Frequently
Asked Questions

Artwork questions

What’s ‘bleed’ and why do I need it?

Bleed is an extension of the background image or colour that extends beyond the finished trim size. We require bleed when you want your background to print to the edge of the page without white edges. It’s trimmed off when your item is cut to the final size. We require a 3mm bleed on all documents, with the exception of Case Bound books, see below.

It’s best if you can add bleed before you upload your print ready pdf file. Some applications, like InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop, allow you to do this. But if you need any help please contact us.

If you can’t add bleed before uploading, we’ll do our best to add it for you, but this is not always possible and for the best results we recommend adding it before uploading your documents.

Bleed requirements for Case bound books:

With case bound books we require extended bleed on the front and back cover (as this wraps around the cover onto the inside front and inside back, and is then covered with an end paper). So please supply your front cover and back cover with 20mm bleed on all four edges.

The inside pages just require the standard 3mm bleed on each side please.

We also require your spine to be supplied at the specified width (this is shown when you start the order, or when you add the item to the Shopping Cart) with 20mm bleed at the top and 20mm bleed at the bottom.

What are trim marks, bleed marks and gutter boundaries?

Trim mark – is indicated by the green line on the file preview in the ‘Artwork’ tab of your order, this is where your document will be trimmed.

Bleed mark – indicated by the blue line on the file preview. Make sure your document extends to this mark to avoid white edges when trimmed to size.

Spine gutter boundary – this is indicated by the vertical shaded area within the on the file preview. This highlights the part of the page that it likely to be hidden on a PUR perfect bound order when bound.

How do I proof check my order?

We have three proofing methods as follows:

  1. Click on the ‘Preview’ button to view the pages in e-book format
  2. Download a pdf proof to your desktop by clicking on the ‘Proof’
  3. Click on the individual thumbnails where you’ll be able to see the trim marks, bleed marks and gutter boundaries.
What should I look for when I’m checking my proofs?

Keep an eye out for missing text, strange characters and check that everything is in the right place. Make sure you thoroughly proof read and spellcheck your prints before you upload them.

Please check that the sequence of your pages is correct and that all the required pages are displaying within the Preview.

Our website will warn you if images are under 100dpi or if fonts aren’t embedded within your file. We are able to print your file with low resolution images. However we’re unable to print your file if fonts aren’t embedded and would require you to embed the font and resupply.

Please click on the individual pages to check the content is within the trim boundary. You are also able to check that important information is not within the spine gutter boundary if the item is to be perfect bound.

Please note: we do not check for design, content or spelling errors.

What kind of font should I use?
You can use any font you like, as long as it’s embedded into the document.
What file types can I upload?

Our preferred file format is a 300dpi high resolution pdf. We can however accept most file types, including the following: jpg, Illustrator, MS Word, PowerPoint.

Please be aware that when uploading file formats other than pdf, file dimensions may change and content may reflow. We always recommend the proofs are checked carefully prior to you confirming your order.

What binding options do you offer?

Saddle stitched (staple bound): This binding method is very popular and common in magazines. The sheets of the booklet or brochure are gathered together, one inside the other, and then fixed through the centre with two wire staples.

Perfect (PUR) bound: Widely used on paperback books and premium magazines with a high page count. With this method the pages and cover are glued together to create a square spine.

Wiro bound: Also known as spiral binding. Coated metal wires bind your document together, allowing the pages to lay flat when open.

Case bound: This type of binding is used to create hardback books with a heavy board cover that is attached to the book with glued endpapers.

Layflat bound: Available with either a softcover or hardcover. This binding is designed for books to literally lay flat when opened, making this ideal when images are required to flow seamlessly across two facing pages.

How should I supply my files for printing in colour?

When creating your project, your application may give you the choice of working in RGB (Red, Green and Blue) or CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black). We print using CMYK (as do all printers), so we recommend that you design your work in CMYK before uploading your files. This prevents any colour shift that can happen if we convert your document ourselves.

We recommend you set up your CMYK files as GRACoL 2006 or FOGRA39 or ISO Coated V2 or Euroscale.

If you’re unable to convert your RGB files to CMYK our system will automatically convert them to the closest CMYK values once your file is uploaded to your order.

Colour can look different on your screen compared to a printed page. This is because screens are backlit and transmit colour, whereas a print reflects colour.

How do I make sure my prints have high quality image resolution?

We recommend using images that are between 200 to 300dpi (dots per inch) resolution. Anything less than 100dpi may appear pixelated.

Should I upload single pages or spreads?
Our system will accept either. Although you may find it easier to upload single pages.
I’m using perfect binding. How much space should I leave from the spine?
Up to 7mm of the page is taken into the spine, so we recommend increasing your quiet area by keeping all critical text and design elements at least 12mm away from the spine to ensure they are not obscured by the fold.
Why are there white lines in my proof?
Don’t worry, they won’t print. This is called stitching and they only appear on the screen.

Payment questions

Which payment methods do you accept?
Credit and debit cards, bank transfers and Paypal.
What about VAT?
VAT is applicable on some items. Once you click Add To Basket you will see if VAT has been added to your order.
I want to cancel my order. Will I get a full refund?
Yes, but only if you cancel your order before it goes into production.

Delivery questions

How much is delivery?
It depends on the size of your order. You’ll find the delivery cost in your Shopping Cart.
Where do you deliver?
The UK, US and Europe. Please call us to organise international shipping and receive a quote. We can also offer split shipping on larger orders.
How long will my order take to be delivered?

When you enter your initial printing requirements, an estimated delivery date will be shown. This is usually 2 to 4 days for smaller orders, and 4 to 6 days for larger ones. Deliveries to Northern Ireland and the islands may take a little longer.

Please note, our delivery dates are estimated. If your order is time sensitive please contact us to discuss your deadline.

Sometimes when we’re really busy, orders can take it a bit longer. But we’ll always let you know if that’s the case.

How is my order delivered?

We use a third party courier for our deliveries. Smaller orders are sent in boxes or small parcels and are usually trackable. Larger orders would be delivered on a pallet for a kerbside delivery but aren’t trackable.

My order hasn’t arrived. Who should I call?

Please contact us in one of the following ways and we can assist you:

Message tab: Click on the Message tab within your order to send a message.

Phone: 01793 438 404

Email: hello@printmx.com

Paper explained

What paper do you use?

We stock a huge range of different high quality paper types and paper weights. These include silk, gloss, uncoated, natural and recycled in a choice of 80gsm to 400gsm weights, though available weights vary by product. Learn more about our paper range.

What finishes do you offer?

We offer a variety of laminations for protection and presentation. These include matt, gloss and soft touch finishes, as well as special effects like Spot UV, though available finishes vary by product. Learn more about our finishes.

Other questions

How do I order a reprint?

If you have registered an account on our website, you will be able to login to view your order history. Simply click the Reorder button on the order you'd like to reorder and your files, quantities and order specification will be ready to confirm.

If you placed an order but didn’t open an account, just contact us with the order number and we should be able to locate your files.

How do I combine postage on my orders?

To combine postage on your order, add your first product to the basket. Don't click 'next step'. Instead click 'continue shopping' and then add your second product to the basket. You can now click 'next step' and your two items will be in the same order.

Please note that two different products may have different production times. And sometimes they may be produced at different printing facilities. This can prevent us from sending both items in a single order and combining postage. However, we can delay one item from shipping until your other item is ready. Please contact us if you would like to do this.

How do I make a complaint?

Please contact us and we’ll do our very best to resolve the issue:

Phone: 01793 438 404

Email: hello@printmx.com

Message tab: Click on the Message tab within your order to send a message.

Where do I find my invoice?

Please click on the Payment tab within your order. Then click on the invoice link to download a pdf of the invoice for your records.