Successful print projects start with planning. Reviewing requirements, preparing files, and allowing adequate production time can help avoid delays, reduce costs, and improve results.

 

Recommended Lead Times

Submit requests as early as possible, especially during peak periods such as the beginning of a semester, registration, or major campus events.

 

Allow additional time for:

• Large-volume print jobs
• Specialized finishing or binding
• Color printing
• Course packets and instructional materials
• Projects requiring revisions or approvals

Planning ahead helps ensure materials are ready when needed.

 

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Review Before You Submit

Before Submitting a Request:

• Confirm quantities and delivery dates
• Verify contact information
• Ensure files are final and approved
• Review project specifications and printing instructions
• Allow time for revisions, approvals, and production

A few minutes spent reviewing your project can help prevent delays and reduce the need for reprints.

 

 

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these common issues can help prevent delays:

• Submitting files at the last minute
• Using low-resolution images
• Missing fonts or linked graphics
• Incorrect page size or orientation
• Submitting multiple versions of the same file
• Waiting until after submission to obtain required approvals
• Failing to review files before uploading

Taking time to review your materials before submission can help ensure a smooth printing process.

 

 

 

 

Successful event printing starts with early planning.  Coordinating timelines, approvals, quantities, and production requirements in advance helps ensure materials are ready when needed.

 

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Planning Ahead for Events

If you're printing materials for an event, begin planning early and account for all production and approval timelines.

 

Common event materials include:

• Flyers and posters
• Programs and agendas
• Signage and directional materials
• Handouts and information packets
• Name tags and table tents
• Promotional materials
• Event banners and displays

 

Before submitting a Request

 

Confirm:

• Event date and time
• Quantity needed
• Distribution method
• Approval requirements
• Delivery or pickup arrangements

 

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Choosing the Right Print Product

Selecting the right format can improve effectiveness while controlling costs.

 

Consider:

• Audience size
• Distribution method
• Intended use
• Budget
• Lifespan of the material

Examples:

• Flyers for broad distribution
• Posters for visibility and promotion
• Handouts for classroom or workshop use
• Booklets or packets for longer reference materials

If you're unsure which format is best, contact the Printing Department before submitting your request.

 

 

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Working with Creative Services

Need help designing or refining your project?

 

Creative Services can assist with:

• Graphic design
• Marketing materials
• College branding
• Logos and visual identity
• Layout and formatting recommendations

If your project requires design assistance, contact Creative Services early in the planning process to allow adequate time for development, review, and production.

 

 

 

 

Understanding printing requirements and procedures can help ensure timely production, accurate results, and efficient service. Review the guidelines below before submitting your request.

 

Turnaround Expectations

Production times vary based on project size, complexity, workload, and finishing requirements. To ensure materials are available when needed, submit requests as early as possible.

 

Additional time may be required for:

• Large-volume print jobs
• Color printing
• Course packets and instructional materials
• Projects requiring revisions or approvals
• Specialized finishing, folding, or binding

Requests submitted close to a deadline may not be eligible for rush processing.

 

 

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Color Printing Approvals

Color printing is available for college-related projects; however, approval may be required depending on the nature and scope of the request.

 

Before submitting a color printing request:

• Confirm departmental approval requirements
• Review quantities and intended use
• Consider whether color is necessary for the project

Providing complete information at the time of submission can help prevent delays.

 

 

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Pickup and Delivery Procedures

Completed print jobs may be picked up or delivered according to department procedures.

 

To help ensure a smooth pickup process:

• Include accurate contact information with your request
• Confirm who is authorized to pick up materials
• Respond promptly to questions regarding your order

Large or specialized projects may require additional coordination.

 

 

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Copyright Compliance

The Printing Department complies with federal copyright laws and cannot reproduce materials that violate copyright restrictions.

 

Before submitting copyrighted content:

• Obtain any required permissions
• Verify that reproduction is permitted
• Ensure materials are being used in accordance with applicable copyright guidelines

Questions regarding copyright ownership or permissions should be addressed before submitting a request.

 

 

 

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Exam Printing Procedures

Exams and instructional assessments often require additional confidentiality and handling procedures.

When submitting exams:

• Clearly identify materials as exams
• Allow adequate production time
• Verify quantities and delivery instructions
• Review files carefully before submission

Special handling requirements should be communicated when the request is submitted.

 

 

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Department Responsibilities

The Printing Department is committed to providing high-quality printing services in support of instruction, student services, and campus operations.

 

Services include:

• Printing and duplicating
• Course packets and instructional materials
• Office supplies distribution
• Print consultation and project guidance
• Coordination with Creative Services and campus partners when appropriate

To help ensure successful outcomes, departments are responsible for submitting complete, accurate, and print-ready materials and allowing adequate time for production.

 

 

 

 

Preparing your files correctly helps ensure accurate printing, reduces delays, and improves the quality of the finished product. Review the recommendations below before submitting your materials.

 

 

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Preferred File Formats

Whenever possible, submit files in PDF format. PDFs preserve fonts, images, layout, and formatting, helping ensure that printed materials appear as intended.

Accepted file types include:

• PDF (.pdf)
• Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx)
• Microsoft Excel (.xls, .xlsx)
• Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt, .pptx)
• Image files (.jpg, .png, .tif)

When submitting editable files, be aware that formatting may vary between computers and software versions. 

 

 

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PDF Recommendations

PDF files provide the most reliable results for professional printing.

 

Creating Print-Ready Files

 

Before submitting your project:

• Review every page for accuracy
• Confirm page order and orientation
• Verify that images display correctly
• Check for missing text or formatting issues
• Ensure the final PDF reflects exactly what you want printed

Mac users are encouraged to save documents as PDF files before submission.

 

 

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Resolution and Image quality

High-quality images produce the best printed results.

For optimal output:

• Use high-resolution images whenever possible
• Avoid enlarging low-resolution graphics
• Use original image files rather than screenshots
• Verify that logos and photos appear clear at their intended size

Low-resolution images may appear blurry, pixelated, or distorted when printed.

 

 

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Bleeds and Margins

Projects with graphics or colors extending to the edge of the page may require bleed space.

Keep important content:

• Away from page edges
• Within recommended margins
• Clear of trimming areas

When creating files:

• Allow sufficient white space around text and graphics
• Ensure page elements are properly aligned
• Verify that backgrounds intended to print to the edge are designed accordingly

If you're unsure whether your project requires bleeds, contact the Printing Department before submitting your files.

 

 

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Creating Print-Ready Files

 

Before submitting your project:

• Proofread all content carefully
• Verify dates, times, names, and contact information
• Confirm quantities and page counts
• Check fonts, graphics, and layout elements
• Remove outdated or duplicate versions
• Ensure the file is final and approved

 

 

Before submitting your request, take a moment to review your files and project details. A final review can help prevent delays, reduce the need for reprints, and ensure your materials are produced as intended.

 

Before You Submit

 

✓  Is the file final and approved?
✓  Have all dates, names, and contact information been verified?
✓  Are images clear and high quality?
✓  Does the PDF display correctly?
✓  Have you reviewed every page?