Frequently Asked Questions
Print Services
What is a proof?
A proof is a 'one off' print of your artwork which gives you the opportunity to check a copy for colour correctness, set up, punctuation, borders, etc.
We highly recommend you check a proof especially if you send your artwork in a non pdf format as conversion may alter aspects of your artwork
What is artwork?
This is your design ready for print.
What are CMYK and RGB?
These are the colours that make up your image, screens and websites use RGB (red, green, blue) and most digital printers use CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow and black toner or ink). We recommend you design and save your artwork in CMYK for digital print as RGB will need to be converted.
What is 'bleed' and do I need it?
Bleed is an extra 3mm of image or background colour that extends beyond the trim area of your final print. This area is trimmed from the final piece to create a borderless image. Bleed is needed to make sure no important text or images are cut into when the print is cut to size. We recommend that any important text or imagery is kept at least 5mm away from the bleed edge to avoid being cut into.
Image resolution
Images should be a minimum 300dpi and 150dpi for large banners.
Which file format?
Our preferred file format for digital printing is PDF and any file type you send will be converted to PDF format.
Microsoft Office is not really suitable for printing things such as flyers, leaflets, booklets, posters, etc as the dpi is too low and can give a washed out look to your job, it is better to use Adobe Illustrator, InDesign or even Photoshop. If the only software available is Microsoft office then Microsoft Publisher is recommended as Power Point is designed for on screen presentations not printing. Microsoft Word is fine for theses, forms, questionnaires, etc.
We can accept Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Abode Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, JPEG and TIFF.
Images within artwork
Please ensure that images within artwork are at least 300dpi and CMYK. Most website images are under 100dpi and unsuitable for printing.
Which size should I design at?
Please set up to the exact size that you wish your job to print, if there is colour to the edge please ensure 3mm bleed is added.
How do I pay for my job?
If you are internal to the University, you can use a cost centre number by sending through an “Internal Purchase Requisition”. This must be signed by the account holder and must contain a job name or reference to allows us to match payment to printing. If you are using our online system, please choose “PO number” at the payment section and type your cost centre number for reference and continue to send your IPR.
External customers and students can pay by card or cash over the Print Services reception desk. You may also pay by card over the phone by contacting Print Services on +44 (0) 191 208 5144. You will need your order number for refence. If using our online system, please choose "Pay at Store".
Can you deliver?
We can deliver to all local university sites, NHS buildings and can arrange postage to anywhere in the world.
What are your turnaround times?
We aim to print black and white jobs within 2 days and colour within 3 days. If there is any finishing such as binding, laminating, etc we usually require an extra day.
Please note turnaround times are after you have signed off your proof for printing.