Print Guides & Cost Resources
By Long Island Custom Printing · Huntington, NY · Updated May 2026
TL;DR
Free guides answering the questions our customers ask most. File prep, paper stocks, coatings, cost breakdowns, by-product pricing. Real numbers, no fluff.
File Prep & Technical
Get your artwork press-ready: bleed, resolution, color mode, exports, and the difference between vector and raster.
Print File Setup
Set up artwork the right way: document size, bleed, color mode, fonts, and export.
Read the guide →Bleed, Safe Area, and Trim
What each zone means and how much margin to leave so nothing important gets cut.
Read the guide →CMYK vs RGB
Why on-screen colors shift at the press and how to convert before you upload.
Read the guide →Canva Print Setup
Configure a Canva file with bleed and CMYK so it actually prints clean.
Read the guide →PDF Export for Printing
Press-ready PDF settings from Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Canva.
Read the guide →300 DPI Print Resolution
Why 300 DPI matters, how to check, and the size limits for low-res images.
Read the guide →Vector vs Raster
When to use vector versus raster artwork and how it affects logos and scaling.
Read the guide →Paper, Stocks & Finishes
How paper weight, coating, and laminate change the feel, durability, and price of your print.
Paper Stock Guide
A working overview of the paper stocks we run, what they feel like, and where each one fits.
Read the guide →Paper Weight Guide
Decoding lb vs gsm, cover vs text, and which weight to choose for each product.
Read the guide →Business Card Paper Weight
The most common card stocks (14pt, 16pt, 32pt) and how each one feels in hand.
Read the guide →Matte vs Gloss Finish
How matte and gloss compare for readability, scuffing, and brand feel.
Read the guide →AQ vs UV Coating
Aqueous versus UV: gloss level, durability, cost, and when to use which.
Read the guide →Soft Touch Laminate
The premium velvety finish: where it shines, where it fingerprints, and what it costs.
Read the guide →Coated vs Uncoated Paper
How coating affects ink absorption, color pop, writability, and final feel.
Read the guide →Cost Guides
Real per-piece pricing by product, quantity, and finish — pulled from the same engine that runs our checkout.
How Much Do Business Cards Cost?
Real per-piece pricing by quantity, stock, and finish — plus what drives the cost up.
Read the guide →How Much Do Brochures Cost?
Tri-fold and bi-fold brochure pricing by run size, paper, and turnaround.
Read the guide →How Much Do Postcards Cost?
Postcard pricing for marketing mailers and handouts, with EDDM as a comparison.
Read the guide →How Much Do Banners Cost?
Vinyl banner pricing per square foot, hem and grommet options, and stand costs.
Read the guide →How Much Do Booklets Cost?
Saddle-stitched and perfect-bound booklet pricing by page count and quantity.
Read the guide →How Much Do Labels Cost?
Roll and sheet label pricing, material choices, and minimums that matter.
Read the guide →How Much Does EDDM Cost?
Every Door Direct Mail postage plus printing — the real all-in number per piece.
Read the guide →Need help applying any of this?
Add our $97 File Setup service and our team will check resolution, color mode, bleed, and fonts before production. Or skip the prep and browse the catalog.