FAQs - How can we help you?
Pre Press FAQs
DPI is the amount of ink dots per inch; 300 dots per inch is the required standard for printed material. Anything below this may not be a good enough resolution for printing.
All images should be 300 dpi.
All you need do is submit your file and we’ll get back to you within a day or two to let you know if your file is ready to print.
Ideally, we would like your files in a PDF format.
There are many different ways for you to supply files to us. We recommend using your online account to upload files directly to us.
If you’d prefer to stick to what you know, then we can also accept files via e-mail or WeTransfer.
WeTransfer is free and is pretty much the same as e-mailing, except that you can send larger files.
You should receive your proof either next day or the following day from when you supplied your file/s to us.
This happens quite regularly. Clients and customers may find a spelling mistake or a correction that needs to be made.
It’s not a problem. Supply a new file to us and we will send you either a new printed proof or an electronic proof as soon as possible.
Please note: your quote includes one printed proof. If your amendments are many, we will let you know first and if you want us to continue, we will need to charge you for additional pre-press time and the extra proof(s).
Ink/Artwork FAQs
Bleed is ink that prints beyond the trim edge of the map or chart to ensure it extends to the edge of the map or chart after trimming.
As there is a degree of movement when printing on any press, you should always create 3mm bleed on all edges where bleed is needed.
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. These are the standard four colours that are used in printing.
RGB stands for Red, Green and Blue – the colours of light a computer screen mixes together to make colours on your screen.
Files that are supplied as RGB need to be converted to CMYK before printing.
That’s why we are here. If you are in any doubt or have any questions please contact us and we will be delighted to help you.
Paper and material FAQs
We use FSC-certified paper. FSC do incredible work in protecting forests around the world. All of their paper is sourced responsibly, and they work closely with the WWF to protect animals.
Here are 3 paper options that we recommend and that we carry in stock:
- Progeo 90gsm FSC – Special features – Fantastic folding strength and very good opacity for a 90gsm paper. High-quality paper used in the production of detailed geographical maps, nautical and aviation charts. Also suitable for military and other cartographic requirements.
- Opera Matt 100gsm,115gsm and 150gsm FSC – Special features – This paper is a wood-free coated paper. High bulk and smooth yet bulky. The smooth, low-reflecting surface provides both perfect readability and quality image reproduction, with high gloss contrast. The heavier weight of 150gsm is ideal to use for printing posters.
- Eucalyptus 70gsm FSC – Special features – Uncoated offset made from eucalyptus pulp. Good whiteness, opacity, bulk and rigidity, and prints very well.
Yes, we recommend two options for this:
- EnDuro Effect W1 100gsm – Special features – Tear-resistant & water-resistant.It is comprised of a paper/film/paper laminate that combines the advantages of paper (good printing properties) with the advantages of film (tear-resistance, dimensional stability). The films used are polypropylene and polyester.
- Polyart 90gsm – Special features – A high-density polyethylene film with a matte clay coating on both sides. It is very durable, almost completely tear-proof, resistant to most oils and chemicals, and very water-resistant. Polyart can be printed by the conventional litho process.
Quote FAQs
Yes, the quote that you receive back from us will include the delivery of the proof and usually to one bulk UK mainland address.
Please note that depending on where you are, it can take longer than just the 1 working day.
If a second or multiple deliveries are required, then please request this in your quote request.
If you’re unsure about whether your delivery address is included in your price, or if you want an estimate of how many days it will take for your order to reach you (after it is dispatched), then drop us an email or give us a call.
Truth be told, it just isn’t that simple. Your map, chart or poster will vary in price depending on size, type of paper and printed sides and colours. If you want an accurate price, the best way is to request a quotation.
This is a list of essentials that would help us to accurately produce a quotation for you:
- Who you are and your contact details
- Project or map / chart / poster title
- Quantities
- Flat open trim size
- Folded size
- Is it printed one or both sides?
- Is it printed in 4 colours and are there any pantones?
- Your preferred paper type and grammage
- Does it require a separate attached cover?
- Any special packing requirements
- Where it is to be delivered
Maps and charts are exempt from VAT, but please note that posters are not exempt.
Printing Process and Delivery FAQs
Quality takes time. Here are our estimated turnaround times:
Single and double-sided posters – around 2 weeks, but do let us know if you have any special timeframe to work to.
Single- and double-sided maps (without covers) – 2-3 weeks.
Single- and double-sided maps (with attached covers) – 3 weeks.
Yes, the quote that you receive back from us will include the delivery of the proof and usually to one bulk UK mainland address.
Please note that depending on where you are, it can take longer than just the 1 working day.
If a second or multiple deliveries are required, then please request this in your quote request.
If you’re unsure about whether your delivery address is included in your price, or if you want an estimate of how many days it will take for your order to reach you (after it is dispatched), then drop us an email or give us a call.
Yes, and there is an extra charge for international delivery. Send us the full address and we’ll be able to give you a price. We would also really need to know the terms of delivery eg. DDU (Delivery Duty Unpaid).
Maps and Covers FAQs
We are able to offer a wide range of folded maps with card covers attached. Our large format printing press allows for plenty of choice when it comes to choosing the size of your map, as well as many different options of papers to use too.
Our wide range of folded maps with integral covers offers a cost-effective solution for map printing. The cover is incorporated into the design of the map sheet to provide a finished map from one large sheet of paper.
Please do contact us to discuss the different design options and how your concept can become reality.
Our ability to offer both laminated or encapsulated maps provides further options when it comes to deciding upon the best finish for your product. Our large format printing press allows large maps to be printed and then laminated for use as wall maps.
Our specialised encapsulation process for folded maps provides fantastic durability and creates a tough encapsulated map that is able to withstand the harshest of weather conditions.
‘Custom Made’ is a fantastic gift product for all map users. The map can be centred upon the location of your choice, with some personalisation of the text included in the map legend and you can even add a picture of your own to the front cover.
We also offer a framing service that allows you to have your Custom Made map professionally framed and delivered ready for you to display at home or in the office. Please do follow the link to order your own Custom Made map.
Map sizes FAQs
You have many size options to choose from. We can print one or both sides and you have options to also have a cover attached. Here are a few size options to consider:
PLEASE NOTE that we have two cover size formats – Landranger & Explorer sizes. So if you require a cover to be attached, they will need to be the 238mm or 222.5mm fold sizes.
A cover with tabs can be attached and added to all the formats with **
Ordnance Survey EXPLORER Format **
Open flat trimmed size – 952mm x 1270mm
Finished folded size – 127mm x 238mm
Folded configuration – 1 horizontal fold along the long edge – 9 vertical concertina folds along the long edge making 10 panels of 127mm – then in half giving the final size
Ordnance Survey LANDRANGER Format **
Open flat trimmed size – 890mm x 1000mm
Finished folded size – 125mm x 222.5mm
Folded configuration – 1 horizontal fold along the long edge – 7 vertical concertina folds along the long edge making 8 panels of 125mm – then in half giving the final size
Ordnance Survey WELSH LANDRANGER Format **
Open flat trimmed size – 890mm x 1125mm
Finished folded size – 125mm x 222.5mm
Folded configuration – 1 horizontal fold along the long edge – 8 vertical concertina folds along the long edge making 9 panels of 125mm – then in half giving the final size
ALTERNATIVE OPTION ONE (EXPLORER PANEL SIZES) **
Open flat trimmed size – 952mm x 1143mm
Finished folded size – 127mm x 238mm
Folded configuration – 1 horizontal fold along the long edge – 8 vertical concertina folds along the long edge making 9 panels of 127mm – then in half giving the final size
ALTERNATIVE OPTION TWO (EXPLORER PANEL SIZES) **
Open flat trimmed size – 952mm x 1016mm
Finished folded size – 127mm x 238mm
Folded configuration – 1 horizontal fold along the long edge – 7 vertical concertina folds along the long edge making 8 panels of 127mm – then in half giving the final size
ALTERNATIVE OPTION THREE (LANDRANGER PANEL SIZES) **
Open flat trimmed size – 890mm x 625mm
Finished folded size – 125mm x 222.5mm
Folded configuration – 1 horizontal fold along the long edge – 4 vertical concertina folds along the long edge making 5 panels of 125mm – then in half giving the final size
ALTERNATIVE OPTION FOUR (LANDRANGER PANEL SIZES) **
Open flat trimmed size – 890mm x 750mm
Finished folded size – 125mm x 222.5mm
Folded configuration – 1 horizontal fold along the long edge – 5 vertical concertina folds along the long edge making 6 panels of 125mm – then in half giving the final size
ALTERNATIVE OPTION – OSi Landscape
Open flat trimmed size – 990mm x 760mm
Finished folded size – 190mm x 110mm
Folded configuration – 1 horizontal fold along the long edge – 8 vertical concertina folds along the long edge making 9 panels of 110mm – then in half giving the final size
ALTERNATIVE OPTION – FPM L
Open flat trimmed size – 1188mm x 630mm
Finished folded size – 210mm x 148mm
Folded configuration – 2 horizontal folds along the long edge – 7 vertical concertina folds along the long edge making 8 panels of 148mm
ALTERNATIVE OPTION – FPM B
Open flat trimmed size – 792mm x 630mm
Finished folded size – 99mm x 210mm
Folded configuration – 2 horizontal folds along the long edge – 7 vertical concertina folds along the long edge making 8 panels of 99mm
ALTERNATIVE OPTION – FPM D
Open flat trimmed size – 891mm x 630mm
Finished folded size – 148mm x 210mm
Folded configuration – 2 horizontal folds along the long edge – 5 vertical concertina folds along the long edge making 6 panels of 148mm
ALTERNATIVE OPTION – FPM N
Open flat trimmed size – 792mm x 840mm
Finished folded size – 99mm x 210mm
Folded configuration – 1 horizontal fold along the long edge – 7 vertical concertina folds along the long edge making 8 panels of 99mm – then in half giving the final size
ALTERNATIVE OPTION – FPM RC
Open flat trimmed size – 1040mm x 630mm
Finished folded size – 148mm x 210mm
Folded configuration – 2 horizontal folds along the long edge – 6 vertical concertina folds along the long edge making 7 panels of 148mm
ALTERNATIVE OPTION – IM TDF
Open flat trimmed size – 900mm x 900mm
Finished folded size – 100mm x 225mm
Folded configuration – 1 horizontal fold along the long edge – 9 vertical concertina folds along the long edge making 10 panels of 100mm – then in half giving the final size
ALTERNATIVE OPTION – HM B
Open flat trimmed size – 945mm x 880mm
Finished folded size – 135mm x 220mm
Folded configuration – 1 horizontal fold along the long edge – 6 vertical concertina folds along the long edge making 7 panels of 135mm – then in half giving the final size
ALTERNATIVE OPTION – HM OC
Open flat trimmed size – 840mm x 440mm
Finished folded size – 135mm x 220mm
Folded configuration – 1 horizontal fold along the long edge – 5 vertical concertina folds along the long edge making 6 panels of 140mm – no second fold along the long edge.
ALTERNATIVE OPTION – S LTB
Open flat trimmed size – 500mm x 470mm
Finished folded size – 125mm x 235mm
Folded configuration – 1 horizontal fold along the long edge – 3 vertical concertina folds along the long edge making 4 panels of 125mm – no second fold along the long edge.
Posters FAQs
We can print to a maximum size of 1100mm x 1600mm. Minimum size is 640mm x 1020mm.
Our large format printing and folding capability enables us to print a large format size poster that can then be trimmed to size and left flat; or a large format size poster that can be folded down to a convenient size.
For example, an AO size of 841mm x1189mm can be folded down to an A4 size of 297mm x 210mm for inclusion in packs with other materials.
Certification and Accreditation FAQs
Yes, we have the FSC certification. It guarantees our customers that the FSC-labelled product they buy has come from a forest and supply chain that is managed responsibly.
To achieve FSC certification, we must adhere to ten rules that cover the essentials of responsible forest management.
Yes, we have 5 certified accreditations ISO 9001 – ISO 45001 – ISO 14001 – ISO 27001 and FSC Certified.
ISO 9001 is defined as the international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS).
Organisations use the standard to demonstrate the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.
ISO 45001 is defined as the international standard that details the requirements for a health & safety management system. Compliance with it enables organisations to demonstrate that they have a system for health and safety within the workplace.
ISO 14001 is the international standard that specifies requirements for an effective environmental management system (EMS).
It provides a framework that an organisation can follow, rather than establishing environmental performance requirements.
ISO 27001 specifies a management system that is intended to bring information security under management control and gives specific requirements. Organisations that meet the requirements may be certified by an accredited certification body following successful completion of an audit.