FAQs
The sizes below are the common formats used in print production in Australia. Using standard sizing allows for efficient utilization of paper, and matching to standard envelopes and packaging.
However, there are also good marketing arguments for using custom shapes and sizing – you’re much more likely to stand out from the crowd. Minuteman Press will advise you how your size choice will affect price and ease of production.
Most print jobs are printed multiple to a sheet, so it’s all about how many finished pieces can be cut from a sheet.
A0 841 x 1189
A1 594 x 841
A2 420 x 594
A3 420 x 297
A4 210 x 297
A5 148.5 x 210
A6 148.5 x 105
A7 74 x 105
DL 210 x 99
Envelopes
DL 220 x 110
C6 114 x 162
C5 162 x 229
C4 229 x 324
Australia uses metric paper measurement. Paper and card stocks are graded according to gsm (grams per square metre). A higher gsm means a heavier/thicker stock. Papers are generally 60-180gsm, card stocks range from 200gsm up.
- Standard Laser Bond (copy paper) – 80gsm
- Standard Gloss Brochure paper – 150gsm
- Standard Postcard/Business Card – 300gsm
Price increases as the weight goes up on any given stock.You can save money with informed paper choices. The type of paper can be important, and for some jobs, choosing a lighter weight might be a good option.
As most people know, if you print a larger quantity, you will usually pay less per piece. Which sounds like a great way to save money.
However studies show that around 30% of what’s printed goes to waste.So it’s important to make an accurate estimate of what you require. Be conservative in your estimates – think about the life of the document, and print only what you really need. The less you waste, the more you save. Aim to have no waste ( “doh!” )
Digital print now makes it possible to print exactly the quantity you require for a particular task or promotional period, and it allows economical printing of small additional runs. And it usually takes less time than traditional offset print.
For most jobs there will be a preferred print technology – the one that gives you the result and quantity you require at the most affordable price. Minuteman Press will always advise you which is the best option.
If you’re choosing an image for a printed piece (brochure, business card, postcard, calendar, booklet) and you’re not sure if it will be suitable, check these attributes:
- Is the image 300dpi or better? (If it isn’t, or you’re not sure, try enlarging it on screen to the size you want to print, and see if it looks crisp). Images which are too small or low resolution won’t give a good result. The print will be pixelated, blurred or jagged.
- Is it taken from the web? These are generally 72dpi, and not suitable for print.
- Can you supply it as a high resolution tiff or jpeg? These are the best formats.
- Is the image the right shape for your application, or would you be happy for it to be cropped to suit?
Bleed is any image, text or background which extends right to and beyond the cut edge of a printed page. If bleed is required, the piece must be printed on a larger sheet and trimmed to correct size, as neither digital or offset presses can print right to the edge of the sheet.
Making sure your file has correct bleed and safe copy area is also vital. This is probably the most common file supply error that printers see.Anything that touches a trim edge must be extended 3mm past the trim line.And it’s best to have at least 3mm safe copy area from the edge – keep all important image/text at least 3mm from the trim line.
There’s no standard answer to the question “how long will it take?” in printing. Every job is different. Lead times will be affected by the quantity, style of print, paper/card stock and finishing required – and if you’re supplying your own artwork, whether the file is ready to print when it arrives. Some jobs may be produced literally while you wait, while others may take several days or even weeks to complete.
- If you leave your run very late, there may still be options to get the job done. But remember – on some types of print work, too short a lead time may mean it needs to be produced by a less economical process.
- If your job needs special embellishment (embossing, foiling, lamination, die cutting, book binding) that will take extra time as well.
- And if the job needs to be delivered to a location which isn’t close to the print facility, you’ll need to allow for that too.
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