Print Archives - Applied Image Group

Restaurants – Print The Perfect Menu

Menus are very important for restaurants; in a way they are THE sales card.

Think of it this way – Menus are the only printed advertisement that EVERY SINGLE customer comes across. That’s why a menu should be informative, attractive, and at the same time it should represent the real atmosphere of the restaurant.

Recent studies revealed that the average time spend by customers in reading menu is just 190 seconds. So, a good menu should be comprehensive and present everything in nutshell.

Check out these 8 Essential Restaurant Menu Design Tips!

While designing and printing menus, here are a few pointers:

Texts should be on a plain background to enhance readability.
Items should be divided into categories and subcategories for easy navigation.
Font size should be large enough for easy reading by senior citizens.
Costly items and cheap items should be mixed into the menu
Always keep the poorly sold items next to the fast-moving ones.
Add clear images to depict each item clearly.

At Applied Image Group, we serve a number of well-known Restaurant chains and we have experience designing, printing, folding, preparing and shipping Menu items. This is one product you never want to run out of, because then what will your customers order from?

If you need insight/advice on how to create & print the PERFECT MENU. Give us a call!

Know a Restaurant who could use this insight? Tag/share this post below!

Business, Print, Restaurant
Business

Frequently Asked Printing Questions

At Applied Image Group, we love helping our customers find the exact paper, coating, imprint and specs for their project. We’ve run into a few common questions that we wanted to address for those out there that need a little more detail on print options.

Here are some questions you should always ask your printer.

1. What is the best file format for submitting a document for printing?

The Portable Document Format (PDF) is generally the preferred file format for submitting a document for printing as it works with virtually all professional printing and digital output devices. By design, a PDF file incorporates the information needed to maintain document consistency from system to system. Most other file formats such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Microsoft Word are easily converted to PDF format.

2. What is a proof and why is it needed?

A proof is a one-off copy of your printed document used for visual inspection to ensure that the layout and colors of your document are exactly how they are intended to be. A proof is made prior to sending the document to the press for final printing.

Typically, we will produce a proof that will be sent to you online in PDF format or on printed paper, which can be either viewed in our store or delivered to you in person. For multiple-color jobs, we can produce a proof on our output device to show you how the different colors will appear on the final product.

Your approval on the final proof is the best assurance you have that every aspect of our work and your own is correct, and that everything reads and appears the way you intended. Mistakes can and sometimes do happen. It benefits everyone if errors are caught in the proofing process rather than after the job is completed and delivered.

3. What are the different grades of paper and their respective basis weight?

The basis weight of a given grade of paper is defined as the weight (in pounds) of 500 standard-sized sheets of that paper. With that in mind, here are different examples of paper grades and their respective basis weights:

Bond: Most commonly used for letterhead, business forms and copying. Typical basis weights are16# for forms, 20# for copying and 24# for stationery.

Text: A high-quality grade paper with a lot of surface texture. Basis weights range from 60# to 100# with the most common being 70# or 80#.

Uncoated Book: The most common grade for offset printing. Typically, 50# to 70#.

Coated Book: Has a glossy finish that yields vivid colors and overall excellent reproduction. Basis weights range from 30# to 70# for web press, and 60# to 110# for sheet press.

Cover: Used in creating business cards, postcards and book covers. Can be either coated or uncoated. Basis weights for this grade are 60#, 65#, 80# or 100#.

4. What are the most common sizes for catalogs and booklets?

Standard sizes for catalogs and booklets are 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, 8 1/2″ x 11″, 8 1/2″ x 11 and 11″ x 17″.

5. What are the most common sizes for brochures?

Common brochure sizes are 8 1/2″ x 11″, 8 1/2″ x14″ and 11″ x17″.

6. What are the most common business envelope sizes?

Business envelope sizes are referenced by a number such as #9 or #10. The chart below indicates the most common sizes in use today:

Size	Width x Length
#6 1/4	3 1/2″ x 6″
#6 3/4	3 5/8″ x 6 1/2″
#7	3 3/4″ x 6 3/4″
#7 3/4	3 7/8″ x 7 1/2″
#8 5/8	3 5/8″ x 8 5/8″
#9	3 7/8″ x 8 7/8″
#10	4 1/8″ x 9 1/2″
#11	4 1/2″ x 10 3/8″
#12	4 3/4″ x 11″
#14	5″ x 11 1/2″

At Applied Image Group, we strive to provide the best possible service to our clients. We are always here to provide options, walk you through the file prep process, and get you the exact product you need. project!

Print
Print

How to Prepare Your Print Files

Sometimes a print project can seem overwhelming because printing requires specific standards to optimize artwork so the computers that run the presses can produce it correctly.

Preparing print-ready files will save you a ton of time and will help you avoid costly reprinting because you did not set your files up correctly. Here is a great outline of the basics for preparing your print file correctly.

At Applied Image Group we do the heavy lifting! We handle graphic design, layout, typesetting, image scanning, image editing and more. Our designers can do the entire job or work with your creative team to enhance their ideas and layouts for print production.

That being said, while we are always here to help, we also want to share valuable information on some of the common standards for preparing print files.

Bleed

Bleed is the part of a document that gives a printer some wiggle room to account for the small moment of the paper while printing. When submitting your artwork to your printer, be sure that your bleed settings are calibrated correctly and your images and backgrounds spill over each side of your document by 0.125” or 1/8”.

Image Resolution

An image that looks good on your computer monitor may not translate to the printed page unless it is the correct resolution. Images created for a computer screen are often a lower Dot Per Inch (DPI) than images intended for print. The more dots per inch, the sharper the image will be. All images that are to be printed should have a DPI of a minimum of 200 – 300 DPI.

Considering Color when preparing for printing

The colors of your artwork can look different on the printed page unless you know the colors you expect and how you want your final product look. This is critical to maintaining the integrity of your brand. Understand the basics of color printing will help you communicate with your printer to achieve your desired results.

CMYK Color Model

The CMYK color model also referred to as Process Color or Four Color. CMYK refers to the four inks used in most color printing which are cyan, magenta, yellow and key — representing black.

The CMYK model has become the universal standard for graphic arts and commercial printing. At Applied Image Group, we will work with you to build your colors correctly so your products will be produced exactly as you expect.

Saving as PDF

When working with commercial printers, it is ideal to send a PDF. A PDF includes all fonts images, colors, logos, and other file data. A PDF file optimizes the print file to be the perfect balance of compatibility, file size, editability, quality and portability.

At Applied Image Group we have designers and experts that can convert your file into a print-ready masterpiece, and we can handle any size/type of project! But hopefully this information proved helpful. Reach out to us for your next print project, we promise you’ll be impressed!

Print
Print

The Ever-Effective Print Marketing Technique

They say print is going out of style… but “they” must not be attending the tradeshows with banners and flyers everywhere or opening their mailbox to see the insane amount of direct mail that gets delivered.

The truth is print is as alive as it ever was! Printed marketing materials remain among the most effective method out there. Did you know Direct Mail boasts response rates of 10 to 30 times that of comparable digital content such as email blasts?

This article explains how truly effective Direct Mail marketing is!

Which types of printed marketing materials are most effective when it comes to lead generation and conversions? Let’s take a look at our top 5 favorite pieces:

Brochures

Brochures have been around for ages, and they have serious staying power. Your sales team will thank you for printing them as they give people something to hold onto thereby keeping your products and services top of mind.

2. Infographics

While sharing infographics online is all the rage right now, don’t stop there. When printed out, infographics can prove attractive and highly engaging. Use them as posters or pass them out to prospects after sales pitches.

Business Cards

While some forms of printed materials have declined in use in recent years, business cards remain strong contenders. They’re great for networking and exchanging information, and you’ve got more design options now than ever before.

Instructions

Printed instructions still prove much easier for people to utilize. You don’t have to worry about scrolling on electronic devices or having to constantly unlock your screen. Plus, you keep your hands free for the task at hand.

One-Sheets

Unlike a brochure, which includes an overview of what your company does, a one-sheeter focuses on one service or product that you offer. A one-sheet still proves to be a useful tool for your sales team.

When it comes to printed marketing materials, it’s time to give them a second chance. Check out these crazy stats about how truly effective print marketing is!

Applied Image Group is ready to handle all types of projects and virtually any type of media. Ready-to-print projects can go directly to plate, reducing turnaround time and cutting pre-production costs.

Reach out today to learn how we can help you with your next print project!

Print
Print

Make a Great First Impression with Print

Let Applied Image Group help you make a jaw-dropping, first impression!

We love helping our customers create stunning pieces to promote their business. What sets us apart? We provide custom printing and fulfillment services to meet your every need!

Custom printing elevates your business above the competition. It delivers unique, distinctive marketing that catches the eye of potential customers. How? Often in a simple change in paper, ink, finishes or even folds that capture attention in ways ordinary printed pieces cannot.

Creative finishing techniques like embossing can make your company name pop on marketing materials while rounded corners and customer folds show your attention to detail, a quality that customers look for in companies with whom they choose to do business.

print magazine

Presentation materials can also leave a long-lasting, positive impression after a company meeting. Plus, die cutting can set you apart creating uniquely shaped postcards, handouts, and business cards tied directly to your business and industry.

Here’s an interesting article from Forbes on how you can make great impressions for your business.

Applied Image Group offers a wide array of options including but not limited to:

Custom Paper
Recycled Paper
Pantone Inks
Metallic Inks
Die Cutting
Automatic Folding and Bundling
Round Corners
Ink Jetting
Foil Stamping, and more!

Your custom printed products will be money well spent, catching the eye of your prospective customers and differentiating you from your competitors. Then the conversation is started, and you are one step closer to making the sale and gaining a new client.

Learn how we can help you make an amazing first impression with a custom print job!

Print
Print

Tips for Sharing Essential Business Messaging During Unprecedented Times

As we move through this uncertain time, please know that Applied Image Group is open and here to help!

There’s one challenge that many business owners seem to be facing right now: How do you share essential messaging to customers and potential clients during this time?

There are a few different ways to do this – with Print!

Communicate your hours, take-out/delivery options and other important updates with print flyers and direct mail.
Promote the efforts your business and employees are taking to remain safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Advertise to drive-by customers with window graphics and business front signage.

Even in times of difficulty, communication is always necessary to be successful. Your brand message may change, but your need to communicate it does not.

Here’s some great information about how to communicate effectively with clients amidst COVID-19.

Whatever you need printed or designed, our team is ready to assist you. No job is too big, too small or too complex!

Have a question about a project or need some assistance managing a new campaign? Contact us today, we are ready to help.

Know another business who may need printing services? Tag them below or share this post. Let’s support each other during these unprecedented times.

COVID-19, Marketing, Print
Print