Question 1

How do I submit a print order online?

Accepted Answer

Use our online ordering portal, select your product and options, upload your file, and submit your order. Contact us by email if you need help choosing options.

Question 2

Who is eligible to place orders through the online ordering system?

Accepted Answer

Students, faculty, staff, and the public can place print orders through our online workflow based on the job type and account requirements.

Question 3

Can students place print orders, or is it only for faculty and staff?

Accepted Answer

Students can place print orders. Faculty and staff can also place orders and may use department billing workflows when applicable.

Question 4

How far in advance should I submit my print job?

Accepted Answer

Submit as early as possible, especially for event, course, or deadline-driven materials. Advance notice helps us confirm production windows and finishing options.

Question 5

What is the typical turnaround time for printing?

Accepted Answer

Turnaround depends on quantity, complexity, finishing, and current production volume. Most standard jobs are completed quickly, while complex jobs may require more time.

Question 6

Can I request rush or same-day printing?

Accepted Answer

Rush requests may be available based on workload and job specifications. Contact us promptly to confirm feasibility before finalizing deadlines.

Question 7

How will I know when my order is ready for pickup?

Accepted Answer

Pickup readiness is communicated through the ordering workflow or direct follow-up from our team when needed.

Question 8

Can I make changes to an order after it has been submitted?

Accepted Answer

If production has not started, updates are often possible. Contact us immediately with your order details so we can confirm available changes.

Question 9

What file formats do you accept (PDF, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)?

Accepted Answer

Common file formats are accepted, including PDF and standard office formats. PDF is usually preferred for print consistency.

Question 10

What resolution should images be for high-quality printing?

Accepted Answer

For most print work, use high-resolution source files. Around 300 DPI at final print size is a common target for quality output.

Question 11

Do my files need bleed and crop marks?

Accepted Answer

Bleed and crop marks are recommended for edge-to-edge designs and trimmed pieces. Include them when your design requires precise trimming.

Question 12

Can you help me fix formatting issues before printing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can help review and resolve common formatting issues so your print file is production-ready.

Question 13

Will you review my file before printing to catch errors?

Accepted Answer

We review files for print-readiness signals, but content-level proofreading remains the customer responsibility unless separately arranged.

Question 14

What happens if my uploaded file is corrupted or missing fonts?

Accepted Answer

We will contact you to request a corrected file or alternate format before production proceeds.

Question 15

Do you print flyers, brochures, handouts, and booklets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We produce a range of small-format products, including flyers, brochures, classroom handouts, and booklets/programs.

Question 16

Can you print double-sided documents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Double-sided printing is available for many document formats and paper options.

Question 17

What paper sizes are available?

Accepted Answer

Multiple standard and specialty sizes are available depending on the product type and print method.

Question 18

Can I choose between color and black-and-white printing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Color and black-and-white printing options are available for eligible products.

Question 19

Do you offer stapling, folding, or binding services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We support finishing services such as stapling, folding, and binding when compatible with the selected product.

Question 20

What quantities can you print?

Accepted Answer

We support both small runs and larger production quantities, with timelines based on scope and finishing.

Question 21

Do you print posters for classes, research presentations, and events?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We produce posters for classes, research presentations, events, and campus programs.

Question 22

What is the largest size poster or banner you can produce?

Accepted Answer

Maximum size depends on product and material. Contact us with your target dimensions to confirm current capabilities.

Question 23

Can I print on materials other than paper?

Accepted Answer

Some specialty materials may be available depending on the job and finishing requirements.

Question 24

Do you offer mounting or laminating services for posters?

Accepted Answer

Mounting and laminating may be available for qualifying projects. Include these requirements when requesting your job.

Question 25

How long does large-format printing usually take?

Accepted Answer

Large-format timelines vary by size, quantity, materials, and finishing. Submit early to secure your desired deadline.

Question 26

What paper types and weights are available?

Accepted Answer

We offer a range of paper stocks and weights aligned to documents, marketing materials, and presentation outputs.

Question 27

Which paper is best for presentations or marketing materials?

Accepted Answer

Paper selection depends on the use case and finish preference. We can recommend options based on durability, appearance, and budget.

Question 28

Do you offer recycled or environmentally friendly paper options?

Accepted Answer

Environmentally conscious stock options may be available depending on current inventory and product requirements.

Question 29

Can I request specialty paper or custom stock?

Accepted Answer

Specialty and custom stocks may be supported by request. Lead times can vary for non-standard materials.

Question 30

What finishing options are available (lamination, trimming, binding, etc.)?

Accepted Answer

Available finishing options can include trimming, folding, stapling, binding, and laminating based on the selected product.

Question 31

How much will my print job cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on print type, quantity, size, stock, and finishing. The ordering flow and quote process provide the most accurate cost for your job.

Question 32

Can I get a quote before placing an order?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can request pricing details for your specifications before final production.

Question 33

What payment methods are accepted?

Accepted Answer

Payment and billing methods depend on account type and workflow. Departmental and customer payment options are handled through the approved process.

Question 34

Do I need a PO number for departmental billing?

Accepted Answer

Departmental billing may require a PO number depending on current policy. Confirm required billing fields before checkout.

Question 35

Can I charge print jobs to a campus account?

Accepted Answer

Campus account billing may be available for eligible users and order types under current campus processes.

Question 36

Where is Print & Copy located?

Accepted Answer

Cal Poly Print & Copy is located in the Robert E. Kennedy Library area at 1 Grand Ave., Building 35, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407.

Question 37

What are your hours of operation?

Accepted Answer

Current office hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours may change seasonally.

Question 38

Can someone else pick up my order for me?

Accepted Answer

Third-party pickup may be possible depending on order details and verification requirements.

Question 39

Do you offer campus delivery?

Accepted Answer

Delivery options vary by job and campus workflow. Contact us to confirm available fulfillment methods.

Question 40

What should I do if I need help choosing the right print option?

Accepted Answer

Email calpolyprints@calpoly.edu with your project goals, dimensions, quantities, and deadline, and we will guide you to the best fit.

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