PRINTING

• Can you print on metal or using white inks?

  No. Our printers use twelve inks: blue, light cyan, magenta, light magenta, yellow, red, green, grey, light grey, matte black, photo black and gloss enhancer. Any white values in your artwork will be paper white – not via the use of white inks.

• What sizes do you print at?

  We have some standard sizes we print most pieces at, which are listed on our current price guide. We certainly print custom sizes starting from 12 inches wide.

• What resolution do you print at?

  At 100% size, your file should be at least 180dpi. Canvas is a bit forgiving where 130/150dpi is acceptable.

• What does print-ready mean for academic prints?

  Print-ready means your file is at the correct size and resolution of the intended output. When you have more than one image, they are layed out together in one file. Otherwise, we can set up the file(s) for you. Academic projects are required to be print-ready.

• How do I provide a file or image?

  Upload your digital images to our site; or bring in images on a memory key(USB flashdrive), memory card, or disk.

• How do I upload an image?

  Go to the File Upload page, click on Choose File, fill in the form (check it over once more), and click Upload File. Remember to wait for the confirmation page to appear.

• How long should I allow for prints?

  Typically, it’s between 1 and 5 business days, and large jobs can take up to three weeks. Canvases stretched take about 8-10 business days. It really depends on the complexity and volume of your job, added time for finishing such as laminating, mounting, proofing and estimating, and the other jobs in our queue at the time. Contact us for an estimate and we’ll do our very best to accommodate your project deadlines.

• Can you print my wedding invitations/business cards/brochures?

  We are a wide-format printer only, which means larger prints and smaller runs. So, no. We print at sizes from 12 inches. See our pricing page for our standard sizes for prints.

• What do you print on?

  We print on a heavyweight matte paper; matte or satin premium photopaper; a range of fine-art papers; canvas, and some specialty papers. Most of our material comes in rolls and therefore pieces will have a slight curl when printed.

CANVAS PRINTING + STRETCHING

• What is a giclée print?

  The term giclée is just fancy pants for how the ink is projected on to the paper. There are degrees of quality to giclée prints as with any print reproduction. Fine quality giclée prints are produced on large 8-12 colour printers and on quality fine art canvas.

• What are canvas stretched prints?

  We take your chosen image and print it to canvas, which is then stretched onto a hand-crafted wooden frame, coated and hanging hardware affixed. Choose either a museum or gallery wrap. A test strip, prior to printing, for colour and tone is available.

• What are the depths of the frame you stretch to?

  We have two choices of frame depth, which is how much they stand out from the wall, 0.75” or 1.25” deep.

• What is the difference between gallery and museum wrap?

  A gallery wrapped stretched canvas has the picture flowing around the frame sides. About 1 inch of the image at final size will be wrapped. With museum wrap, only a small amount of the art folds over the edge and the sides are left plain. Choosing between gallery or museum wrap is personal preference and whether there is an allowance in the image.

• What sizes are available?

  The maximum size for the short side printing on canvas is 40 inches wide and the minimum is 12 inches wide.

• What is the durability of your canvas prints?

  The fine art canvas we print on has an archival rating of over 100 years, as well as our inks being colour fast. Our canvas is acid free and has a neutral ph coating with no optical brighteners, so it resists yellowing over time. Our coated prints on canvas can be dusted or wiped with a barely damp cloth. If your piece get an accidental dent, then mist the back with water lightly and it should drum back into place.

• How do I provide a file or image?

  We print from digital files only. Upload your images to our site; bring in images on a memory key, memory card, or disk

• How do I upload an image?

  Go to the File Upload page, click on Choose File, fill in the form (check it over once more), and click Upload File. Remember to wait for the confirmation page to appear.

• How long should I allow for a stretched canvas?

  Canvases stretched take about 8-10 week days.

• What care does a canvas require?

  A stable cool dry environment is best for your canvas print. Avoid hanging or storing your canvas where it will be subject to significant temperature changes and humidity, in direct sunlight or intense light source, or near a heat source or air conditioning.

FINISHING

• What other finishing is available?

  We offer lamination, mounting to fomecor, plaquemounting and framing.

• What choice of framing do you offer?

  Please visit our showroom on Whyte for any custom framing and to view our selection of frame profiles and finishing.

ACADEMIC PRINTING

• Do you have substrates that are specific to students?

  We have a heavyweight matte bond and a satin paper available just for academic projects. Both print very well, with the satin a little fancier and recommended if you have photos in the piece.

• What File Types do you accept?

  Adobe: Photoshop, Illustrator – Images embedded, fonts/text outlined, and Photoshop layers flattened. Convert InDesign files to PDF.
  PDFs – Print-ready/high-resolution. Do not use if colour is critical.
  Powerpoint – Academic printing. Expect some colour shift.
  Keynote – Academic printing. Files must be zipped for upload.
  Pages – Academic printing. Files must be zipped for upload.
  

  Print-ready files are required for academic orders. Academic files are to be in the above formats and need no page layout, sizing or further processing. There will be a setup fee for academic files that require some work.

• What Are Your File Specifications?

  Size – Note intended print size when submitting and we’ll check that it’ll print hunky-dory at that size. Academic printing MUST be at output dimensions (100%) and print ready.
  Colour – RGB or Process/CMYK.
  Image resolution – at least 180dpi at size (100%).
  Margins – allow for a half-inch non-printable margin.
  Formats – JPEG, TIFF, EPS
  Gradients/transparencies – strictly no go, Jack.
  Multiple pages – place on one page, 23 or 35” wide.
  Upload – go to FILE UPLOAD, or for Academic projects to the ACADEMIC UPLOAD found in the main left menu.

• What resolution should my file be?

  We generally print at 180dpi at 100%. Canvas and pictures that will be viewed at a greater distance can go to about 130/150dpi. Upload or bring in your image and we can advice as to resolution and size.

• What should my colour settings be?

  Generally it is best to leave your image in its original colour space when providing a digital file. If you do want to choose a colour space to work in use Adobe RGB and US Web Coated (SWOP)v2.

• How do I provide my Image?

  1. UPLOAD your digital images to our site; or
  2. Bring in images on a memory key, memory card, or disk. Make sure you note the image file name or number BEFORE coming in, if the device contains other images.

PAYMENTS + GIFT CARDS

• Payment options

  At Vivid Print you can pay the way that suits you best. In store we accept Vivid Print gift cards, debit cards, VISA, MasterCard, Apple Pay and cash. 

  For online and phone purchases, we accept VISA credit and debit card, MasterCard credit card, and Paypal.

  For custom printing and framing you’ll receive a invoice when your order is confirmed. Orders totalling over $150.00 require a 50% deposit. Orders less than $150.00 can be paid when picked up.

  All custom orders must be paid for before it leaves our studio, unless otherwise agreed. All prices include GST.

SHIPPING + RETURNS

• Shipping

  Vivid Print’s shipping information, for shipping within Canada, to the USA, and internationally.

• Free Shipping

  •On orders of $150 or more, before taxes

  •Offer limited to web and telephone orders shipped Expedited Parcel Post within Canada.

  •Gift cards and taxes do not count toward order total for free shipping eligibility.

  •Orders must meet Canada Post size and weight requirements (no dimension greater than 1m, weight less than 30kg). Oversize items, such as framed prints will not qualify for free shipping.

• Free In Store Pickup

  Pick up your order at Vivid Print!

  •This is required for most oversize items or fragile art.

  •Gift cards cards are not available through this shipping method.

  •We offer limited tracking for in-store pickup orders.

  We will email you when your order is ready for pickup and you will need to bring picture ID to collect your parcel. For more information on the status of an in-store pickup order, please contact Vivid Print directly

• Shipping Within Canada

  Orders are sent via Standard Post unless otherwise specified. Orders are insured in case of damage or loss. Applicable provincial and federal taxes are applied when your order is processed according to where the item will be shipped. Most orders are shipped from Edmonton, AB and take one to two business days to process, in addition to the delivery times shown. Isolated and rural areas may take longer. 

  Certain products or orders are too large, fragile, and/or heavy to be shipped by our standard methods. Please email [email protected], or call us at 1.780.428.4843 and we’ll let you know if your order requires extra freight. A ground door-to-door service for larger items for Metro Edmonton is available – some restrictions apply.

• Taxes

  If an order is shipped to the following provinces or territories, Vivid Print must collect the applicable taxes as described:

  Province/territory

  Applicable tax

  British Columbia (BC) 7% PST on merchandise plus 5% GST on merchandise and freight

  Alberta (AB) 5% GST on merchandise and freight

  Saskatchewan (SK) 5% GST on merchandise and freight

  Manitoba (MB) 8% PST on merchandise plus 5% GST on merchandise and freight

  Ontario (ON) 13% HST on merchandise and freight

  Quebec (QC) 9.975% PST on the total of the merchandise and freight plus 5% GST on merchandise and freight

  New Brunswick (NB) 15% HST on merchandise and freight

  Nova Scotia (NS) 15% HST on merchandise and freight

  Prince Edward Island (PE) 14% HST on merchandise and freight

  Newfoundland (NL) 15% HST on merchandise and freight

  Northwest Territories (NT) 5% GST on merchandise and freight

  Yukon (YT) 5% GST on merchandise and freight

  Nunavut (NU) 5% GST on merchandise and freight

  Canadian taxes are not collected on orders shipped outside of Canada. However, orders shipped outside of Canada are subject to import duties, taxes, and customs processing fees, which are levied once the package reaches its destination. These fees are collected by the carrier or brokerage company and members are responsible for paying them. Vivid Print is unable to give estimates for these fees. Please contact your local customs office for more information.

• Shipping to the USA

  Orders sent to the USA are shipped by Xpresspost. Orders shipped to the USA are not charged Canadian taxes; however, all orders pass through customs and are subject to import duties, taxes, and custom processing fees. A customs invoice will arrive with your parcel or may follow in the mail. Recipients are responsible for paying these additional fees.

  Vivid Print is unable to provide estimates for customs fees. Check with your local customs office for more information.

  Certain products or orders are too large, fragile, and/or heavy to be shipped by our standard methods. Please email [email protected], or call us at 1.780.428.4843 and we’ll let you know if your order requires extra freight.

• International Shipping

  Orders going to international destinations are shipped by air mail. Orders shipped outside of Canada are not charged Canadian taxes; however, all orders pass through customs and are subject to import duties, taxes, and custom processing fees. A customs invoice will arrive with your parcel or may follow in the mail. Recipients are responsible for paying these additional fees. 

  Vivid Print is unable to provide estimates for customs fees. Check with your local customs office for more information.

  Many international destinations are now receiving improved airmail service via Canada Post Xpresspost International. For countries and delivery times visit Canada Post.

  Certain products or orders are too large, fragile, and/or heavy to be shipped by our standard methods. Please email [email protected], or call us at 1.780.428.4843 and we’ll let you know if your order requires extra freight. 

• Shipping Restrictions

  Shipping restrictions may apply to certain products and destinations. These restrictions include regional distribution agreements, over-sized products, and complexity in exporting some items.

DONATIONS

• About our charitable giving

  Vivid Print supports innovative strategic programs and places in which to live, work, and do business. Through community giving and product donations, Vivid Print provides the tools and resources for people to express their ideas and strengthen their local communities. Because Vivid Print receives hundreds of such requests annually, priority is given to those nonprofit organizations and programs that are most closely aligned with Vivid Print's corporate giving focus areas.

   

  • One Vivid Print donation request may be fulfilled within a fiscal year (April 1 to March 30).

  • This donation is available to registered Alberta nonprofits and to public libraries.

  • Eligible organizations must have an annual operating budget of $5 million or less.

  • Donated products will be distributed to qualifying organizations only, not to individuals.

  • Organizations that advocate, support, or practice discrimination based on age, ethnicity, gender, national origin, disability, race, size, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background are not eligible to participate in this program. Organizations must be willing and able to attest that they do not discriminate on any of these grounds in order to receive donations.

  • Vivid Print products may not be transferred or resold.

  • Donated products may not be used for raffles, door prizes, silent auctions or any other fund-raising activities or individual awards.

  • Organizations must provide direct services to beneficiaries in Alberta in one of Vivid Print's philanthropic focus areas.

• Organizations that focus on the following types of activities are eligible:

  • Support for these cultural activities: museums, libraries, performing arts, community theater, cultural performances, cultural and ethnic awareness, arts agencies, visual arts, folk arts, arts education, arts service, and community celebrations

  • Assistance to people with disabilities

  • Disaster preparedness

  • Support for these community organizations: community centers, community service organizations, and organizations whose mission is inner-city or community benefit activities

  • Conservation, environmental protection, and improvement of public spaces for the enjoyment of the community

  • Provision of housing services for youth, elderly, and low-medium income individuals; supplying money, goods, or services to the poor; and assistance to individuals

• The following is a partial list of organization types that are ineligible for Vivid Print donations:

  • Organizations that promote political views, influence legislation, or support candidates for public office

  • Endowments and private foundations that are themselves grant-making organizations

  • Research or advocacy organizations and think-tanks that do not provide direct services to beneficiaries

  • Fraternal organizations

  • Organizations that fund direct service and related organizations

  • Organizations that provide advocacy or information services (including organizations that primarily provide publications and web sites)

  • Organizations that provide scholarship services

  • Organizations whose clients are other nonprofit organizations

  • Organizations providing medical services (exception: organizations that provide medical services to people with disabilities are eligible)

  • Organizations, such as churches, houses of worship, and seminaries, whose primary mission is religious

  • Schools and international nonprofit organizations are not currently eligible for donations through this program

• Notification

  If your group matches the above criteria, please email your request; with your full name, the organization you represent and its charity number clearly indicated here. All applicants will be notified directly to confirm whether they have been selected to receive a donation within one month of submitting an application.

  Thank you!

DISCLAIMER

• Disclaimer

  The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Vivid Print and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

  In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

  Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Vivid Print. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.

  Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, Vivid Print takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.