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Print Stop Frequently Asked Questions

What does “Print Ready” mean?
Print Ready means that the design and layout are complete, and there are no adjustments or corrections to be made. While we can provide some suggestions from a production standpoint, we do not provide design services. We request that you submit your files in PDF format when possible. If you would like to print multiple pieces on one sheet of paper, please provide separate files for each design piece. Do not attempt to create the layout on your own.
Where can I get design assistance?
If you need a new design or need design help on an existing project, start with these campus resources:

How long will it take to have my project printed?

https://aux-services.unc.edu/wp-admin/index.php

We attend to orders on a first-come, first-serve basis, beginning at the time we receive print ready material. We try to complete all projects in as timely a manner as possible. Production time depends on several considerations.The complexity of a project determines completion time, as do special order considerations. A stack of basic copies will take less time to complete than something requiring tabs, special paper types, collating and binding. Please allow sufficient time for production and unforeseen issues.
What kind of paper do you have?
There are too many options to list here, but if you need a special type of paper or finishing work, please visit us so that we can talk about your project.
Can I get something printed “Full Bleed”?
This term gets used a lot, often incorrectly. Our printers do not print all the way to the edge of a sheet; an approximate 1/8 inch border is left unprinted. Full bleed printing means that the finished product has color or an image that which goes all the way to the edge of the sheet. To achieve a full bleed finish, the image must be designed for and printed on an oversized sheet and then cut to the finished size. A true full bleed layout has excess color or image area that extends at least 1/8 inch beyond the cut line. If you want a full bleed finished product, you must design it as such.
What kinds of paper and printing do you offer?
We offer full color printing on a variety of papers. Our most popular paper is photo paper with either a satin or glossy finish. We also have uncoated papers available. There are synthetic options as well, like synthetic foldable cloth for conference posters and heavier materials for banners. We also offer lamination and foam core mounting. Please contact us for pricing or check out our price list.
How long does it take to print a poster or a banner?
We pride ourselves on completing each order as quickly and efficiently as possible, but please allow us 24 hours to ensure the quality of your poster. Printing may take longer if your document is formatted incorrectly, or if we are operating during peak printing times.
How big can my poster or banner be?
One side of your poster or banner must be 42 inches or less. The other side can be up to 10 feet long, depending on file type.
What file format should I use when submitting my poster or banner?
We prefer to receive files as PDFs. Other formatting notes to consider:

  • Microsoft PowerPoint files print with mixed results, due to variations between versions and operating systems.
  • Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop files are not a good choice when submitting final poster designs.
  • Microsoft Publisher files are printed with mixed results and are not a good file choice to use when submitting conference posters.
  • Microsoft Word files should only be used for text-based printing, not poster design.

It is essential that documents are formatted before submission, as we do not offer design or editing services.

Additional Questions?

Email us at printstop@store.unc.edu.