Printing: Getting Your Job Printed

If you want hundreds or thousands of copies of your document, you will probably need to use a print shop
. See Printing multiple copies.

Find a print shop that can handle your job

Print shops vary in the type of work they can handle. Some specialize in small, simple jobs, others in long-run, full-color work. If you produce a wide range of work, you may need to use three or four different print shops.

Talk to them about the job

It is usually best to talk to them at an early stage. If they are busy, they can schedule your job in. This means you get your job turned round quicker. Tell them how many copies you’ll want, the type of paper, and finishing requirements such as folding. Ask them about the format they want the job presented in.

Design the job

The print shop will tell you any special requirements especially with regard to spot colors
. See Spot colors versus process colors.

Producing camera-ready copy

Some printers can take your document in electronic form. If so, generate the files in the requested format and send it to the print shop.

Sending the job to them

Before sending the job off, check everything carefully. When everything is correct, send the print shop the camera-ready copy plus any requested proofs. Confirm the number of copies you require, the type of paper you want and any finishing instructions.