process of etching designs onto the surface of a tumbler by removing the top layer of paint, revealing the sleek, aluminum material beneath. When you supply a black and white image, such as a logo, the black part of the image will be engraved away, creating a negative as it reveals the aluminum below.

Submit your design as a sharp, high-resolution (300 dpi at least). Vector format is the best format. Please make sure they are in a solid black and white format with no greyscale. Halftone patterns can be utilized to achieve gradients.

Absolutely! We welcome you to bring your favorite tumblers from popular brands like Yeti, Thermo Flask, or our in-stock brand Polar Camel. We'll ensure the suitability of materials and sizes for the engraving process.

Banners

Our banners are custom printed on 10oz vinyl for indoor, or13oz, 18oz or 24oz all-weather front-lit vinyl for outdoor, ensuring longevity and vivid presentation. Our robust vinyl banners are UV printed—perfect for withstanding the elements, making them suitable for indoor/outdoor usage.

Absolutely! We offer custom banner solutions to suit any special dimensions you require. With printing capabilities on 38", 54", and 63" wide rolls and lengths up to 150 feet, no design is too big or too small.

To ensure your banners are ready for display upon arrival, we offer the following finishing options:

  • Grommets: Ideal for easy hanging and securing, available upon request.
  • Mounting Tape: An alternative option for display on flat surfaces, also available upon request.

Wonderful! You should familiarize yourself with all of our options and further FAQs to find the perfect fit for your requirements. Have a look: 

A-Frames

Select from our variety of substantial materials for A-frame signs, including vibrant, scratch-resistant corrugated plastic, cost-effective Coroplast, or resilient PVC panels for more challenging weather conditions.

Yes! Inscriptu’s A-frame signs stand out for their robust construction, offering longevity in various environments with weatherproof materials and UV-resistant inks. For windy areas, we provide water-fillable bases for extra security.

With effectiveness at the forefront, standard A-frame sign orders are ready to ship in 3-5 business days, with expedited production available for urgent requests.

Highly visible sidewalk signage for an event or ongoing business is always a great bet for long-lasting brand exposure. Start the process today by choosing your size: 

Brochures

A single-fold brochure is folded in half once to create two panels. Bi-fold is an alternate term for a single-fold brochure. A tri-fold brochure has two folds, creating three panels on each side.

The purpose will influence the best paper weight with 80 lb to 100 lb text great for quick handouts and informationals; with 14 point to 16 point card stock being typical for a more professional look and durable feel.

We offer several standard sizes, including 8.5" x 11", 8.5" x 14", and 11" x 17". Custom dimensions are also available upon request.

Have a look through our various brochure options, with online templates, sizes, FAQs, and fold options here: