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FAQ

Print Center Frequently Asked Questions

If you are unable to find the topic you are searching for, contact the PC staff at printctr@dickinson.edu or by calling 717-245-1427.

Where is the Print Center? 
The Print Center is located at 5 North Orange Street in the Dickinson Facilities Management warehouse, which also houses the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and Project S.H.A.R.E. 

Print center map 1 700x467

 

What type of payment does the Print Center accept? 
The Print Center accepts cash, check and credit card payments. You are welcome to prepay for easy contactless pickup in our vestibule. All orders that have been prepaid will be placed in the vestibule for pick up (M-F from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). If order is not prepaid, you will be required to enter the Print Center and pay at the front counter. Note office is open to the public Mondays by appointment only and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Do I have to pay ahead? 
No, prepayment is not required; however, you are welcome to prepay for easy contactless pickup in our vestibule. Payment is required at the time of pickup.

How will I know when my order is ready?
When your order is complete, you will be contacted by email with a copy of the invoice or statement for your project.

“It is a pleasure to work with the staff at Dickinson Print Center. Every project is prepared with care and consideration to my requests. Even the details are 'Just Right' in the finished projects. The team at Dickinson Print Center is courteous, patient, efficient and prompt at responding throughout the project process; and the end result is always reflective of their great efforts to "Wow" with the end result. Even when the printing project is complete Dickinson makes every effort to get my materials to me quickly and on schedule. Thank you to everyone at Dickinson Print Center. Great job!” —Melanie Varner, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church 

 

What if my file is too large to email to the Print Center (printctr@dickinson.edu)? 
Forget about email! Use our online print request form. Are you interested in mailing only? Use our online mailing request form. If you are still having a problem submitting your file(s), you can use a file hosting service like Dropbox or WeTransfer to share files. If you are a Dickinson employee, you can also submit large files via SharePoint (for assistance with SharePoint, please contact the helpdesk@dickinson.edu).

What file types does the Print Center accept?
PDF PREFERRED. The following file types are also accepted:

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator and InDesign (.ai, .indd)
  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher)
  • Images (.jpeg, .tiff, .psd)–submit your photos and images at no less than 300 dpi.
  • Other: Post Script (.ps), Rich Text File (.rtf), Text File (.txt)
  • For graphic design services, submit your text in a digital format (Microsoft Word preferred).

What print sizes does the Print Center provide?
The Print Center is able to print any standard or custom page size up to 14 x 26 inches. Large format options are available up to 44 x 90 inches. Printed materials may range in size from business cards, tickets, postcards, rackcards, folded cards, brochures and booklets to wall-sized posters. Need ideas? View the page size chart.

What happens if I send an unsupported file type or page size?
The Print Center will contact you about how to process your order and may request your file be resent in a different format.  

Do I have other options for uploading unsupported file types?
Before sending your files, you may convert your files to PDF.

Can I upload multiple files?
The Print Center will accept multiple files for one order, but requests that you accurately label each file to expedite your order.  

Can I set up different print options for each file I send?
Multiple jobs within one order can have different printing and binding options; however, it is requested you send a separate request form for each item. 

What if I don’t see the feature I desire?
When completing your print request form you may add additional information within the Special Instructions section. You can also call the Print Center to inquire about what options are available for your order.

What turnaround time can I expect for my order?
Most print orders can generally be completed in 5-7 business days depending upon project parameters and the volume of work at the time order is placed. Please specify the due date requested and we will make every effort to meet your deadline.
Note: Dickinson College customers receive first priority; August and early September orders usually incur longer turnaround times.

“Dickinson Print Center has provided our organization with friendly service and competitive prices for several years. You can always reach a helpful employee and jobs are completed in a timely and very affordable manner. I would highly recommend their outstanding service and quality print work to any business or individual looking for a great print center. Our organization is grateful for the work they have and continue to do for us. Thanks, Dickinson Print Center!” —Thomas Kohitiak, Office Manager, YWCA Carlisle 

What is a bleed? 
A bleed is the printing term for ‘to the edge’ printing.  Most printers and copiers cannot print to the edge of the paper, so the white border is trimmed after printing to achieve the bleed.  When sending a job that you want to include a bleed, make sure that the text at least a half inch from the edge to avoid having it cut off during trimming. 

How do I know my order will print correctly? 
You may request a digital or printed proof from the Print Center when you submit your order. Note: digital proofs apply to designs setup by the Print Center. 

How do I know how much my order will cost? 
When you submit your order and files to the Print Center you may request a quote before proceeding. Please note all specifications are required to calculate an accurate quote. 

Can I use the Print Center for my tax-exempt order? 
Yes, to process a tax-exempt order, you must indicate your tax-exempt status on your order form. Proof of tax-exempt status may be requested. 

How long will the Print Center save my orders? 
If you provide a print-ready file the Print Center will not save your order for more than two weeks. You will need to resubmit the order. If the file is designed by the Print Center, the file will be retained indefinitely.

Is there a minimum job fee?
Yes, our minimum job cost is $8.00.

What is your proof approval procedure and what if my print has errors but it matches the approved proof?
The Print Center considers the approval of provided proofs authorization to print a project as shown. We cannot be held responsible for errors after proof is reviewed and approved.

I need my order ASAP, are there any rush charges?
Print Center requests are handled in the order they are received. General order times are 5-7 business days (per the order specs and services). Orders that require a delivery date sooner than our standard turnaround time (per the order specs and services) may be subject to a rush fee. Next day rush fee is 20% total cost of order; same day rush fee is 30%. If your job requirements indicate that your job will incur a rush fee you will be alerted before work is begun so that you can choose an alternative delivery date (instead of incurring rush charges). Delays in approving printer or mailing proofs will add to your turnaround time.

What are the rates for custom design work?
Graphic design rates are based on client type: Type 1. Dickinson College client charging order to banner account number, or Type 2. personal client paying with cash, check or credit card.

  • Dickinson College client: first hour of design time is no-charge. Any accrued time after the first hour is subject to a $15/hour rate for Print Center-printed projects. Any designs created solely for the purpose of digital distribution or to be printed elsewhere are subject to a fee of $25/hour. Charges apply to cancelled projects if design work has already begun.
  • Personal client: Design rate is $50/hour for Print Center-printed projects. The design rate for items not printed at the Print Center is $75/hour. This includes designs that are created solely for the purpose of digital distribution (including logos and social media imagery), projects that will be printed elsewhere with the request for provision of a digital file, and projects cancelled after design work has already begun.
  • All design fees are billed in 15-minute increments.

What helpful hints should I know for my graphic design request?
You can complete our online print request form to initiate your design project and upload any supplementary content for your project. Then a designer will contact you with a digital proof to review before production.

  • Submit your photos and images at no less than 300 dpi.
  • Submit your text in a digital format (Microsoft Word preferred).
  • Ordering wedding invitations? Check out our Wedding Guidelines.
  • Ordering a high school year? Read this first: Yearbook Guidelines (Note: Dickinson graduate Microcosm yearbooks are NOT designed or produced at the Print Center and inquiries should be directed to Campus Life.)

What advice do you have for creating my own design?

  • Review this brief discussion of Design Basics for some helpful tips.
  • Review these directions for creating designs using Canva.
  • If you decide to leave the design to us instead, complete our online print request form to initiate your design project.

What is the Print Center's policy on copyrighted materials? 
The Print Center does not print copyrighted files unless you provide a release form from the copyright holder. Faculty members requesting reproduction of copyrighted materials by the Print Center must complete a form which states: All necessary copyright permissions have been obtained and any related fees paid, or that the reproduction of this copyrighted material is within the fair use doctrines and/or satisfies all the requirements of the copyright law of the United States. They must assume full responsibility for the reproduction of this material by the Dickinson College Print Center and indemnify it and its personnel from any claim, liability, expenses, damages, or costs that may be incurred in connection with a charge of copyright infringement arising from the reproduction of the copyrighted materials.Download Copyright Form.