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What is Digital Printing?
Digital printing means using an electronic file (on a disk or similar medium) to produce hard-copy originals of your document, rather than placing your original on the copier and making reproductions (the latter is called analog printing).
When should I use Digital Printing?
You should use digital printing whenever you’re concerned about output quality, or want the look of offset printing without the cost or time - especially when running mid to high volume jobs. Color or black & white documents with photos or grey backgrounds are also ideal candidates for digital printing.
What are my limitations as far as size in Color Output?
Alpha Reprographics offers a broad range of color output options for users of the latest Mac & Windows Operating Systems. In addition to standard letter size (8.5" x 11") and tabloid-size (11" x 17") color laser output, Alpha Reprographics offers photographic-like inkjet output up to 60" x 96"
Is there a fee for processing my files?
Once suitable files are received by Alpha Reprographics, they must be loaded into a computer and processed before they can be printed. Most files require only 10-15 minutes of processing time before they are ready to be printed. More complex files may take from 20 minutes to several hours to process. Because processing requires the exclusive use of a computer, it is necessary to charge a processing fee for all files that take more than 20 minutes to process.
What is your typical turnaround time?
Normal turnaround time for orders of color laser prints (less than 100) is less than four hours. Turnaround time for large format (larger than 11" x 17") photographic, inkjet orders is normally twenty-four (24) hours after receipt of suitable files by Alpha Reprographics, unless it is an unusually large order (more than five files or ten prints) or requires an unusually long time to process. Laminating and/or mounting services require an additional twenty-four (24) hours. Rush charges of 100% apply to jobs requiring faster than normal turnaround time.
What is a Native File?
Native files are all the files necessary for successfully creating the desired printed output. These files include the primary data file and all linked screen font, printer font, graphic, and image files. Native files require Alpha Reprographics to have the same or later version of the application software that created the primary data file. If Alpha Reprographics does not have the proper application program, an Acrobat (.pdf) file or an Encapsulated PostScript (.eps) file can be provided as an alternative, depending upon the type of output desired.
What are Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) Files?
When submitting files for large format output (larger than 11" x 17"), Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) files can be generated and delivered to Alpha Reprographics for sizing and printing. EPS files are similar to PostScript (.ps) print files except that they have the added advantage of being able to be sized and positioned on a page where PostScript (.ps) print files can not be sized or positioned. Importantly, EPS files may contain only one page per file.
What does an EPS File do?
Many graphics and illustration programs, as well as many image-editing programs, provide specific commands for saving a page as an EPS file. When created from direct commands, EPS files typically combine into a single file the primary data file and all linked graphic and image files, but not font files. When created in this manner, all printer font files used by the primary data file must be provided to Alpha Reprographics in addition to the EPS file for proper output.
How does using an EPS file benefit me?
EPS files can also be created using a Postscript printer driver, similar to the creation of an Acrobat (.pdf) files. When created in this manner, the user is typically given the option to include or exclude the fonts in the EPS file. Including the fonts simplifies the task of collecting all the proper files and guarantees that Alpha Reprographics will receive all the necessary data to successfully complete the color imaging job in a timely manner.
Can I send my files electronically?
Absolutely. If your file's size is 5 MB or less, you can e-mail it to us at one of the addresses on our Contact Us page. Let us know what kind of file it is (PostScript, Stuffit, Zipped, etc.), and what the native application of the file is (Photoshop, Illustrator, QuarkXPress, etc.).
You can also send any size file to us via FTP.
How do I FTP a file?
1. Archive Your Files
After your files have been created, they should be archived with Winzip, Stuffit, or an equivalent archive utility. Also, include in the archive a text document that contains job print specifics needed to complete the print job correctly. These include the following: Company name, contact name, phone number, pen settings, media type, sets/binding information, and any other information pertaining to the print job.
2. Log In to Alpha Reprographics' FTP Site
The address for the Alpha Reprographics FTP server is ftp.alpharepro.com. Navigate to the Public folder, and then to the appropriate city folder. You can use a web browser or FTP software to access the site. The login name should be anonymous, and the password must be a valid e-mail address.
3. Upload Your Archive
Navigate to the incoming directory and upload the prepared archive. This is called a "blind" upload; when file transfer is complete you will not see your uploaded file in the incoming folder.
4. Verify Your Transfer
Phone or e-mail your Alpha Reprographics service representative and inform them of the transfer.
They will confirm your print job specifications and ensure timely completion of your order.
