CETTEC Insights

Canva is great for quick design work, but it wasn’t really built with commercial presses in mind.If you’re sending Canva designs to a print shop, here’s how to keep things running smoothly. 1. Start with the right size and bleed Set your Canva document to the final print size  (8.5" × 11", postcard, etc.) Turn on Show print bleed  and Show margins Extend backgrounds and images right through the bleed area so there are no white edges after trimming 2. Make sure your images hav

Ever ordered “80 lb” paper and been surprised that it felt way thinner or thicker than you expected? You’re not alone – North American paper weights can be confusing. . Here’s the short version: The “lb” is a basis weight  – the weight of 500 sheets of a specific parent sheet size Different paper types use different parent sizes That means 80 lb text  and 80 lb cover  are not  the same thing So “pounds” only make sense if you also know the paper type. That’s where GSM (g/m²)

If you design for print, you’ve probably seen this requirement in specs:“Please use 300 ppi images.” On its own, that line is incomplete . What actually matters is: the size of the image in your layout , and the number of pixels  the image has. You can have three images at 300 ppi, 72 ppi and even 10 ppi that look identical in a print-ready PDF, as long as they all have the same pixel dimensions . The PPI field in the file is not the hero here – pixel count at the final print

Bi-fold – programs, sell sheets, simple menus Tri-fold – classic brochure or mailer Z-fold – step-by-step guides, statements, maps that reveal in sequence Accordion – timelines, multi-option menus, product tiers Gate fold – dramatic reveal for a hero image or launch Double gate – poster-style reveal packed into a small piece Roll fold – staged storytelling, onboarding, tours Double parallel – dense specs, bilingual layouts, policy inserts French fold – invitations, maps, even

Minimum size: 0.8" (20 mm) square for hand-held pieces; 1.2"+ (30 mm+) for posters viewed from a few feet Quiet zone: leave at least 4 modules of clear space on all sides (no logos or patterns bleeding in) Contrast: dark code on light background; avoid low-contrast brand colours and busy images behind the code File prep: supply vector (PDF/SVG/AI) or a 1000×1000 px PNG at 300 dpi; no JPEG compression Error correction: use level Q or H if you’re overprinting, laminating,

Designing an 8.5″×11″ (216×279 mm)  tri-fold? Use these panel widths so the fold-in panel tucks perfectly: Outside (back—fold—front): 3.6354″ • 3.6667″ • 3.6979″ 92.34 mm • 93.13 mm • 93.93 mm Inside (left—middle—right): 3.6979″ • 3.6667″ • 3.6354″ 93.93 mm • 93.13 mm • 92.34 mm Specs that save headaches Bleed:   0.125″ (3.17 mm)  all around. Safe area:  keep text/logos ≥0.125″ (≈3 mm)  from folds/trim. Crossover images:  don’t span folds; if you must, give 1/16″ (1.59 mm)  c

Legal print isn’t just “print.” It’s custody, accountability, and trust. Here’s how we protect your files end-to-end: • Secure intake (encrypted upload or sealed handoff)  • Named technician + limited-access workbench  • On-site production only—no off-site vendors  • Locked storage while staging  • Logged steps: receive → prep → print → QC → pack → courier  • Shred-on-completion with certificate (on request). What’s one step you wish every vendor documented during rush filing

A business card isn’t just contact info—it’s a tactile, pocket-sized brand experience. With a little creativity, it can do a lot more than introduce you. Here are a few clever ways to put it to work: -Appointment or Loyalty Cards: Great for salons, cafés, or service-based businesses. A simple stamp or signature system turns a card into a repeat-visit driver. -Product Tags: Use heavy stock cards as branded hang tags for retail or handmade products. Add a hole punch and string,

Aim for ≥150 dpi  (ideally 300 dpi  for scans) so court books stay crisp. When exporting from DMS/case tools  (iManage, NetDocuments, Clio, Relativity, etc.): Pick High/Print quality  (not “Web/Small file”). Disable downsampling  or low-quality compression. For productions: image at 300 dpi ; use TIFF G4 or high-quality PDF for exhibits. When scanning on the MFP  (Ricoh/Xerox/Konica Minolta): 300 dpi , Text  or Text/Line Art . Turn off Small file/Compact/MRC aggressive  modes

Health Canada’s new Front-of-Package (FOP) nutrition symbol requirements come into effect January 1, 2026 .Any prepackaged food considered high in saturated fat, sugars, and/or sodium  may require a symbol on the front  of the label going forward. As a manufacturer, we’re already seeing food brands start their design updates now to avoid a last-minute rush. A quick reminder for anyone producing packaged foods: ✅ The requirement is tied to the product’s nutritional profile , n

Business cards are still one of the best ways of forming professional connections, but you need your business card to stand out for all...

We are living in an era dominated by digital communications - from the adverts on our social media feeds to attending virtual conferences...

In the modern business world, things move quickly, demands are high, and how you start matters a lot. If you are starting a new brand or...

In today’s competitive business landscape, first impressions are more important than ever. Business cards and marketing postcards created...

In the digital age, the tactile sensation of high-quality printed materials leaves a memorable impression that digital communications...

Label design is crucial for standing out in Vancouver’s competitive retail and e-commerce markets. In 2025, businesses are using creative...

Legal documents contain sensitive information. They need protection at every stage of the printing process. Businesses, law firms, and...

In the bustling city of Vancouver, where business and legal activities are thriving at the heart of its economy, the demand for...

Attractive branding is essential in our fast and visually driven world. At CETTEC we understand this need and are dedicated to helping...

The importance of tangible marketing tools like brochures has not diminished in today’s digital age. In fact, with the increasing...