We started 2012 as we mean to go on with our recent banner stand offer — determined to provide top quality print at a bargain price. To continue that theme, we’re offering 50% off Business Cards from now until Midnight on Tuesday 7th February!

Upload your own print-ready business card artwork, or choose from our selection of business card templates, suitable for a wide range of professions and industries. This huge discount brings the price of 50 single-sided business cards right down to just £4.25 (+VAT)!

Simply place your order online as usual and enter voucher code buscards50 at checkout.

Presentation Folders

Make a lasting impression & present your documents in style.

Our Presentation Folders are perfect for holding A4 documents e.g. brochures, leaflets, flyers, training materials, stepped inserts — pretty much anything really — and of course we have slits in the right place for holding a standard size business card.

They make a very cost effective marketing tool and ensure your documents remain intact and together with your contact details when mailing, or handing out at exhibitions, training courses etc.

Upload your own print-ready artwork, or pick from our range of free-to-use presentation folder templates, and simply add your logo and contact details.

Point of Sale ⁄ Point of Purchase Printing

Head-turning. Eye-catching. Customer-catching.

Here at Print Buying Direct, we specialise in design and print for Point of Sale ⁄ Point of Purchase. We design and print everything from Shelf Talkers, Wobblers, Ticket Ears, Posters, Floor Graphics, Window Graphics and more. We have a great deal of experience in the retail and wholesale industries in many sectors.

So for Point of Purchase printing that really does POP and grab your customers’ attention when it’s most crucial, have a look at our range of products and order online today!

To make setting up your artwork quick and easy, we have just added blank document templates for many of our products. These templates are available for Adobe Indesign and Illustrator (CS2 and above) and for Quark XPress (version 6 and above).

How To Use the Templates

The template file consists of two layers. The first layer contains the guides, and the second layer contains a legend — indicating the trimmed/finished size plus bleed (3mm on each edge) and a “safe” area.

Any coloured or image-based backgrounds should extend right up to the edge of the document, whilst any text or other important information should be contained within the safe area — this will avoid it running too close to the edge of the document when trimmed.

Remember to hide — or better yet, delete — the layer containing the legend before creating your artwork, in order to avoid any complications. We have included the guides on a separate layer so these will still be visible.

Download the Templates

• A0 Template for Adobe Indesign (.indt) / Adobe Illustrator (.ait) / Quark XPress
  Use for: Posters
• A1 Template for Adobe Indesign (.indt) / Adobe Illustrator (.ait) / Quark XPress
  Use for: Posters, A-Boards, Pavement Signs
• A2 Template for Adobe Indesign (.indt) / Adobe Illustrator (.ait) / Quark XPress
  Use for: Posters
• A3 Template for Adobe Indesign (.indt) / Adobe Illustrator (.ait) / Quark XPress
  Use for: Posters, Certificates
• A4 Template for Adobe Indesign (.indt) / Adobe Illustrator (.ait) / Quark XPress
  Use for: Posters, Letterheads, Note Pads, Certificates
• A5 Template for Adobe Indesign (.indt) / Adobe Illustrator (.ait) / Quark XPress
  Use for: Flyers, Leaflets, Note Pads
• A6 Template for Adobe Indesign (.indt) / Adobe Illustrator (.ait) / Quark XPress
  Use for: Flyers, Leaflets, Postcards
• DL (⅓ A4) Template for Adobe InDesign / Adobe Illustrator / Quark XPress
  Use for: Compliment Slips, Flyers, Leaflets
• Business Card / Appointment Card Template for Adobe InDesign / Adobe Illustrator / Quark XPress
• Stand Banner (Roll Up Banner, Pull Up Banner) template for Adobe InDesign / Adobe Illustrator / Quark XPress
• 1×1m Banner template for Adobe InDesign / Adobe Illustrator
• 2×1m Banner template for Adobe InDesign / Adobe Illustrator
• 3×1m Banner template for Adobe InDesign / Adobe Illustrator
• 4×1m Banner template for Adobe InDesign / Adobe Illustrator

Our last Pull Up Banner Stand sale was so popular that we’ve decided to do it again!

From 8:00 am tomorrow until 5:00 pm on Friday (21st October), we’re offering 25% off Pull Up Banner Stands. Just place your order online as usual and enter discount code pullup25october at checkout.

Need a banner in a hurry but don’t have your own artwork? Don’t worry, we have a range of profesionally-designed templates that are free to use.

2012 Wall Year Planners

Now available to order online

Our year planners are an indespensable office tool for planning holidays, shift patterns, etc. and make the perfect year-long promotional tool. Send them to your customers and ensure that your logo and details are on their wall all year long.

Either upload your own artwork and calendar, or make use of our selection of free templates – simply choose the colour that best matches your company’s branding, upload your logo and enter your contact details – it really couldn’t be any simpler.

Click here for more information about our year planners.

Website Design by Communications Online

Expert web design at our usual affordable prices

For most people, the internet is the first port of call for information these days – so your website should look and behave as professionally as you do.

Our expert team of Web Designers & Developers can design your website from scratch, or create an online environment that mirrors your existing branding. As well as design, we can host and manage your website for you, allowing you to focus on what it is you do best.

We also offer the following services so your site gets the attention it deserves:

• Search Engine Optimisation
• Social Media integration
• Email marketing
• Fully customised blog

Call us today on 01270 212100 or visit our sister site, www.communications-online.co.uk for more information.

We’ve also just added our brand new range of 2012 Wall Calendars, CD Desk Calendars and Year Planners – all fully customisable with your own artwork, photographs, colours, logos and messages!

These items make great Christmas gifts for friends and family, or for your customers, ensuring that you’re in their minds all year round.

To help you save some money this Christmas, we’re offering 15% off all our calendar products until Friday 14th October. Simply place your order online and enter discount code calendars15 at the checkout.

New! Christmas Card templates available online

Spread the cost of Christmas – buy your Christmas Cards online now.

Our personalised Christmas Cards are a great way to spread your festive messages whilst promoting your business, or to create something really special for friends and family.

Upload your own festive artwork or photographs, or choose from our range of templates, which are all available to use at no extra cost!

25% off Banner Stands

Don’t miss this great offer – Ends Midnight this Friday

Don’t forget that you can still get 25% off Pull-Up Banner Stands until Midnight this Friday (30th September) – place your order online as usual, and enter discount code pullupSeptember at checkout.

Need a banner quick, but don’t have your own print-ready artwork? We have a range of pre-designed templates available for you to use at no extra cost!

Website Design by Print Buying Direct

Expert web design at our usual affordable prices

For most people, the internet is the first port of call for information these days – so your website should look and behave as professionally as you do.

Our expert team of Web Designers & Developers can design your website from scratch, or create an online environment that mirrors your existing branding. As well as design, we can host and manage your website for you, allowing you to focus on what it is you do best.

We also offer the following services so your site gets the attention it deserves:

• Search Engine Optimisation
• Social Media integration
• Email marketing
• Fully customised blog

Call us today on 01270 212100 or email enquiries@theprintinghouseltd.co.uk to start building your new home.

Spread the cost of Christmas – buy your Christmas Cards online now.

Our personalised Christmas Cards are a great way to spread your festive messages whilst promoting your business, or to create something really special for friends and family.

Upload your own festive artwork or photographs, or choose from our range of templates, which are all available to use at no extra cost!

Also available now: 2012 Wall Calendars, CD Desk Calendars and Year Planners – with 15% off!

We’ve also just added our brand new range of 2012 Wall Calendars, CD Desk Calendars and Year Planners – all fully customisable with your own artwork, photographs, colours, logos and messages!

These items make great Christmas gifts for friends and family, or for your customers, ensuring that you’re in their minds all year round.

To help you save some money this Christmas, we’re offering 15% off all our calendar products until Friday 14th October. Simply place your order online and enter discount code calendars15 at the checkout.

25% off Banner Stands

Don’t miss this great offer – Ends Midnight this Friday

Don’t forget that you can still get 25% off Pull-Up Banner Stands until Midnight this Friday (30th September) – place your order online as usual, and enter discount code pullupSeptember at checkout.

Need a banner quick, but don’t have your own print-ready artwork? We have a range of pre-designed templates available for you to use at no extra cost!

Website Design by Print Buying Direct

Expert web design at our usual affordable prices

For most people, the internet is the first port of call for information these days – so your website should look and behave as professionally as you do.

Our expert team of Web Designers & Developers can design your website from scratch, or create an online environment that mirrors your existing branding. As well as design, we can host and manage your website for you, allowing you to focus on what it is you do best.

We also offer the following services so your site gets the attention it deserves:

• Search Engine Optimisation
• Social Media integration
• Email marketing
• Fully customised blog

Call us today on 01270 212100 or email enquiries@theprintinghouseltd.co.uk to start building your new home.

Remember, you can still get a whopping 25% off our Pull-Up Banner Stands until midnight next Friday (30th September). Simply place your order online as usual, and enter discount code pullupSeptember at checkout.

Pull-up banners are one of our best-selling products, and no wonder – a compact, lightweight mechanism coupled with top-quality graphics printed on anti-curl banner material make these banner stands the perfect solution for exhibitions, point of sale, displays & promotions.

Our new A3 Banner Stands are perfect for desktop promotions, or presentations where space is limited.

Need a banner quick, but don’t have your own print-ready artwork? We have a range of pre-designed templates available for to use at no extra cost!

2012 Calendars Now Available!

Create a truly special gift for family, friends and customers alike. Now available to order online!

Our range of 2012 Wall Calendars and CD Calendars make a great personalised gift for family and friends that they can enjoy for a whole 12 months - simply upload your photographs and a message and you’re done!

The perfect year-long reminder of a recent holiday, wedding, birthday… or just fill it with photos of their favourite things!

As well as our standard calendar templates, we have pre-designed corporate templates with space for your company logo and contact details to keep them at the front your customers’ mind all year round. Why not combine these with our 2012 Year Planners and ensure that your brand adorns the walls of all your customers’ offices?

Christmas Card Printing

Spread the cost of Christmas – buy your cards early

You wouldn’t think it from looking outside at the moment, but Christmas will be here sooner than you think, and starting planning now could save you a financial headache come the end of the year.

Personalised Christmas cards are a great way to spread your festive messages whilst promoting your business, or to create something really special for friends and family.

Order online using our pre-designed templates, or upload your own artwork or photographs. Prices start at £27.00 (+VAT) for 25 cards – that’s cheaper than you’ll find in most shops!

Now get 25% off pull-up banners!

Just a quick reminder that you can still get 20% off all banners ordered online until midnight tonight (Thursday 15th September). Simply place your order online as usual, and enter the code banners20 at checkout.

And from tomorrow, you will be able to order our pull-up banners online at 25% off – right up until the end of September! Use discount code pullupSeptember.

Don’t have your own artwork? We have a range of pre-designed templates for both PVC banners and pull-up banner stands, and they’re free to use!

2012 Wall Calendars

Available soon on Print Buying Direct

The sun’s giving it one last push on its way into autumn, and it’ll soon be time to start planning for next year. We’ve already started – our 2012 Wall Calendars will be available to order soon.

We are currently designing a range of easy to use templates which you’ll be able to personalise with your own photographs, business details and personal messages.

Visit our Wall Calendars page for more information, or just sit tight and we’ll let you know as soon as they’re ready for you to order.

Christmas Card Printing

Spread the cost – buy your cards early

It may seem a little early to be thinking about Christmas – even we were surprised to receive two Christmas card orders recently! – but starting now could save you a financial headache come the end of the year.

Personalised Christmas cards are a great way to spread your festive messages whilst promoting your business, or to create something really special for friends and family.

Order online using our pre-designed templates, or upload your own artwork or photographs. Prices start at £27.00 (+VAT) for 25 cards – that’s cheaper than you’ll find in most shops!

PREPARING TO PRINT

Once the layout and design of a job is complete, you’ll need to decide how to hand over your files. At The Printing House (Print Buying Direct) we usually prefer a single PDF but can work with all of the source files.

Either way, you’ll want to run though a preflight checklist. For more information see our artwork guidlines webpage.
PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST… ARE YOU READY?

• Ensure that all graphics and images are in their final size and correct resolution, 100% at 300 dpi.
• Rotate, scale and edit images and graphics prior to placing them in page layout applications.
• Image file formats should be EPS or TIFF (not JPEG) and verify that all source files are linked properly.
• All spot colours should be designated as spot colors and not as CMYK recipes.
• Spell check your document.
• Remove any trapping (allow the printer to apply trapping).
• Check for transparency and either flatten or notify the printer so they can flatten the file. All bleeds should generally be set to 3 mm.
• Gather all source files: fonts, graphics, images and layout documents, if requested. Use the [Package] feature in InDesign or the [Collect for Output] in QuarkXPress.
• Perform a visual preflight using overprint preview, colour separations preview and transparency flattener preview.
• Prepare a mock-up to give the printer as a finished sample.

TRAPPING

• For best results, trapping should be applied by The Printing House and not the yourself. Trapping settings made in the application are not included in the PostScript when printing with the Composite mode.
• Avoid instances where trapping to gradients or images is required (the change in color may not reproduce well).

BLEEDS

Include 3 mm bleed for all areas that extend off the page when trimming is required.

IMPOSITION

If you plan to use binding, leave ample room for the gutter. Aside from that, we will do all imposition work.

INDESIGN CS2 PREPARE TO PRINT

PREFLIGHTING

• Use the [Preflight] feature under the File menu to make sure all fonts, graphics and image links are present.

PACKAGING

• Use the [Package] feature under the File menu to collect all fonts, graphics and images used in the job. This will ensure that all elements are collected when the job is delivered to The Printing House. Instructions and contact information can also be included by the designer for us.

QUARKXPRESS 6.5 PREPARE TO PRINT
USAGE…

• Use the [Usage...] feature in the Utilities menu of QuarkXPress to review that all fonts, graphics and images are linked correctly in the file.

COLLECT FOR OUTPUT

Use the [Collect for Output] feature in QuarkXPress to gather all fonts, graphics and images used in the job. This will ensure that all elements are collected when the job is delivered to the print provider. Note, however, that you will need to gather fonts from imported EPS or PDF pictures manually unless they are already imbedded into the EPS or PDF file.

ACROBAT DISTILLER 7 SETTINGS

• Create PostScript from the source application using the Acrobat Distiller PPD.
• Be sure to use the Binary data format and include all fonts.
• Use the Smooth Shading feature in Acrobat Distiller.
• The Save As features in PDF Writer/Maker or the Mac OS X Save As PDF feature should be used with caution.

The following recommended settings have been optimized for high image quality printing. In some instances, productivity may take priority over image quality and, therefore, require different settings (such as adjustments in compression).

Open Acrobat Distiller and go to the Settings menu. Select [Edit: Adobe PDF Settings...]. Create a custom set choosing the following recommended settings and select [Save As...] using a new fi le name (e.g.,“ artwork for The Printing House”).

Distiller will save the file in the right place so it can be accessed as a new Job Option set.

• Select Acrobat 6.0 ( PDF 1.5) for the best compatibility. Note that since you are working with a PostScript file there is no need to select Acrobat 4.0 compatibility for transparency concerns (writing files to PostScript always flattens any transparency effects).
• To ensure that the orientation of the pages prints correctly, do not select the Auto-Rotate Pages feature.
• Embed Thumbnails is optional. Versions of Acrobat 5 and higher are able to dynamically create thumbnails on the fly.

IMAGES

To preserve the best image quality, compression is generally not recommended.

Distiller 7 contains a new Policy button. You will need to decide the threshold of what level of resolution is appropriate for the quality of the job and if the job should pass, fail or warn the user. Try setting the minimum as 200dpi and the max as 400dpi.

FONTS

• If jobs fail while distilling, check the job for missing fonts. The following settings recommend cancelling the job when fonts are missing to ensure the document prints correctly.
• To guarantee the font information is successfully included in the Adobe PDF file and will view properly on the monitor, the required fonts should reside either in the system folder of the computer or in the PostScript file.
• A higher percentage value is generally recommended for [Subset embedded fonts . . .].

COLOUR

• The Settings File selection under Adobe Colour Settings should usually be set to [None], [Leave Colour Unchanged].

ADVANCED

• The Convert Gradients to Smooth Shades feature can help smooth vignettes/ sweeps/ gradients with Vector-based programs such as Adobe Illustrator or QuarkXPress. Using this feature with Microsoft Office jobs may or may not improve the job due to the way sweeps are generated in those applications.
• As a precautionary measure, use the Save Adobe PDF Settings Inside PDF File feature. The recipient of the PDF may be able to troubleshoot problem files more easily if the settings are included with the job.

EXPORTING PDF FILES

When exporting files from InDesign or QuarkXPress, you can apply many of the same Acrobat Distiller recommendations discussed previously.

INDESIGN CS2—EXPORT PDF

The PDF options for InDesign are fairly similar to those in Acrobat Distiller. If there is a custom set saved from Distiller, it will be selectable from the PDF Export dialog box. Follow the settings previously discussed.

There is one additional group of settings, [Marks and Bleeds], that can be set to your preference.

QUARKXPRESS 6.5—EXPORT PDF

In QuarkXPress be sure to click on the [Options...] button to access all of the available controls over PDF settings.

You will want to check the options under the Job Options and the Output tab. Take special care to ensure the Color [Output Type] is set to [Composite] and that [Print Colors] is set to [As Is].

Note that blends made with PANTONE® colors in Quark 6, will print as RGB when the [Print Colors] selection is set to [As Is]. To preserve PANTONE Blends (gradients), set Print Colors to [Device N]. Using [Device N] will, however, convert any RGB text, objects and images to CMYK.

PREFLIGHTING PDF FILES

In Adobe Acrobat 6 or higher you can use the Preflight tool to create your own custom preflight profile or use one of the default profiles. If you are not familiar with this tool you may want to talk with your print provider first. They may be able to provide you with a customized profile or walk you through the process.
Also refer to the Adobe documentation provided with Acrobat.

For more information or help please call The Printing House (Print Buying Direct) on 0870 950 8444

Peter Harrison is Joint Managing Director of The Printing House Ltd of Crewe, Cheshire, UK.

Print Buying Direct is an online trading name of The Printing House Ltd., specialising in online print ordering. Our most popular products at the moment: Business Cards, Banner Stands, Flyer/Leaflet Printing, Poster Printing.

Have a look at our great online prices, and order online using templates designed by our experienced team of graphic designers, or upload your own artwork.

NEW – We can now take care of your Online Marketing! Email, SMS & Social Media Marketing by Communications Online LLP.

Our outdoor banners are the ideal solution for quick and easy outdoor promotions, temporary building signage, exhibitions, or anything else you want the world to know about – and right now we’re offering 20% off all banners ordered online in the next two weeks.

We have a range of pre-designed templates for all sorts of occasions – parties, sporting events, music events, sales, advertising… or you can upload your own print-ready artwork.

Simply place your order online as usual, and enter the code banners20 at checkout – remember, this offer is only valid until Midnight on Thursday 15th September.

2012 Wall Calendars

Available to order soon at Print Buying Direct

The sun’s giving it one last push on its way into autumn, and it’ll soon be time to start planning for next year. We’ve already started – our 2012 Wall Calendars will be available to order soon.

We are currently designing a range of easy to use templates which you’ll be able to personalise with your own photographs, business details and personal messages.

Visit our Wall Calendars page for more information, or just sit tight and we’ll let you know as soon as they’re ready for you to order.

Christmas Card Printing

Spread the cost – Buy your cards early

It may seem a little early to be thinking about Christmas whilst we’re still waiting for the Summer to really kick in – even we were surprised to receive two Christmas card orders recently! – but starting now could save you a financial headache come the end of the year.

Personalised Christmas cards are a great way to spread your festive messages whilst promoting your business, or to create something really special for friends and family.

Order online using our pre-designed templates, or upload your own artwork or photographs. Prices start at £27.00 (+VAT) for 25 cards – that’s cheaper than you’ll find in most shops!

Our online poster printing is ideal for advertising or as promotional material, and prices start at just £16. But order between now and the end of the month (Midnight on 31st August) and we’ll give you 25% off!

Just place your order online, and enter discount code posters25 at checkout.

Upload your own print-ready artwork, or design online using our professionally designed templates.

Christmas Card Printing

Spread the cost – Buy your cards early

It may seem a little early to be thinking about Christmas whilst we’re still waiting for the Summer to really kick in – even we were surprised to receive two Christmas card orders recently! – but starting now could save you a financial headache come the end of the year.

Personalised Christmas cards are a great way to spread your festive messages whilst promoting your business, or to create something really special for friends and family.

Order online using our pre-designed templates, or upload your own artwork or photographs. Prices start at £27.00 (+VAT) for 25 cards – that’s cheaper than you’ll find in most shops!

NEW! Pull-Up Banner Stands

Now starting at £23.99!

We’ve just expanded our most popular product range – Pull-Up Banner Stands – to include new A3 Banner Stands.

These smaller-scale banner stands are the ideal solution for desktop promotions, point of sale, or for use in small rooms where space is at a premium – and they’re only £23.99.

Visit our Pull-Up Banner Stands page at Print Buying Direct to find out more.