Web-to-print allows you to bring your graphic designs to life on any surface, from fridge magnet business cards to basic flyers, and large format printing simply refers to the printing of bigger graphics. This requires more attention than graphics on standard-sized paper because expanding an image on a computer can make it look choppy when produced in a larger format. When choosing a print company for your large format printing needs, it is important to ask a few questions. A few suggestions below can help you to narrow down your options and find the perfect company for printing with.
Price is an important factor and this online pricing tool for various sized print jobs from doxdirect gives you an instant online quote.
Sizing: One question you will want to ask when outsourcing your large format printing needs is how much larger a print company can reproduce your images. Most print companies will work with large format jobs as well standard A5 and A4 printing sizes; however, graphics and surfaces over 72 in. (183 cm) are considered “grand” format, which is mostly for industrial use. A limited number of print companies have the capability to accommodate grand format.
Print Surfaces: You will also want to know what surfaces your print can be transferred to; vinyl, for example, is a highly versatile medium as it can be used for advertisements on windows or on vehicles.
Software: Perhaps the most important thing you will need to ask is whether the company’s software system is set up so that you as the client can do the proofing yourself.
This part of the process is really a matter of personal preference; if you find the system easy to navigate, and you are very specific about your printing needs, you can definitely opt to work with a company that puts you in control of that process. On the other hand, if you do not have the time to do the proofing on your own, you can choose a company that will manage this themselves and consult with you back and forth until the image is print-ready.
Web-to-print solutions have revolutionized the way that companies present themselves, and large format printing is essential for getting your company’s name on the map.
Knowing what to ask before establishing a relationship with a print company can help produce the results you are looking for.