With answers from the experts
• Answers
• Ideas
• Suggestions
Here are some of the questions that we get most asked most often:
You need to allow any images or solid colours that are included in your printed artwork to "bleed" past the edge that is trimmed off as part of the finishing process. In Adobe InDesign or Illustrator you can choose the amount of bleed, which will be applied to the whole document. For printed sheets this is usually 3mm which is included when you export the file as print ready artwork. Without bleed it can be difficult to accurately trim sheets, especially when being made into booklets, without a white edge appearing around the trimmed edge. For more information read our blog on how and why to add bleed.
Designers use standard "A" sizes for most documents but we can print and trim your documents to any size that fits within the margins of standard "SRA" sizes (Supplementary Raw format A) with is defined as being 115% of the A series size.
The printers sheet needs to be larger so that the finished size can have bleed (see previous question) and crop marks added and to allow a margin around the job, as most presses do not print edge to edge. We've listed some examples of what size you might apply to standard print products:
A7 - 75mm x 105mm - post-it note size
A6 - 105mm x 148mm - postcard size
A5 - 148mm x 210mm - flyer size
A4 - 210mm x 297mm - letter size
A3 - 297mm x 420mm - wall calendar size
A2 - 420mm x 594mm - poster size
A1 - 594mm x 840mm - large framed print
A0 - 840mm x 1185mm - large format poster
For more information read our blog called Size Matters
Unlike raster images, which are made up of a series of dots, vector graphics are made up of paths and curves. Sometimes called "line" artwork, they are infinitely scalable and remain smooth and crisp even when sized up to larger dimensions. The scalability of vector graphics makes them ideal to use when designing logos or icons which require lots of detail, and flexibility of use.
Learn more about the difference between raster images and vectors in our blog Blooming Print
We recommend that any images in your print files are a minimum of 150dpi (dots per inch) at finished size, when printing large format graphics and 300dpi for smaller formats like brochures, so that they do not appear pixellated. The resolution that looks OK on our computer screens might only be 72dpi or 96dpi, we use this resolution for fast loading times but it is not suitable for high quality print. In most cases the higher the resolution, the sharper the image appears.
Low res logo files or raster images are not ideal for print, we prefer a vector image - see previous question or learn more in our blog Blooming Print.
Yes. This can be a hard copy proof if required or a PDF that you can approve on screen. Even when you send us print-ready artwork we will still send you a final proof for approval before we print anything. It is your responsibility to approve the final design and careful checking of the proof is vital as errors spotted after printing could result in charges for a re-print. It will add to your lead-time if a hard copy proof is required, so you need to allow for this. Similarly, if mistakes are spotted and amends are required to your artwork, this will delay the start of printing - this is why lead-times are routinely quoted in days "from artwork approval"
To learn more about how you can avoid re-print read our blog Time for a reprint?
Yes. We have a number of promotional gift catalogues that you can download here from the website. We have also included our hardware catalogue for exhibition and display materials which is constantly updated.
We also produce a hard copy gift catalogue each year that we are very happy to send out on request. Order your copy via our contact form.
One of the most difficult things to compile is a single comprehensive source of promotional items as there are so many individual suppliers and manufacturers that we can source from.
We also manufacture bespoke items like corporate mascots and die cut or moulded items where there is no template. Everything is done from scratch from your concept or design so our best recommendation is always to have a conversation with us, then we can direct you to the best place to look or find specific items for you.
Yes. We really do encourage you to order in samples of promotional products before you buy. Please remember to add a little extra time to your project planning to allow for us to compile these for you as we may order items from more than one source.
Often, it is not possible to appreciate the quality of items from a photograph or see if the colour is quite the right shade so we prefer to send you samples whenever time allows. In particular, when ordering apparel, we recommend that you order in at least one size to try as sizing varies between manufacturers and styles.
On some occasions we can supply samples completely free of charge but we will always let you know the price of any samples before we order them for you so you won't get any nasty surprises. We usually offer to refund the cost of any samples when the bulk order is placed. Ask for details at the time of enquiring.
In most cases we are able to print digitally and this means that there is no such thing as a minimum order quantity - the beauty of digital printing is the lack of complex origination or "set up" costs. So, technically, you can order just one item but we usually don't recommend it. The cost to produce one item is obviously higher than running multiple prints and so we can always tell you the price for different quantity breaks.
For proofing, packaging and concepts, being able to print one-offs for you can equal great savings at the tooling stage. Testing a concept for size, whether it be for mailing or just to see how it looks means you can show this to all of your stakeholders before committing anything to production volumes.
For large format prints, one-off items like roller banners or window blinds, there is no minimum order either but we do have a minimum order charge (just £25) to cover handling your artwork files and setting up our press for printing.
We will always tell you of any costs that could be saved by ordering in higher volumes, or where the "run-on" costs are advantageous to you.
Yes. We have a number of ways in which we can help with the origination for your printed items.
This can include us creating visuals and PDF proofs that "mock up" the look of a promotional product with your own logo or colours. We can also create visuals of ranges of product with co-ordinating designs.
Our graphic design and illustration partners can design anything from a logo to a full exhibition stand. We also work with product designers who will create CAD drawings and concepts for bespoke projects like card construction, packaging and sample kits, to name but a few.
If you have artwork that has been created for your website or social media, that needs to be re-drawn to make it suitable for print, then we can help with this too. Just ask us for help when you call.
We couldn't resist putting in this question because we honestly do get asked it all the time for some reason! As commercial printers of paper and board products, the real answer is no, we don't print T-shirts but, of course, we have plenty of promotional garment printers who do. It is all part of the service, and when we curate a range of printed promotional materials for you, we may not print all of them in-house. For example, we don't embroider in house or laser-engrave but we could be printing the outer box or swing tag that goes on the garment or product we have procured for you.
Our service is based on 30 years experience in the promotional gift industry and knowing great suppliers who provide us with the latest technology for printing and decorating the vast array of merchandise on offer. To learn more about decorating techniques available, click here.
Yes. We can take care of every aspect of your corporate event from venue sourcing, to delivery of tickets and merchandise.
The service is bespoke, though we can offer packages with partners providing corporate hospitality at well-known occasions, like sporting events and in organising golf days.
We also have experience of providing materials and support for marketing kick-offs, sales events at external venues and partner with training companies to deliver off-site staff or client days.
Our main area of expertise is in designing booths and activities for trade shows and exhibitions, with everything covered from pre-show engagement to follow up activities to maximise the potential from any leads.
We also like to get involved in lots of charity events and can help with fulfilment of goodie-bags and personalised packs for entrants.
For successful exhibition hints and tips, read our blog Best in Show.
Yes. Sequential numbering on tickets can be included at the design stage or we can add this when we prepare your files for print. Any format or numbering sequence is possible.
For security tickets and event wrist straps, we can print on rip-proof materials.
To avoid copying of tokens or vouchers, we can also add holographical foils or other unique identifiers.
Yes. Variable data can include personalisation of names and other individual details and is included at the design stage of your document or tickets, letters or labels.
It is also widely possible now to print names on items like pens, using digital technology or mugs and T-shirts. Engraving and embroidery are other useful techniques for creating individually named items.
As we offer print fulfilment services too, we are also able to make sure that the named item is packed correctly and labelled with the same details. We also handle fulfilment of sized items like clothing so you don't ever have to worry about Amy getting Andy's t-shirt!
Yes. With any variable data (see previous question) it is necessary for us to accurately label and address items for individual distribution. This can be sent in bulk to a warehouse or address of your choice, like a venue or we can send items to individual addresses.
Likewise, we can parcel up assortments of any printed materials or just a single letter to a variety of addresses. Please allow extra lead-time for this, we will always ask you for delivery details for your order and can discuss any special requirements you might have.
We ship to residential as well as commercial addresses and handle data in accordance with our privacy policy - read here.
Yes. We distribute promotional print and products all over the world for our clients into literally every continent.
We have wide experience of international shipping and the paperwork that is required for different territories. We are also aware of many items that can be difficult to ship and where extra care is needed. Our couriers are expert in handling dangerous goods and can advise on any prohibited or restricted items.
Whenever we are shipping outside the UK we like to involve our experts from the delivery supply chain as soon as possible. Please talk to us about your plans for distribution before selecting product to avoid any disappointment or additional costs.
Full Square Limited | Unit 2, 33 York Road | Leicester | LE1 5TT | England
Telephone 0116 255 4336
© 2021 Full Square Limited. All Rights Reserved.