Wide-Format Printing Instructions

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Order Turnaround

Wide-format printing services are on a first-come, first-served basis, and we process all requests in the order they are received. Standard turnaround for wide-format printing is ten business days (Monday through Friday) from the date the request is submitted. For example, if an order is placed Monday at 3 p.m., it will be ready for pick up two weeks later on Monday at 3 p.m. Turnaround may be extended due to order size, ink use, large dimensions, complexity, and number of existing orders in the queue. Please note that we are not responsible for delays in processing print orders when they are submitted less than ten business days before they are needed.

Contact us at libtechhelp@pdx.edu for current printing availability and turnaround time, and plan accordingly when requesting service on a time-based need.

If your department is hosting an event or you are attending a conference that requires multiple posters to be printed, please contact us for more information.

Paper

Wide-format printing requests will be printed on Heavyweight Coated Matte Bond (CMB) paper. CMB paper offers high-resolution output on heavyweight (48#) matte-coated bond paper. This paper is the most cost-effective output and is a good choice for both short-term displays (such as conference presentations, one-time-use posters, and temporary signage) as well as photos and graphics. With instant ink drying for added convenience, this paper can also be easily laminated for a glossy-finished look and as a means of protection from excessive light and moisture. 

Pricing

When printing to roll paper, you may choose nearly any dimension (up to 125″) for your large format print within the printer’s maximum dimensions of 44” x 100′ (Canon iPF 8400) or 60″ x 100′ (Canon iPF 9400). 44″ and smaller size print jobs are completed quicker with less complications.
The cost for wide-format printing is $1.25 per inch. The request form will calculate the price for you when you enter the dimensions. To price your poster, we will consider the width to be whichever dimension is closest to 44” or 60″ (without being over), and the height to be the other dimension. The “per inch” charge will be based on the height dimension. For example, with a 44″ x 36″ poster the width would be 44″ and the height would be 36″. The total charge would be $45.00. If the poster is bigger, such as 64” by 36”, the 64” would become the height, and the 36” the width, making the price $80.00. 

Please note that posters submitted for printing are rounded up to the nearest full inch. For example, a poster that is 44″ x 36.18″ would be charged for 37″. All posters will be trimmed to size, but if cost is an issue, keeping these dimensions in mind may help to keep your poster as affordable as possible. 

Preparing a File for Printing

File Creation

For wide-format printing, we recommend creating posters in Adobe Illustrator (.AI) or PowerPoint (.PPT). Although most applications that can print to letter-sized paper can also print to wide-format printers, there may be size limitations. For example, PowerPoint has a size limitation of 56″.

File Naming

For wide-format printing, please name your file using the following format: “<First Name> <Last Name>_<Name of Project>_<Date>.pdf”. For example, “Susan Smith_NSFConference_July17.pdf”As we handle multiple files, this helps to distinguish the files from one another.

File Format

We require that all files for printing be submitted in PDF file format. Before submitting your file, we recommend reviewing your PDF file to ensure everything is accurate.

File Dimensions

The poster submitted to us for printing must be the same dimensions as the final output. For example, if the final poster is to be printed at 24″ x 36″, the PDF should be set up for the same dimensions. We will not accept files scaled to dimensions other than 100% of the final output size.

To check the actual dimensions of the PDF, open your document in Adobe Acrobat Reader or Adobe Acrobat Pro. Move your mouse to the lower left-hand corner of the document. While hovering over the corner (do not click), the document dimensions should appear. Additional settings can also be viewed by selecting File, then Properties. The Canon iPF 8400 wide-format printer supports a maximum size of 100″ x 44″ while the Canon iPF 9400 supports a maximum size of 100″ x 60″. Please be aware that there may be additional size limitations due to software before converting to PDF.

File Accuracy

You are responsible for checking your files for accuracy. We will not be held responsible for the cost of any printed materials that contain errors contributed solely by the client. If a poster needs to be reprinted, you will be charged the price of the original poster plus the poster reprint with no discount. 

Submitting a File

Library staff will examine the file to ensure it is suitable for printing. We will then contact you with the final cost and request approval to proceed with the print job.Once you have approved the file for printing, the print job will proceed. 

Trimming

When you submit your file(s), add the original and final trimmed dimensions (if different) for the poster in the Notes field. Final trim dimensions cannot be smaller than the original file dimensions. During peak poster printing periods, the turnaround time for poster trimming may increase. If there are many orders in the queue, please allow for extra time.

We provide trimming services for the following:

  • Large professional conference posters

We do not trim the following:

  • Poster board/Foam Core/Rigid Materials: Poster board, foam core, and other rigid materials are thick and can damage the trimmer. Additionally, the appearance of the edge after trimming is usually rough and requires special handling and finishing.
  • A single poster that needs to be cut into several segments. Cutting a large poster into multiple pieces is time-consuming, delicate work that requires frequent handling, which increases the likelihood of damage.
  • Individual posters printed in mass quantities, such as flyers or programs.
  • Output from the lab Ricoh printers.

Please contact us if you have any questions about poster trimming.

Paying for your Order

The charge for your order will appear in myPSU.

  1. Go to myPSU and log in to your PSU student account.
  2. Go to the Student Finances tab and select Make a Payment
  3. Click Yes Continue to Cashnet and follow the prompts to submit payment

Summary

  1. Customer creates the file and reviews the document for accuracy.
  2. Customer confirms that the file is set up to 100% of the final output and saved/exported as a PDF.
  3. Customer submits the PDF file through the Wide Format Print Request Form on the library website.
  4. Library staff checks the file and contacts the customer with the cost.
  5. Upon the customer’s approval, the request will be entered into our system and printed in the order that it was received.
  6. Poster trimming and plastic poster bags (recyclable) are available. Please request these services when you submit your order.
  7. Customer’s poster will be printed within 10 business days from the time the order was submitted. Please feel free to check up on your poster progress any time after the order has been submitted.
  8. Upon printing, the transaction is recorded, and charges are added to the customer’s account in myPSU.
  9. When the order is ready, customer picks up the poster at the Library Circulation Desk during library hours. 

Contact Us

For any questions or further information, please contact us at:
libtechhelp@pdx.edu