FAQ

You've Got Questions. We Have Answers.

How can I get a quote from you?

Simply use our online quotation request form by clicking here. Otherwise, the best way to ensure that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate quote is to give us a ring at 403-234-8255 and speak with one of our customer service representatives.

How long will it take for you to complete my order?

Every job is different. Some jobs can be produced in minutes while some may take several days to complete. Let us know when you need your job completed and we’ll let you know if it can be done. We go to great lengths to meet even your most demanding timelines.

Are you local?

Yes. We proudly service the great communities of:

Langdon, Chestermere, Strathmore, Riverbend, Foothills, Douglasdale, Shepard, McKenzie Lake, McKenzie Towne, New Brighton, Copperfield, Cranston, Auburn Bay, Mahogany, Seton. 

And, we can gladly also execute print marketing for you anywhere in the Calgary region.

Can you help us design our print jobs?

Yes. Graphic Design is one of our local print shop strengths.. At Minuteman Press Calgary Shepard, your custom print campaign will be created and printed by experienced professionals. We will make sure that you are proud to show off and distribute your finished product. Let us handle everything from design to production of your calendars. During our consultation process we will get an understanding of your business and product/ service offering.

What is the best file format for submitting a document for printing?

PDF format is generally the preferred file format for submitting a document for printing as it works with virtually all professional printing and digital output devices. By design, a PDF file incorporates the information needed to maintain document consistency from system to system. Most other file formats such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Microsoft Word are easily converted to PDF format.

What does "print ready" mean?

In the digital age of printing, it means that an image file submitted for printing is ready to be transferred to production without any alterations or adjustments.

Will the printed colours on my print campaign be the same as on my monitor?

There are sometimes noticeable differences in colour calibration and spatial conformity from monitor to monitor and consequently from screen to print. We use several different colour normalizing processes to ensure the RGB and/or Hexi-decimal from your screen matches the CMYK and/or Pantone for print.

What is a proof and why is it needed?

A proof is a one-off copy of your printed document used for visual inspection to ensure that the layout and colours of your document are exactly how they are intended to be. A proof is made prior to sending the document to the press for final printing. Typically, we will produce a proof that will be sent to you online in PDF format or on printed paper, which can be either viewed in our store or delivered to you in person. Mistakes can and sometimes do happen. It benefits everyone if errors are caught in the proofing process rather than after the job is completed and delivered

What is the difference between coated and uncoated paper stock?

Uncoated stock paper is comparatively porous, and is typically used for such applications as letterhead stationery and basic black-and-white copying. Coated stock, by contrast, has a smooth glossy or satin finish that works well for reproducing sharp text and vivid colours.

What are Pantone colours?

Pantone colours refer to the Pantone Matching System (PMS), a colour matching system used by the printing industry whereby printing colours are identified by a unique name or number (as opposed to just a visual reference). This helps make sure that colours turn out the same from system to system, and print run to print run. Our Minuteman Press Calgary Shepard design team skillfully convert Pantone colors to CMYK equivalent colours for use on our quality digital printers.

Is white considered a printing colour?

No. White is not generally considered a printing colour as typically the paper itself will be white. If a coloured paper (something other than white) is chosen, then white becomes a printing colour if any text or graphics require it.

What are the most common sizes for catalogues and booklets?

Standard sizes for catalogues and booklets are A6 (105mm x 148mm), A5 (148mm x 210mm), A4 (210mm x 297mm) and DL (99mm x 210mm).

What are the most common sizes for brochures?

Standard finished sizes are 8.5×11 or 11×17 (then half fold or tri fold).

What are the most common envelope sizes?

Envelopes have a size reference system to allow them to accommodate certain sheets. The most common of which are C4 (to hold A4 paper), C5 (to hold A5 paper), C6 (to hold A6 paper) and DL (to hold a sheet folded to compliment slip size (99mm x 210mm). Window and non-window envelopes are available in finishes to match many papers. Wallet envelopes have their opening on the long edge, pocket envelopes on the short edge.

What are the standard sizes for postcards?

Standard sizes for postcards are A6 (105mm x 148mm), A5 (148mm x 210mm), and DL (99mm x 210mm).

What are the most common PAPER STOCKS?

The most common paper stocks used for text stock are:
20# bond, 60#, 70#, 80#, 100#, 

The most common card or cover stock are:
80# (9.5 pt), 100# (11 pt), 111# (14 pt), 130# (16 pt)

What are the most popular sizes for personalised notepads?

The three most popular sizes for personalised notepads are 210mm x 297mm, 148mm x 210mm, and 105mm x 148mm.

What are the most popular sizes for sticky notepads?

There are four popular sizes for sticky notes: 101mm x 101mm, 101mm x 152mm, and 50mm x 75mm.

What types of bindings do you do?

Our binding of books and other multi-page documents include perfect binding, saddle-stitch binding, spiral binding, plastic comb binding, 2 or 3 or 4-ring binding and case binding.