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Guides & Policies

Everything you need to know for a seamless project.

From preparing files to production times and support after printing, this page explains our process and standards so every project runs smoothly.

Contact Our Team
Expert production technicians at Japan Printing & Graphics performing a detailed press check and color inspection on a light table in our NYC print shop to ensure seamless results for every custom branding project.

File Requirements

Following these guidelines prevents delays and ensures accurate results.

Document Setup —

  • Artwork: Vector preferred (Illustrator or similar), exported as PDF
  • Bleed: 0.25″ ideal (0.125″ minimum)
  • Safe Margin: 0.2″
  • Color Mode: CMYK or Pantone only (no RGB)

Color & Black Usage —

  • Grey Colors: use 60% K or higher
  • Black: Use at least 75% K or Rich Black (60,40,40,100)
  • True Blue: Keep Cyan & Magenta at least 30% apart
  • Screen vs. Print: Screen colors will always appear brighter 

Images & Effects —

  • Resolution: 300 DPI images
  • Transparency: Flatten when background is not white

Booklets —

  • Submit as single pages (not spreads) to ensure proper alignment

Canva Files

If your design was created in Canva, please setup and export it properly to avoid printing issues.

Document Setup —

  • Include bleed when artwork reaches the edge
  • Confirm final dimensions match specifications

Export Settings —

  • Export you files as PDF Print
  • If no special finishing is needed, the PDF must be flattened before export

Turnaround Times

Production time is calculated in business days and begins after final proof approval. Shipping adds an additional 1–5 business days depending on destination and service selected. Free local pickup is also available to save time and cost.

Marketing Materials —

  • Letterhead
    4–6 Business Days
  • Envelopes
    5–6 Business Days
  • Notecards
    3–10 Business Days
  • Postcards
    1–10 Business Days
  • Notepads
    3–8 Business Days
  • Presentation Folders
    5–10 Business Days
  • Booklets
    3–10 Business Days
  • Brochures
    3–8 Business Days
  • Stickers
    3–10 Business Days

Premium Finishes —

  • Raised Ink Thermography
    3–5 Business Days
  • Raised Ink Digital
    7–8 Business Days
  • Letterpress
    12–15 Business Days
  • Spot UV (Raised/Regular)
    6–8 Business Days
  • Foil
    10–12 Business Days
  • Embossed
    10–12 Business Days
  • Painted Edges
    5–6 Business Days (3-4 with Rush)

Standard Business Cards —

  • Digital Printing, Standard Stock
    1–3 Business Days
  • Digital Printing, Thick Stocks
    5–6 Business Days (3–4 with Rush)
  • Digital Printing, Silk and Suede Stocks
    3–6 Business Days

Proof Approval

When you approve a proof, you confirm that the design is ready for printing and that you have carefully reviewed all details

Items to Review —

  • Text content, spelling, and grammar
  • Position and presence of all design elements
  • Fonts display correctly
  • Layout and spacing look correct
  • Colors are acceptable for print

Additional Notes —

  • Digital proofs are for layout approval, not exact color matching
  • Screen brightness varies by monitor affecting perception of the proof
  • Trim tolerance is up to 1–2 mm variation

Reprints & Refunds

Printing is a collaborative process, and our goal is long-term partnerships, not one-time transactions. When an issue comes up, we review it together and find the most reasonable path forward.

Printed Piece Matches the Approved Proof —

The order was produced as confirmed. In these cases we typically look for practical solutions, often discounted reprints or adjustments, to help you reach the intended result.

Printed Piece Differs from the Approved Proof —

We will make it right. You may choose a free reprint or a refund.

A Committed Deadline is Missed —

We offer a partial or full refund depending on whether the product is kept or returned.

Our Approach to Reprints & Refunds —

We design our policies to be clear, but our priority is always fairness. We want your materials to succeed in the real world, and we aim to support that, especially as we continue working together over time.