Printanet FAQs
How do I upload my artwork files? How long will file upload take?
How will the final printed job compare to my uploaded artwork file?
What is the difference between RGB and CMYK and why is it important?
How do I know if my files uploaded successfully?
Will there be any loss in quality if I upload an artwork file instead of mailing it on a disk?
Can I upload files before placing an order?
How long will my artwork files be saved in my Printanet account?
What is the maximum file size that can be uploaded?
Can I use an uploaded (i.e., saved) artwork file for multiple print jobs?
Will I have to re-upload an artwork file to reprint a job?
Can I upload multiple files at once?
What file formats are acceptable?
Why is pre-print checking important?
Is the uploading process different for multi-page catalog/booklet/calendar files?
| Q |How do I upload my artwork files?
| A | You can initiate the upload process anytime by clicking on the "Client Area" button at the top of our home page. Then, you can log in to your account and follow the instructions for uploading new files. If you do not have a Printanet account, you will need to take a moment to register.
You can also upload artwork after purchasing by clicking the "Client Area" button at the top of our home page.
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| Q |How long will file upload take?
| A | The time needed to upload your file will vary depending on file size, number of files being uploaded, your connection speed (broadband vs. dialup), and other programs running on your computer. A small file can be uploaded in less than one minute while a large 50 MB file may take 20 minutes to upload.
For best results, we recommend uploading files via our standard upload process when no other programs are open.
If you have a large file (i.e., larger than 25 MB), we recommend that you initiate the upload process by clicking the "Client Area " button at the top of our home page on our website. Then, you can log in to your account and follow the instructions for uploading the file. If you do not have a Printanet account, you will need to take a moment to register.
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| Q |How will the final printed job compare to my uploaded artwork file?
| A | The colours may vary, depending on how you submitted your files. The colour on the screen cannot be guaranteed to match the finished product because every monitor can be calibrated differently. In addition, screen colours are represented in RGB, while offset printing colours are represented in CMYK. The colour mode of submitted files must be CMYK to maximize colour quality. If your files are submitted using any other colour standard, such as RGB or Pantone, they will be converted to CMYK during preflight (Unless spot colour is specifically asked for).
Conversion from one colour standard to another may cause colours to shift.
For best results, we recommend that you submit your files in CMYK.
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| Q |What is the difference between RGB and CMYK and why is it important?
| A | RGB refers to the primary colours of light—Red, Green, and Blue—that are used in monitors, TVs, and computer screens; CMYK refers to the primary colours of ink pigment—Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black—that are used in four-colour process printing.
RGB colour combinations cannot be exactly reproduced if your file is converted to CMYK. As a result, if your artwork was created in RGB, we strongly recommend that you convert your file to CMYK before uploading. After you convert your files to CMYK you may need to make colour corrections to the file to match your colours to the original colours you desired. You can learn more about colour accuracy by going to our artwork-preparation page
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| Q |How do I know if my files uploaded successfully?
| A | If there is a problem, an error message will appear with instructions of what to do next in the process. Otherwise, the file was uploaded successfully and the name and thumbnail image of the file should appear in the lower half of the page in “Uploaded Artwork.”
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| Q |Will there be any loss in quality if I upload an artwork file instead of mailing it on a disk?
| A | No. There will be no difference in file quality if you upload your artwork instead of mailing us a disk with your print-ready files. However, the file submission method you select may impact when turnaround time for your print job begins.
If you mail us a disk, we highly recommend clearly indicating the order number on your disc and mailing your materials overnight as this will speed up the start of your turnaround time. Please note that turnaround time for your print job begins once your order has been placed and your print-ready files have been uploaded, attached and approved. If you ordered a proof, your turnaround begins when we receive approval for your proof.
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| Q |Can I upload files before placing an order?
| A | Yes. You can initiate the upload process anytime by clicking on the "Client Area" button at the top of any page on our website. Then, you can log in to your account and follow the instructions for uploading new files. If you do not have a Printanet account, you will need to take a moment to register.
After uploading your files, you can place an order by identifying a product from our "Home page"
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| Q |How long will my artwork files be saved in my Printanet account?
| A | Your artwork files will remain in our system for at least two years.
Your Printanet account can be easily accessed by clicking the "My Account" button at the top of any page on our site. You will need to be logged in with your email address and password before any account information is displayed. Only registered Printanet users have an account.
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| Q |What is the maximum file size that can be uploaded?
| A | There is no limit to the size of file you can upload. However, the larger the file, the more time that is needed to upload your file.
The time needed to upload your file will vary depending on file size, number of files being uploaded, your connection speed (broadband vs. dialup), and other programs running on your computer. A small file can be uploaded in less than one minute while a large 50 MB file may take 20 minutes to upload.
For best results, we recommend uploading files via our standard upload process when no other programs are open.
If you have a large file (i.e., larger than 25 MB), we recommend that you initiate the upload process by clicking the "Client Area" button at the top of any page on our website. Then, you can log in to your account and follow the instructions for uploading by clicking the Browse button to find the file on your computer. Once the job begins to upload, please wait until it is done processing. If you do not have a Printanet account, you will need to take a moment to register.
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| Q |Can I use an uploaded (i.e., saved) artwork file for multiple print jobs?
| A | Yes. Once a file is uploaded, you can use it for as many print jobs as needed. To do so, you need to attach the uploaded file to specific jobs. For example, you may want to use the same artwork file for the backside of every postcard you print and mail.
Uploaded artwork files will remain on our system for at least two years.
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| Q |Will I have to re-upload an artwork file to reprint a job?
| A | Not necessarily. Your print-ready artwork files will remain in the "My Artwork" section of your Printanet account for at least two years. You can upload all the files you need for printing to our systems.
Your Printanet account can be easily accessed by clicking the "My Account" button at the top of any page on our site. You will need to be logged in with your email address and password before any account information is displayed. Only registered Printanet users have an account.
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| Q |Can I upload multiple files at once?
| A | No. You can only upload one file at time.
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| Q |What file formats are acceptable?
| A | Printanet accepts print-ready files in any of the following formats: .eps, .jpg, .pdf, .ps, .psd, .tif.
Please note that if you have an artwork file in any other format, we encourage you to create a PDF file that can be uploaded to Printanet.
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| Q |What are print-ready files?
| A | Print-ready files are artwork files that contain all fonts and images and are 100% ready to print, requiring no additional adjustments by Printanet other than visual preflight and standard prepress work. Printanet accepts print-ready files in any of the following formats: .eps, .jpg, .pdf, .ps, .psd, .tif.
Please note that if you have an artwork file in any other format, we encourage you to create a PDF file that can be uploaded to Printanet.
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| Q |What is pre-print check?
| A | Pr-print check is a procedure used by Printanet to make sure that your artwork files are print-ready (i.e., correctly prepared for production). During pre-print check, we complete the following tasks: check image resolution, check fonts, create CMYK normalized .PDF file, and create .JPG for previewing. If we identify any problems with your files during pre-print check, we will notify you of any issues and recommend possible solutions.
Please note that pre-print checks will not check for spelling errors, layout, bleed, folding, and safety zone.
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| Q |Why is pre-print checking important?
| A | Pre-print check is important because it helps Printanet provide you with the best possible printing quality by checking your files thoroughly before your print job is sent to one of our presses.
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| Q |Is the uploading process different for multi-page catalog/booklet/calendar files?
| A | No. The process for uploading a multi-page file is the same as that for uploading a single-sided file. You can initiate the upload process during the ordering process or by clicking the "Client Area" button on our home page. Then, you can log in to your account and follow the instructions for uploading new files. If you do not have a Printanet account, you will need to take a moment to register.
Please note that before uploading a multi-page booklet or calendar file, you need to be sure that you have followed our instructions for setting up your file properly.
You can review our file preparation tips at: