Frequently Asked Questions

KrazyLlama provides commercial printing and custom printed products for businesses, organizations, events and individuals.

Products may include business cards, postcards, flyers, brochures, door hangers, banners, lawn signs, magnets, screen-printed products and other commercial printing.

Our website may not display every product or configuration we can produce or source. If you don't see exactly what you need, contact us.

Possibly. Our online catalog does not necessarily represent every product, material, size, finishing option or printing configuration available to us.

Send us the quantity, size, material, finishing requirements and a description of what you are trying to accomplish. We can determine what options are available.

Most standard products can be configured and ordered directly through KrazyLlama.com. Choose the product, size, quantity, stock and available finishing options, provide your artwork and complete checkout.

For unusual projects, custom quantities or products that are not listed online, contact KrazyLlama for assistance.

Yes. If your project does not fit one of our standard online products, contact us with as much information as possible.

Helpful information includes:

• Quantity
• Finished size
• Number of printed sides
• Paper or material preference
• Coating or finishing requirements
• Folding, scoring or perforation requirements
• Delivery ZIP code
• Your required completion date

Commercial printing has setup and production costs that are spread across the entire quantity. Once a job is set up and running, the additional cost per piece often decreases as the quantity increases.

That is why 1,000 pieces may cost substantially less per piece than ordering 100 pieces.

Yes. Many products automatically become less expensive per piece at larger quantities.

For unusually large quantities or projects involving several printed products, contact us for a custom quote.

Yes. KrazyLlama can provide commercial print products for businesses, marketing campaigns, organizations, events and other high-volume uses.

Contact us if you need several products coordinated as part of one campaign or project.

Usually. Reference your previous order whenever possible.

Keep in mind that paper, materials, equipment and normal production conditions can vary over time, so a separately produced print run may not be an absolutely exact color match to an earlier order.

A properly prepared PDF is usually the best choice for commercial printing.

Depending on the product, other usable formats may include:

• AI / Adobe Illustrator
• EPS
• TIFF
• High-resolution JPG/JPEG
• High-resolution PNG

Whenever possible, submit artwork at the correct print size with the required bleed already included.

Print-ready artwork is a file that can enter production without requiring graphic-design corrections.

A print-ready file should generally have:

• The correct dimensions
• The required bleed
• Important content inside the safe area
• High-resolution images
• CMYK color whenever appropriate
• Correct front and back artwork
• Fonts properly embedded or converted to outlines
• No unwanted guides or template layers

For most commercial printing viewed at close range, 300 DPI at the final printed size is recommended.

Resolution must be considered at the size the image will actually print. A small 300-DPI image enlarged several times may no longer have sufficient effective resolution.

DPI refers to dots per inch and is commonly used when discussing the amount of image detail available for printing.

For most business cards, flyers, postcards and similar materials, 300 DPI at final size is a good target.

Large-format products may sometimes use lower effective resolutions because they are normally viewed from farther away.

From a print-quality standpoint, sometimes—but often the image is too small.

Website and social-media images are frequently optimized for screens and may not contain enough resolution for quality printing. Something that looks sharp on a phone can still print blurry or pixelated.

Whenever possible, provide the original photograph or design file.

You must also have the legal right to reproduce any image you submit.

A screenshot can sometimes be printed, but it usually is not an ideal source file.

Screenshots often contain limited resolution, screen scaling, compression artifacts or unwanted interface elements.

If a screenshot is the only version you have, send it to us and we can determine whether it is usable.

Simply enlarging a small image or changing its DPI setting does not recreate image detail that was never present.

Logos can often be redrawn or converted into properly constructed vector artwork. Depending on the complexity of the logo, artwork recreation may require an additional design charge.

Vector artwork is created from mathematically defined paths and shapes rather than a fixed grid of pixels.

A properly created vector logo can therefore be printed on a business card or enlarged for a banner without becoming pixelated.

Common vector formats include AI, EPS and some PDF files.

Raster images are made from pixels. JPG, PNG and most photographs are raster images and have a finite resolution.

Vector graphics are made from paths and shapes and can generally be resized without losing sharpness.

Photographs are normally raster images. Logos, icons, text and simple illustrations are often best supplied as vector artwork.

Yes. Canva can be used to produce printable artwork.

Create the design at the correct finished size and export the highest-quality PDF intended for printing. Include bleed when your product requires it and keep important content away from the edges.

Do not add printer marks or crop marks unless the specifications for your particular product specifically require them.

Bleed is artwork that extends beyond the final cut line of a printed piece.

If a photograph, background color or graphic is supposed to reach the edge, it must normally continue past the trim line. After printing, the excess is cut away.

Bleed prevents small variations in cutting from leaving an unwanted white line along the edge.

The safe area is the area inside the final trim line where important text, logos, phone numbers and other critical information should be kept.

Commercial cutting equipment is precise, but paper is physically printed and cut and small movement is normal. Keeping important content inside the safe area prevents it from appearing too close to the edge or being clipped.

Small normal variations in printing and trimming can make a narrow border positioned close to the cut line appear uneven.

If your design needs a border, move it farther inside the trim area or make the border substantially thicker.

If you are submitting an editable vector file such as AI or EPS, converting fonts to outlines is strongly recommended unless the fonts are properly packaged with the artwork.

A correctly exported PDF can also embed fonts.

Missing fonts can cause typefaces, spacing or individual characters to change unexpectedly.

Usually not unless the specifications for the particular product specifically request them.

Submit the artwork at the dimensions required by the product template, including the required bleed.

In many cases, yes.

Minor adjustments may be relatively simple, while rebuilding a low-resolution logo, recreating missing artwork or redesigning a layout can require graphic-design time and an additional charge.

Send us what you have and we can determine what is needed.

No. Determining whether a file is technically printable is different from performing graphic design or proofreading.

Files requiring substantial corrections, redesign, logo recreation, typesetting or other creative work may require an additional charge.

Computer monitors, phones and televisions normally create color using RGB—Red, Green and Blue light.

Most full-color commercial printing uses CMYK—Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black.

RGB can display some bright colors that normal CMYK printing cannot reproduce. If RGB artwork must be converted for printing, some colors may change.

Designing in CMYK gives you a better representation of the printable color range.

A screen creates color with light. Printing creates color using ink or toner on a physical surface. They are fundamentally different methods of producing color.

Monitor calibration, screen brightness, room lighting, paper, coatings, ink and printing conditions can all affect appearance.

A phone or computer monitor therefore should not be considered an exact physical color proof.

Standard full-color CMYK printing does not guarantee an exact Pantone/PMS match.

Some Pantone colors reproduce reasonably well in CMYK while others fall outside the CMYK color gamut.

If exact brand-color matching is critical, contact us before ordering so we can determine whether a spot color or specialty production method is appropriate.

Not necessarily.

Normal commercial printing allows some color variation between production runs because paper, ink, equipment and production conditions can vary.

If matching an earlier job is especially important, let us know before ordering.

Paper affects printed color.

Coated stocks generally keep more ink near the surface and often produce sharper, more saturated colors.

Uncoated paper absorbs more ink and can give the same artwork a softer, more natural appearance.

In normal CMYK printing, the paper itself generally supplies the white areas. Standard CMYK equipment does not print white ink underneath those areas.

Some specialty materials and printing processes can use white ink. Contact us before ordering if your project requires white printing on colored, clear or specialty material.

Small black text is commonly printed using black ink alone.

Large solid black backgrounds can sometimes benefit from a carefully constructed rich black that combines black with additional CMYK colors.

Do not use an arbitrary four-color mixture for small black text. Excessive ink coverage can also create production problems.

If you are unsure how a large black area should be constructed, contact us before submitting the artwork.

The pt in card stock refers approximately to the thickness of the stock rather than its traditional paper-weight rating.

• 14pt: approximately 0.014 inches thick
• 16pt: approximately 0.016 inches thick
• 18pt: approximately 0.018 inches thick

Actual finished thickness can vary somewhat by manufacturer, stock, coating and production process.

In everyday terms, 14pt is a substantial standard card stock, while 16pt feels heavier and more rigid. Thicker stocks create an even more substantial feel.

Both are commonly used professional card stocks.

14pt is sturdy and is widely used for business cards, postcards and other promotional pieces.

16pt is slightly thicker and more rigid and generally feels more substantial when handled.

The numerical difference looks small, but it can be noticeable when the stocks are held side by side.

Not necessarily. Thicker does not automatically mean higher quality.

A professionally produced 14pt card can be every bit as high quality as a 16pt card. The difference is primarily thickness, rigidity, product availability, feel and price.

For high-volume promotional cards, 14pt can be an excellent choice. For a business card where tactile feel is important, 16pt may be worth considering.

They are different systems used to describe paper.

Point, or pt, generally describes the nominal thickness of card stock.

Pound, or lb, is a traditional paper-weight classification.

The numbers are not directly interchangeable. For example, 100 lb paper does not mean 100pt.

Within the same paper category, 100 lb stock is generally heavier and more substantial than 80 lb stock.

However, you also need to know whether the paper is Text or Cover. An 80 lb Cover stock is not the same type of paper as an 80 lb Text stock.

Do not compare commercial paper using the number alone.

Text stock is generally thinner and more flexible. It is commonly used for flyers, brochure pages, booklet interiors and similar pieces.

Cover stock is heavier and more rigid. It is commonly used for postcards, rack cards, covers and products that need a sturdier feel.

Even though both are labeled 100 lb, they belong to different paper categories.

100 lb Gloss Text is thinner and more flexible and is often used for flyers, brochures and booklet pages.

100 lb Gloss Cover is substantially more rigid and is used when a heavier piece is desired.

The "100 lb" numbers should not be interpreted as meaning the two stocks have the same thickness.

C2S means "Coated Two Sides."

Both sides of the paper have a coated printing surface. C2S stocks are commonly used for full-color business cards, postcards, rack cards and marketing materials because the smooth coated surface can produce crisp images and vibrant color.

C1S means "Coated One Side."

One side has a coated printing surface while the other side is generally uncoated.

This can be useful when one side needs a polished printed appearance while the other side needs characteristics associated with an uncoated surface.

UV coating is a clear liquid coating applied to the printed surface and cured using ultraviolet energy.

It can produce a very smooth, glossy surface, make colors appear richer and provide additional resistance to normal handling and scuffing.

UV coating is commonly used on products such as:

• Business cards
• Postcards
• Rack cards
• Flyers
• Presentation materials
• Promotional pieces

UV coating does not make ordinary paper waterproof or indestructible.

Generally, UV coating is not the best choice when reliable writability is important.

Its smooth surface can make ballpoint pens, pencils and some markers difficult to use or slow to dry.

If customers need to write appointments, notes, prices, signatures or other information on the piece, consider an uncoated stock or a product specifically designed with a writable area.

Aqueous coating is a water-based clear coating used to protect a printed surface.

It helps provide resistance to fingerprints, light scuffing and normal handling while giving the piece a clean finished appearance.

Depending on the formulation and product, aqueous coatings can range from relatively subdued to glossy.

Both can protect the printed surface, but they use different coating technologies and can create different appearances.

Neither coating is automatically better. The right choice depends on the desired appearance and how the printed piece will be used.

A gloss finish creates a more reflective surface and generally makes photographs and colors appear brighter and more saturated.

Gloss products are popular for marketing pieces where visual impact is important.

Matte and dull finishes reduce surface reflection compared with high-gloss finishes.

They can create a smoother, more understated or professional appearance.

Exact terminology and appearance vary between paper manufacturers and products, so review the finish offered for the specific item you are ordering.

Uncoated paper does not have the smooth coated surface found on gloss or coated stocks.

It generally has a more natural paper texture and absorbs ink differently.

Uncoated stock is often useful for:

• Appointment cards
• Forms
• Cards requiring signatures
• Pieces people need to write on
• Designs intended to have a natural paper feel

Colors may appear softer or less saturated than the same artwork printed on a coated stock.

Soft-touch finishing creates a smooth, low-gloss surface with a distinctive velvety feel.

It is commonly chosen for premium business cards, invitations and marketing materials where the tactile feel of the product is part of the presentation.

Spot UV applies glossy UV coating only to selected portions of the design instead of coating the entire surface.

For example, a business card may have a matte or soft-touch background with glossy Spot UV applied only to the logo.

The difference in sheen creates visual and tactile contrast.

Spot UV products usually require a separate mask file that tells the production equipment exactly where the coating should be applied.

• Gloss / UV: Choose when you want shine and vibrant color.
• Aqueous: Choose for general protection and a conventional commercial-print finish.
• Matte / Dull: Choose for a less reflective, more understated appearance.
• Uncoated: Choose when writability or a natural paper feel is important.
• Soft Touch: Choose when you want a premium tactile feel.
• Spot UV: Choose when selected elements such as a logo should have strong glossy contrast.

An uncoated stock is generally the safest choice when reliable writability is important.

This is particularly important for appointment cards, loyalty cards, forms, raffle cards and other materials that customers will complete by hand.

Some coated products may work with certain permanent markers or pens, but do not assume a glossy or UV-coated piece will be easily writable.

Turnaround time generally refers to production time, not the total time between placing an order and receiving it.

Production and shipping are separate. A job must first be printed and completed before carrier transit time begins.

Production begins when an order is actually ready to enter production.

Artwork problems, missing information, payment issues, requested changes or required proof approval can delay that point.

Business days generally do not include weekends or applicable holidays.

No. You need to allow time for both production and shipping.

Rush production may be available for certain products.

Availability depends on the product, quantity, selected options, artwork and current production capacity.

If your deadline is urgent, contact us before placing the order.

Not every order automatically includes a separately prepared manual proof.

Some products can move into production using the artwork submitted through the ordering process.

If you require a proof before production, contact us before ordering or before the job enters production.

Please carefully verify:

• Spelling
• Names and titles
• Phone numbers
• Email addresses
• Website addresses
• Street addresses
• Dates and times
• Prices
• QR codes
• Mailing information
• Front and back orientation
• Overall layout

A file being technically printable does not mean all factual information contained in the artwork has been independently verified.

No. File review and prepress review are primarily intended to identify production-related issues and should not be considered professional proofreading.

The customer is responsible for confirming names, spelling, telephone numbers, addresses, dates, pricing and other content before production.

Printing, cutting, folding and finishing are mechanical production processes. Small variations are normal.

Artwork should be created using proper bleed and safe areas so normal production tolerances do not affect critical content.

Scoring creates a controlled crease in heavier paper or card stock before it is folded.

This helps the material fold more cleanly and can reduce cracking along the fold, particularly on heavier stocks or areas with heavy ink coverage.

Scoring creates the crease or channel where the paper is intended to bend.

Folding actually bends the printed piece into its finished configuration.

Some heavier products need to be scored before folding for the best result.

Perforation creates a line of small cuts that allows part of a printed piece to be torn away more easily.

It is commonly used for tickets, coupons, reply cards, forms and other detachable sections.

Lamination applies a thin film to the printed surface.

Depending on the product, lamination can alter the appearance and feel while providing additional surface protection.

Lamination is different from UV or aqueous coating. UV and aqueous finishes are coatings; lamination uses a separate film.

Rounded corners replace the standard square corners of a printed piece with a rounded radius.

They are commonly used on business cards, promotional cards and other products when a softer or more distinctive appearance is desired.

Many products are available with printing on one side or both sides.

Available options depend on the specific product and material.

If you provide separate files for the front and back, clearly identify which file belongs on each side.

Many banner materials are intended for outdoor use and can tolerate normal exposure to moisture.

However, outdoor-rated does not mean indestructible. Wind, sunlight, mounting method, temperature and severe weather all affect product life.

Many common yard-sign materials are intended for temporary outdoor use and tolerate normal rain and moisture.

Their useful life depends on material, sun exposure, weather, wind, installation and length of use.

There is no single guaranteed lifespan for outdoor graphics.

UV exposure, heat, cold, wind, rain, material, installation and location all affect durability.

Tell us whether your project is temporary, seasonal or intended for longer-term use and we can help identify an appropriate product.

No. Production time and carrier transit time are separate.

The order must first be produced before it enters the shipping network.

When tracking is available for the shipping method used, tracking information is provided after the shipment has been processed for carrier pickup or acceptance.

Available shipping services can be selected based on the order, but carrier delays can occur because of weather, transportation interruptions, incorrect addresses, peak-season volume and other circumstances outside the printing process.

For date-critical projects, allow additional time whenever possible.

International shipping is not currently offered through our standard online ordering process.

Do not assume local pickup is available for a particular product unless it is specifically offered or confirmed for your order.

Different products may be produced using different production facilities and fulfillment methods.

Customized printing is produced specifically for your order and generally cannot be returned simply because you change your mind or no longer need the product.

If there is a manufacturing defect, shipping damage or a production error attributable to the printing process, contact KrazyLlama promptly so the issue can be reviewed under our current Return Policy.

Contact us promptly and keep the damaged products and shipping packaging.

We may ask you to provide photographs showing:

• The damaged printed products
• The shipping box or packaging
• The shipping label
• The extent or quantity of the damage

Do not discard the product or packaging until the claim has been reviewed.

Contact us as soon as possible with your order information, a description of the problem and photographs showing the issue.

We will review the job to determine whether the issue resulted from production, shipping, customer-supplied artwork or normal commercial printing tolerances.

If the finished product accurately reflects the artwork submitted or approved, customer-artwork errors generally are not considered production defects.

Examples include:

• Misspellings
• Incorrect phone numbers
• Incorrect addresses
• Incorrect dates
• Low-resolution photographs
• Incorrect QR codes
• Incorrect pricing

We can still help determine the best way to produce a corrected order.

Contact us immediately.

Changes may be possible before production begins. Once the order has entered production, materials may already have been committed, files processed or manufacturing started, so changes may no longer be possible.

Contact us immediately if you need to cancel.

Whether cancellation is possible depends on how far the order has progressed through processing and production.

Custom printing can enter production quickly, so an order should not be treated like an off-the-shelf retail product that can always be cancelled before shipment.

Any applicable cancellation terms are governed by KrazyLlama's current policies.

You must have the legal right or appropriate permission to reproduce the artwork, photographs, logos, trademarks and other content you provide for printing.

Providing artwork for production represents that you have the right to use and reproduce that material.

Finding an image online does not automatically give someone permission to reproduce it.

Copyright, trademark and other intellectual-property protections can still apply even when an image can easily be downloaded from the internet.

The customer is responsible for obtaining any required permission from the rights holder.