Digital Tips
What are my limitations as far as size in Color Output?
Thomas Reprographics offers a broad range of color output options for users of the latest Mac & Windows Operating Systems. In addition to standard letter size (8½"x11") and tabloid-size (11"x17") color laser output, Thomas Reprographics offers photographic, C-prints, and R-prints up to 48"x96" & 50'x150'. We also offer photographic-like inkjet output up to 35"x96" and high resolution electrostatic output up to 42"x120" directly from computer files. The Durst Lambda enables us to offer digital photographic output up to 50"x150'.
Is there a fee for processing my files?
Once suitable files are received by Thomas 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 30 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"x17") photographic, inkjet, or electrostatic orders is normally twenty-four hours after receipt of suitable files by Thomas 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 hours. Rush charges of 100% apply to jobs requiring faster than normal turnaround time. Additional overtime charges apply to rush jobs requiring work outside of normal working hours.
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 Thomas Reprographics to have the same or later version of the application software that created the primary data file. If Thomas Reprographics does not have the proper application program, a PostScript (.ps) print file or an Encapsulated PostScript (.eps) file can be provided as an alternative, depending upon the type of output desired.
What are PostScript (.ps) Print Files?
PostScript (.ps) print files are computer files that contain all the data required to print directly to a PostScript printer. They have the advantage of automatically combining all the font, graphic, and image files linked to the primary data file into a single print file. This guarantees that Thomas Reprographics receives all the necessary support data to successfully create the desired output.
When is it best to use PostScript files?
PostScript (.ps) print files are most appropriate for small format color laser printing and Docutech black and white printing at Thomas Reprographics, because most users have access to Postscript printer drivers that can print to 8 ½"x11" and 11"x17" paper sizes. PostScript (.ps) print files may contain multiple pages per file. For small format output, PostScript (.ps) print files are the easiest, fastest, and most reliable type of file to provide.
What are Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) Files?
When submitting files for large format output (larger than 11"x17"), Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) files can be generated and delivered to Thomas 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 Thomas 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 PostScript (.ps) print 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 Thomas 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 Locations & Contact Info 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.
What is FTP?
FTP stands for file transfer protocol. FTP is the method by which computers can send files to one another over the Internet. Any time you download a file from the internet, you are using FTP. When downloading a file from the Internet you're actually transferring the file to your computer from another computer over the Internet. This is why the T (transfer) is in FTP. You may not know where the computer is that the file is coming from but you most likely know its URL (Universal Resource Locator) or Internet address.
An FTP address looks a lot like an HTTP (web site) address, except it uses the prefix ftp:// instead of http://.
Our web site address: http://www.thomasrepro.com
Our FTP site address: ftp://ftp.thomasrepro.com
You can click the link above to be taken directly to our ftp site. You can download items from our ftp site as easily as clicking on the file you need. Unfortunately, you may not be able to upload files since not every browser supports uploading of FTP files. The best way to upload to our FTP site is by using an FTP client.
What is an FTP Client?
An FTP Client is software that is designed to transfer files back and forth between two computers over the Internet. It needs to be installed on your computer and can only be used with a live connection to the Internet. No matter what operating system you are using, there is an FTP client for your needs. Below are some links for FTP clients. They are not necessarily free.
Windows
Macintosh
Transferring files with an FTP client
After downloading and installing your FTP client, you are ready to start transfering files. Begin by entering the address for the Thomas Reprographics FTP site:
ftp://ftp.thomasrepro.com
You will need to log on anonymously unless you have been given a password by a representative of Thomas Reprographics. After connecting anonymously to our site, you will be presented with two folders. The incoming folder is for uploading of files only. Do not try to upload folders into this directory. You will get an "Access Denied" message. Instead, zip or stuff any files you intend to upload. The second folder, pub, is for downloads only. it is important to note that you will not be allowed to download or even see files in the incoming directory nor will you be able to upload to the pub directory.
If you require a private folder on our FTP site, please email your requested username and password to ftp@thomasrepro.com.
Transferring files with a web browser
If you are unable to use an FTP client, it is possible to transfer files via FTP with some web browsers.
Windows
Using Internet Explorer, type ftp://ftp.thomasrepro.com into the address field to log in anonymously. If you have an username and password, the syntax is:
ftp://username:password@ftp.thomasrepro.com
The contents of the remote server will appear in your browser window. Download files by dragging them from the FTP window to a folder on your computer's hard drive. Upload files by dragging them from your computer's hard drive to the incoming folder (or your private folder) in the FTP window.
Mac OS X
Using any web browser, type ftp://ftp.thomasrepro.com into the address field to log in anonymously. If you have an username and password, the syntax is:
ftp://username:password@ftp.thomasrepro.com
The remote server will appear as a mounted volume on your desktop (if you have your computer set to display volumes on your desktop) or in a Finder window at the root level. Download files by dragging them from the remote volume to your hard drive. Upload files by dragging them from your hard drive to the incoming folder (or your private folder) on the remote volume.