Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Commercial printing paper is generally divided into two broad categories: Coated and Uncoated (also called offset stock). Each category is further subdivided by weight into Text and Cover stock. Text stock is a lighter-weight paper commonly used for the inside pages or body of books and catalogs. It is typically more affordable.

Cover stock is heavier and more durable, used for the outside covers of books or catalogs. Heavier paper weight results in a thicker, more upscale look and feel.

Coated papers include Gloss, Matte, Dull, and Silk finishes:

Gloss stock features a shiny, highly reflective surface that enhances the vibrancy of full-color photographs, images, and graphics. It’s commonly used in brochures—80# gloss text is standard, but 70# and 100# gloss text can also be suitable depending on the project. For a premium finish, 80# gloss cover stock is a popular choice.

Matte, Dull, and Silk stocks offer a flat or non-reflective finish, making them ideal for text-heavy materials where readability is key. For example, 80# matte text is well suited for catalogs or brochures rich in statistics, technical data, or charts. Your choice should align with the intended use and design goal of the piece.

Uncoated paper—often called offset stock—is widely used in everyday printing, including books, desktop printer paper, and copiers. Offset text stock typically comes in 50#, 60#, and 70# weights, with weight referring to the weight of 500 sheets of 25″ x 38″ paper. These are the common choices for book body pages, usually printed in black ink on white stock.

Bond paper was originally used for printing official documents like bond certificates, but it is now mostly used for letterhead and envelopes. Referred to as fine paper, it comes in weights like 20#, 24#, and 28# (weight measured based on 500 sheets of 17″ x 22″ paper).

Bond and offset weights are often interchangeable when referring to uncoated papers. For example, 20# bond and 50# offset text are the same except for the sheet size on which the weight is based.

Consider using 60# text stock if your book has heavy ink coverage, such as many black-and-white photographs or graphic images, beyond simple typed text. Also, the number of pages affects your choice:

For self-cover books (cover and body paper the same), 50#, 60#, or 70# offset text is frequently used.
For perfect-bound books with more than 50 to 80 pages or saddle-stitched books requiring durability, 65# white offset cover stock is an excellent option.

For a more upscale appearance or full-color covers, consider heavier cover stocks, such as 80# or 100# gloss cover paper.

• Orders submitted with print-ready electronic files before 12:00 a.m. CST will have proofs posted by 1:00 p.m. CST on the next business day.
• Orders submitted with print-ready electronic files after 12:00 a.m. CST will have proofs posted by 5:00 p.m. CST on the next business day.
• For multi-page publications such as books, catalogs, and newsletters, online PDF proofs are typically delivered within 2 to 3 business days after receipt of your print-ready files, depending on factors like page count and file format.

Single-sheet jobs, such as brochures and cards, are shipped within 5 to 7 business days after proof approval.

Multi-page publications such as books and catalogs ship within 10 to 15 business days after proof approval, depending on page count and quantity.

UPS ground shipping typically takes 1 to 5 business days, depending on your location. You can check shipping time via UPS Ground Time-In-Transit map by entering our zip code, 61525, on the following UPS website page.

• Use our instant price quote page to select your desired options and get a price.
• Click Next to sign in or register your account.
• Click Next to continue through checkout and select your shipping method.
• Click Next to provide file transfer method, file type, and credit card information. For best results, use images at 300 dpi or higher, converted to CMYK.
• Click Done to submit your order; a receipt will be emailed to you.

When placing an order, you can choose how to send your print-ready electronic files to us:

• File Upload: This method allows you to upload files directly through your web browser on our website. Simply click the File Upload link on the homepage or under the Help tab on any page. Then enter your account information and order number, click Go, and follow the step-by-step instructions to complete your upload.
• File Transfer Protocol (FTP): FTP is designed for transferring larger files more quickly, especially useful if you have a broadband connection. To use FTP, you will need an FTP client such as FlashFTP, CuteFTP, or WSFTP. Although FTP is a bit more complex than a typical file upload, it is the fastest option for large files.

  If you select FTP during the online ordering process, you will automatically receive an email with detailed instructions on how to transfer files to our FTP site. For orders placed by other means, simply contact us—we will set up an FTP account for you and email you the necessary instructions.