How can I use Mult-Page PDFs for ordering?
- Many Designs for the Same Sign: Multi-Page PDFs can be very useful for uploading orders where there are a large number of signs that are the same size and quantity but differnt designs as you can simply upload one file rather than many individual files and our system will automaticallt extract the files for printing. (e.g. 2 copies each of 5 different designs of the same size can be uploaded as a quantity 10 using a 5 page PDF ).
- Backside Printing: Multi-Page PDFs are used to determine the graphic that goes on the back of a sign should it be a different file than the front such as a double sided sign with a directional arrow. You simply put a second page in your file when uploading and our system will identify it as the file to be printed on the backside of the sign.
- Custom Ink layer printing: Multi-Page PDFs are used to determine what you want each of the three Ink Layers to be when choosing Multi-Layer Printing on Clear or Translucent materials. Custom Layer Printing is described below:
Custom Layer Printing
( 3 page PDF required - 1 Top, 2 Middle, 3 Bottom )
- How do I structure my 3 page PDF? This option must always be a 3 page PDF where Page 1 is the Top Layer, Page 2 is the Middle Layer and Page 3 is the Bottom Layer. Each layer can only utilize one of the following three print layer options including Image (CYMK), White Layer (White_Ink Spot Colour) or it can be a Blank page. However, in most cases effects work best if any white ink are placed the middle layer.
- Why use a Blank Page? A Blank page should be utilized when you only require two layers to acheive the custom look you are after. Our system however still requires a 3 page pdf to process the file properly.
- How do I Reverse my file for Second Surface printing? Custom Layers is the only option we have where you need to think about reversing (or mirroring) your file prior to print production as there is not a Reverse option you can select for Custom Layers like we have with our other Print layer options. We will simply always print page 1 on top, page 2 in the middle and page 3 on the bottom. It is up to you to decide what goes on each layer and if it needs to be reversed in your file of not.
- Can I add cut- lines to my file? Any cut lines required for Shape, Kiss. Circle or radius cutting needs to be added into the Page 1 Top Layer and must be named with the spot colour "CUT" (all caps) in order to process properly through our system.
- Can the same layer type be repeated? Each layer in your 3 page PDF can be whatever you want it to be as long as is an Image, White or Blank. You may want to include 2 White layers if you are looking to double hit white for better cover up of a dark material, You may want to do two image layers for a variety of effects including a double hit of some colours and a single hit of others.
- Can Custom Layers be used for Backlighting? Custom layers can definetly be used for backlighting and is utilized in many creative ways by existing customers including adding double and triple hits of colour for deeper backlighting and single hits for subtle backlighting. Some customers even create "hidden messages" where lighter images and text are placed below darker areas on the top layer (page 1) and elemnets including text is only visable when backlit but not when frontlit (backlighting turned off).
- How do I designate which type of Layer each page is? When using custome layers you must always indicate the type of layer (image, white or blank) in each of the three pdf pages (1,2 and 3) in the notes of your upload... examples: 1 Image, 2 White, 3 Blank or 1 Image, 2 White, 3 White or 1 image 2 White, 3 Blank etc. However as indicated, you must always remember to reverse your files if required as we do not look question it during the file pre-flight process or look for it during the printing process.
- Can I see a sample before printing the final product? You can upload a smaller sample (or samples) prior to printing which can then be sent back to you or a photograph taken and sent to you for approval. Any clear product can be used for a colour sample but we recommend unlaminated CPF (Clear Polyester Film) as it is optically clear without backing and is less expensive than most clear products that are used for final production. You need to upload a sample order the same as any other order and you are invoiced for the amount indicated on the upload. However, we will credit you for any set-up costs once a final oreder comes through if you make sure to request a set-up credit in the notes of your final order. We do not gaurantee any "expected" outcome on Custom Layers so it is highly recommended that you place an order for a smaller sample(s) to assure the output aligns with your expectations.