FAQs

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Last Updated: Aug 05, 2024, 01:01 PM

FAQs

Here you'll find answers to common questions our customers ask. Start by selecting one of the links below. If you don’t see what you need – call or email us.

What type of products and services do you provide?

We are a full service shop and offer a wide range of products and services. To see a more comprehensive listing and description of what we can offer you, check out the Products & Services. If you don't see something you are looking for already listed, feel free to email us at siu.printing@siu.edu to ask if we can do what it is you are needing.

How do I get an estimate?

Call 453-2268 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 

You can also email us at siu.printing@siu.edu and we will get back to you

Do I need to set up the print files?

You can send us files to print or simply tell us your needs and have our experts prepare print-ready files for your approval.

If you send in your own files, our preferred format is always a PDF or an InDesign file which you package for output and include all links and fonts. We also accept: 

  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • PDF
  • Microsoft Word

If you have your document in a program not listed here, there are usually options to either "save as" or "print to" PDF. Please include bleeds and crop marks when applicable. 

Still have questions? Give our design department a call Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and we will do what we can to assist and accommodate.

At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?

Resolution should be set to 300 dpi.

Pictures and graphics pulled from the internet are often low resolution and will appear pixilated and blocky when printed.

What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?

A proof is a final version of your document after all modifications and printing setup processes have been completed. It is your last opportunity to make sure that the print job comes out the way you want.

What is the Pantone Matching System (PMS)?

The Pantone Matching System is a color reproduction standard in which colors all across the spectrum are each identified by a unique, independent number. The use of PMS allows us to precisely match colors and maintain color consistency throughout the printing process. SIU's official maroon is PMS 209.

Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?

Printers and monitors create colors in different ways. The way you see a color on your monitor is unique to your computer in your environment. Printing equipment uses a different way to put ink or toner on paper and has to interpret the screen colors to what it considers close.

Please ask for help from our designers if a color is critical on your project.

What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?

PDF (Portable Document Format) is a great file format for submitting digital documents. With the installation of a PDF print driver on your computer, virtually any program can generate a PDF file suitable for printing. Both commercial and free PDF print drivers are available online for download from different sources.

If you send in your own files, our preferred format is always a PDF or an InDesign file which you package for output and include all links and fonts. We also accept: 

  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • PDF
  • Microsoft Word

If you have your document in a program not listed here, there are usually options to either "save as" or "print to" PDF. Please include bleeds and crop marks when applicable. 

Still have questions? Give our design department a call Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and we will do what we can to assist and accommodate.

How long will it take to finish my job?

There are several variables which determine how long it will take to complete a job. We will always work with you to find a way to complete your project when you need it - even if it is a tight deadline. Please take a minute and give us a call at 618/453-2268 and we will give you an estimated time when the job is submitted.