FAQ’s

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Questions We Often Get About Printing at FastPrint

Welcome to the FastPrint FAQ page! Here, you’ll find clear answers to the most common questions we receive about printing and our services. Whether you’re curious about file formats, turnaround times, delivery options, or how to get the best results with FastPrint, this page is your go-to resource. We’ve gathered everything you need to know to make your printing experience smooth, efficient, and hassle-free.

Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re always happy to help!

General FAQ's

Quick Links

What file formats/types are accepted?

To ensure the highest print quality and maintain the integrity of your files, we strongly recommend submitting your files in .pdf (Portable Document Format) whenever possible.

Preferred Format:

.pdf (Portable Document Format): Ideal for preserving formatting and ensuring compatibility.

Other Acceptable Formats:

We can work with the following formats, though additional time or corrections may be needed to ensure print readiness. Converting these files to PDF is recommended to avoid delays or issues:

.psd (Adobe Photoshop)
.png (Portable Network Graphics)
.jpg or .jpeg (Joint Photographic Experts Group Format)
.pubx (Microsoft Publisher)
.pptx (Microsoft PowerPoint)
.docx (Microsoft Word)
.eps (Encapsulated Post Script)
.ai (Adobe Illustrator – Please provide entire folder with assets and fonts)

For the smoothest experience, save your files as .pdf whenever possible, and sized to the size you want printed.

What is a PDF?

A PDF (Portable Document Format) is a popular file format created by Adobe Systems to ensure documents look the same across different devices and platforms. PDFs preserve formatting, making them ideal for sharing, as they display consistently regardless of the software, hardware, or operating system used.

Key Features of PDFs:
  • Platform Independence – Looks the same on Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices.
  • Security Options – Supports encryption, password protection, and digital signatures.
  • Compression – Reduces file size while maintaining quality.
  • Interactive Elements – Can include hyperlinks, forms, buttons, and multimedia (audio/video).
  • Searchable and Selectable Text – If created from text-based content (not just scanned images).
  • Print-Friendly – Designed to retain formatting when printed.

At what resolution should my documents, images and graphics be saved?

For optimal printing, all color and grayscale documents, images, and graphics should be saved at 300 DPI (dots per inch). This is the standard for professional printing, ensuring sharp, detailed text and images. At 300 DPI, the human eye cannot see individual dots, resulting in a crisp, high-quality print.

Using a resolution higher than 300 DPI is unnecessary, as it will not improve print quality and will only increase file size and transfer time.

What are "bleeds"?

A bleed refers to the extra margin around your document where backgrounds or images extend beyond the final trim size. This ensures that when the document is cut, there are no unwanted white edges due to slight cutting misalignments.

To create a document with bleed, design it at the final trim size with an additional 1/8″ (0.125 inches) of image space on all sides. This makes your file 1/4″ larger than the final product size. For example, if your finished size is 8.5″ x 11″, your document with bleed should be 8.75″ x 11.25″.

When exporting, make sure the bleed area is included, and remember to add crop marks, which indicate where to trim the document.

More Information About Bleed Printing

What is scoring and why is it necessary?

Scoring is the process of creating a shallow cut or indentation along a fold line to prevent paper from cracking or tearing when folded. It is especially important for thicker paper or cardstock to ensure clean, smooth folds without damage.

What file type should I export from Canva for printing?

For the best print quality, export your design from Canva as a PDF Print file. This format preserves image quality and ensures proper color and resolution for professional printing.  If you plan to have a bleed, remember to add crop marks, which indicate where to trim the document.

What color settings should I use for printing?

For optimal print results, use the CMYK color mode in your design software. CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) is the color model used in printing, ensuring your colors appear as intended in the final print.

Why do the printed colors look different from the colors on my screen?

The colors on your screen are displayed in RGB (Red, Green, Blue), which is used for digital screens, while printing uses CMYK. This difference in color models can cause variations in how colors appear between digital and printed versions. Additionally, factors like screen calibration, paper type, and printer settings can affect the final printed result.

Is white considered a printing color?

White is not typically considered a printing color because it’s the color of the paper itself. In printing, white is the absence of ink, and any areas left unprinted will appear white, or the color of the paper being printed on.

Once I submit my order, how long will it take to receive my job?

Lead times vary depending on the job. You can find our current lead times on fastprint.colostate.edu in the blue banner. When placing your order, be sure to select a delivery date that aligns with our current lead time.

What kinds of paper do you offer?

We offer two main types of paper thickness: cover and text. 

Cover paper is thicker and used for items like business cards, postcards, and covers that need extra durability.

Text paper is thinner and more flexible, ideal for documents, brochures, and materials that need to be easily folded or flipped through.  Paper weights refer to the thickness or rigidity of the paper—the lower the weight, the thinner and less rigid the paper.

How will I know if my order has been submitted?

Feedback FormAfter completing the order form, you will receive an email confirmation with your order ID number and order details. If you don’t receive the confirmation email, please use our Feedback Form to contact us.

What do paper weights mean?

Paper weight refers to the thickness and sturdiness of the paper. It’s typically measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (gsm).

  • Lower weight (e.g., 20lb/75gsm): Lighter and thinner paper, ideal for everyday printing like letters or internal documents.
  • Higher weight (e.g., 80lb/216gsm): Thicker, more rigid paper, often used for business cards, postcards, and covers that need to be durable.

The higher the weight, the thicker and more substantial the paper feels. For example, text weight papers are lighter and better for brochures or booklets, while cover weight papers are heavier and more suitable for items like business cards or postcards.

How do I pay for my FastPrint order?

Kuali Account Number

When you place your online order, you will provide the Kuali account number you would like to use for the charges. 

Sub-Account, Sub-Object Code, Project Codes

If you need to specify a sub-account, a sub-object code, or a project code, you will need to include that in the comments section prior to submitting the webform.

We do not accept internal orders via Kuali.  Please do not submit an IO document for any print order.

We do not accept personal payments such as credit cards (including PCards), cash, or personal checks. 

If you have questions about the billing process, please email [email protected]. Include the order number, if referencing a specific order. 

Are there any exceptions to the minimum order charge?

No. The $5 minimum applies to all FastPrint orders, regardless of department, size, or funding source. As an alternative, you may print these items using departmental printers and copiers as a more economical option.

How will the minimum order charge show up on invoices?

The invoice will automatically reflect a minimum order charge line item in an amount that brings the total invoice to $5.00.

How do I facilitate a digital version of my course materials?

Course Reserve is fully digital, no Shelf Reserve, for all classes offerred through CSU Libraries. This allows the library to support on campus and remote learning equitably, providing Course Reserve material access to all students.

Learn More About Course Reserve