FAQ

1. Do you offer any specifications on how to setup the artwork before submission? 

At OtherDesigns.com you can find information on how to set up you files and download templates for the products you order online. You can browse the file checklist and visit the Templates page for more info and to download specific templates for our products.

2. How can I check the status of my order?

When logged in, click "My Account" on the top right of the page and you will see all your current orders along with the order status. You will also find a "Reorder" option for easy reorders and the tracking information for completed orders.

3. What if I am looking for a product but it is not available on your site?

We have an estimating department that will see if we can print your custom order and if we can, we will email you the cost within 24 hours. Feel free to contact us anytime for an estimate.

4. Can OtherDesigns help me design my artwork?

You can order graphic design from us for a minimal fee, on each product page throughout the website. We will email you recommended designs and you can ask for revisions to be made until you are satisfied with a final design proof. OtherDesigns will not print your order before we receive your final approval.

5. Returns

All orders are final. Every item we ship is carefully inspected before it is handed out to delivery. If merchandise is defective or damaged upon receipt please contact us within 5 business days after your package arrives. All claims MUST be made within 5 business days of receiving the package. Shipping charges are non-refundable unless product is lost by the delivery service (UPS, FedEx, etc). Returned products must be in absolutely new and unused condition for refund.

Should your print job contain manufacturing errors and/or defects, we will preprint and ship your order at no charge. OtherDesigns.com reserves the exclusive right to judge what a manufacturing error is. On a case by case basis we will investigate and determine if the damage was due to negligence on our part. Please contact our Quality Assurance Department at 888.99.OTHER or by email at [email protected] so we can handle your request.

6. How can I contact OtherDesigns?

You can always click the Contact button in the header to contact our Customer Support or you can email us at [email protected]. Contact us by phone toll free at 888 99-OTHER or 973 996-8437.

File Checklist

1. What type of files should I upload? 

We recommend saving your designs as PDF files.
You may also upload the file in the following types: JPG, JPEG, PSD, TIF, TIFF, EPS, AI and PNG.

In case you send PDF or EPS files, we prefer that you send them with outlined fonts. These files are easier to handle and will likely speed up your turn-around. Remember to flatten your files before uploading.

Please also see our Templates page for more info and to download specific templates for our products.

2. What color mode should my files be?

If you send us an RGB file, there is a chance that a color shift may occur and you may not be satisfied with your job. You should always start and finish your designs in CMYK color mode.

3. What resolution should my file be?

We only accept 300 DPI files and not less. Low resolution files may be printed as is or will be placed on hold until we receive new files, slowing your turn-around.

4. How should I set up my bleed?

Bleed must extend .125" further than the cut line. Please keep all text and anything you do not want cut at least .125" away from the cut line. When sending an EPS or PDF file, make sure you include crop marks so we can cut the job correctly.

Please also see Templates page for more info and to download specific templates for our products.

5. Can I upload the front and back in the same file?

No. We are specifically set up to process one side at a time, and this requires that each side of a job must be on a separate file. Not separating files will cause delays and you might have to send the files again. Remember to separate the pages of your PDF files as well.

6. How can I make sure the blue colors don't come out purple?

When using blue in your design, always make sure to have at least 30% difference in your Cyan and Magenta values. Blue is close to purple in the CMYK spectrum. Remember, use a low amount of magenta whenever using high amounts of cyan to avoid purple. Example: C-100 M-70 Y-0 K-0

7. How should I export my PDF correctly?

When exporting from any program such as Photoshop, InDesign or Illustrator, use
these settings to make sure your PDF files export correctly:

Adobe PDF Preset is set to: Press Quality



Compatibility is set to: Acrobat 4 (PDF 1.3)



Compress Text and Line Art is set to: Off (Not checked)

8. What is rich black and how can I get it?

Rich black is an ink mixture of solid black, 100% K, with additional CMY
ink values. This results in a darker tone than black ink alone. If you
printing black alone as 100% K, the resulting black may not be as dark as
you might like. We recommend using C 60 M 40 Y 40 K 100. This will give you a deep, dark, rich black.

9. Safety and Trim Areas

As you are designing your printed material, keep in mind that any images or text should be placed within the safety or trim areas as noted on our free templates or 1/8” of an inch in from the final cut.

10. Font & Lines

Files created using Illustrator, In Design or Freehand require that text be converted to outlines before saving as a PDF file. Photoshop files should be flattened. Font sizes should be 8 pts and higher. Avoid using small or very narrow fonts with dark backgrounds as they do not print well. Lines should be at least 1 pt thick. Although you may be able to see them on your screen, they may not be visible on print.

11. Artwork with Borders

Borders are not recommended. However if you choose to use borders please allow 1/4" between the cut line and the border itself. Therefore, your border should be set up to 3/8” from your bleed line. Uneven borders may be experienced as there is a tolerance of 1/16”. Perfect trimming is NOT guaranteed.

12. Full Color Process

When designing full color files, please design using CMYK (4 color process; Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). A grayscale color mode should be used when submitting black and white graphics or images. Any files that are sent as LAB, RGB or have additional PMS (Pantone colors) will be returned to the client. If you need us to convert the files for you, there is a chance that a color change/shift will occur. This commonly happens in blues and browns.

13. Image Resolution

In order to obtain the best image and text resolution we recommend that you submit files of at least 300 DPI. Lower resolution files will result in pixilated or bitmapped images and text.

14. Folding Lines

Free design templates are provided to assist you with your folded piece. Several folding options are offered.

15. How will you design my order if I choose the graphic design option?

You can order graphic design for your printed product while you place the order online. One of our designers will prepare a proof that will be sent to you for your approval. You can approve the design or ask for revisions as you wish until you are completely satisfied with the design. Only after your approval the order will actually go to print.

16. Can I design my own file?

You can design your own graphic file and have it uploaded with your order. We recommend using the templates provided by us to make sure that your bleed, size, color mode and resolution are correct. Click here to download templates for our products. Make sure to also read some tips on how to design a great business card.


Shipping

1. Does OtherDesigns ship to P.O. Boxes?

No. Our shipping service UPS, will not ship to PO Box addresses and therefore, we cannot ship to a P.O. Box.

2. What type of shipping services does OtherDesigns use?

We currently only use UPS to ship out orders.

3. Can I use my own shipping account?

Unfortunately at this time, we do not offer that option. All orders must be shipped out using our shipping account.

4. Does OtherDesigns combine shipping?

No, we do not combine shipping because each order is processed on its own and many times at different facilities.


Payment

1. Why does my billing information need to match the credit card company records?

To prevent fraud, credit card companies require that the billing name and address completely match credit card records.

2. What is a CVV, CID code or Verification Code?

The CVV code is a security feature for "card not present" transactions (Internet transactions), and now appears on most (but not all) major credit and debit cards. This  feature is a three digit (four digits of front for American Express) code which provides a cryptographic check of the information embossed on the card. Therefore, the CVV code is not part of the card number itself.

3. At what time is my credit card charged?

Full payment will be charged when your billing information is completed.

4. What are the methods of payment accepted?
We currently accept the following online methods of payment:

• Visa
• MasterCard
• American Express
• Discover
• PayPal

5. What information do I need to provide for a credit card payment?

• Credit card information
  • Type of Credit Card, card number, name of cardholder, expiration date and CVV code
• Billing information
  • Name and address as they appear exactly on your credit card statement and phone number

Templates

Note: The JPG template files are in CMYK color mode at 300 DPI.
Save them to your desktop and open in your image editing software.
Make sure you delete the template layer before you upload the artwork.

Please note that for some of our templates the back and front are different to accommodate accurate dimensions for folding. Make sure to download both sides if available.

Click to view, right click and choose "Save Link As" to save template.

Business Cards:
Standard 3.5" X 2"; Rounded Corners 3.5" X 2"
Slim 1.5" X 3.5", 1.75" X 3.5";
Folded 3.5" X 4" Front/Outside - Back/Inside
Square 2.5" X 2.5"
Trading Card 3.5" X 2.5"

Magnets: 3.5" X 2", 4" X 3", 4" X 6", 4" X 7", 5" X 7"

Postcards: 4" X 6", 4.25" X 5.5", 5" X 7", 4" X 9", 6" X 9", 8.5" X 5.5"

Greeting Cards: 10" X 7" Front/Outside - Back/Inside

Letterhead: 8.5" X 5.5", 8.5" X 11", 8.5" X 14", 11" X 17"

Door Hangers: 4.25" X 11", 4.25" X 14"

Note Pads: 8.5" X 3.5", 8.5" X 5.5", 4" X 6", 4.25" X 5.5"

Brochures:
Half Fold: 8.5" X 11", 11" X 14", 11" X 17"

Tri Fold: 8.5" X 11" Inside - Outside, 8.5" X 14" Inside - Outside, 11" X 17" Inside - Outside

Gate Fold: 8.5" X 11", 8.5" X 14", 11" X 17"

Double Gatefold: 8.5" X 11", 8.5" X 14", 11" X 17"

Z-Fold: 8.5" X 11", 8.5" X 14", 11" X 17"

Roll Fold: 8.5" X 11" Inside - Outside, 8.5" X 14" Inside - Outside, 11" X 17" Inside - Outside

Double Parallel: Fold 8.5" X 11" Inside - Outside, 8.5" X 14" Inside - Outside, 11" X 17" Inside - Outside

Accordion Fold: 8.5" X 11", 8.5" X 14", 11" X 17"


Industry standards allow trimming to shift 1/16th of an inch in either direction.
Please make sure to consider this when designing your artwork.

We recommend saving your files as PDF documents before uploading.


Need help with this page? Feel free to call or email us anytime.