Small Format Printing Guide

Looking for high-quality small format digital printing with flexible paper options, precise color reproduction, and professional finishing? Brightformat delivers reliable digital print solutions for brochures, direct mail, publications, postcards, specialty invitations, and more.

Below, we answer the most common questions about our digital printing capabilities, paper stocks, file setup, and finishing options.

Paper Options

Brightformat offers both economical house stocks and custom procurement options.

Brightformat House Stocks

Our house sheets are carefully selected for consistent feeding, color accuracy, and cost efficiency on our digital equipment.

  • Uncoated (Smooth)

    • Text weights: 80T / 100T

    • Cover weights: 80C / 100C / 130C

  • Coated (Satin and Gloss)

    • Text weights: 80T / 100T

    • Cover weights: 80C / 100C

Can I Specify My Own Paper Stock?

Yes! Just note the stock in your quote request, and we’ll take care of the rest. Our team will review specifications before ordering to ensure compatibility with digital printing. 

Please note:

  • Look for stocks labeled for digital printing

  • Some specialty papers are mill items, which may require longer lead times, and have minimum order quantities

Maximum Sheet Size

Maximum Sheet Size

13" x 19"

Maximum Printable Image Area

12.75" x 18.75" (allows for bleed and trim)

This size range supports:

  • Flyers and postcards

  • Sell sheets

  • Marketing collateral

  • Booklets

  • Direct mail + envelopes

  • Short-run packaging prototypes

  • Stickers + labels

Considering a custom size or special format? Reach out. Our experienced production team will help you determine the best approach and turn your vision into reality.

Looking for something larger?

Check out our other capabilities:

Specialty Materials

Brightformat also offers a range of specialty materials beyond traditional paper stocks. Our capabilities include rigid substrates ideal for name tags, small signs, awards, tabletop displays, and other specialty applications.

If your project calls for something more durable or dimensional, our team can recommend the right material to bring your idea to life.

Finishing + Binding Options

Brightformat offers a full range of digital finishing services to complete your project professionally.

Binding Options

  • Saddle stitch (up to ⅛” thick) 

  • Perfect binding (up to 1” thick) 

  • Spiral or wire binding

  • Layflat binding (up to 22 pages)

  • Screw post binding / Chicago screw

Folding Options

  • Traditional half-fold, tri-fold, Z-fold, gate fold

  • Custom multi-panel folds

Additional Finishing Services

  • Die-cutting, perforation, kiss-cut sticker sheets

  • Lamination (gloss, matte, soft-touch)

  • Tip-ons

Color Matching

Maintaining brand consistency is critical in digital printing. Brightformat’s roots in direct mail—where strict privacy regulations demand absolute precision—have instilled a meticulous attention to detail that carries through to every print project.

Our approach includes:

  • Press calibration for consistent CMYK reproduction

  • Matching to Pantone references as closely as digital printing allows 

  • Hard copy proofs available for brand-critical pieces

  • White ink for printing on dark or specialty substrates

  • Spot clear ink

  • Metallic silver and gold

Because digital printing uses CMYK builds to simulate Pantone colors, slight variations can occur. For highly color-sensitive projects, proof approval is recommended before full production.

Specialty Enhancements

Brightformat offers premium digital embellishments to elevate your printed materials.

White Ink Printing

Ideal for dark or colored stocks, transparent materials, and high-contrast design effects.

Digital Foil

Add metallic shine and texture without traditional dies. Digital foil is perfect for logos, packaging accents, invitations, and premium marketing pieces. Learn More >

Accepted File Formats

Preferred file formats:

  • Print-ready PDF

  • Packaged Adobe InDesign files

  • AI or EPS (vector artwork)

File setup guidelines:

  • 300 dpi resolution at final size

  • CMYK color mode

  • 0.125" bleed beyond trim

  • Fonts embedded or outlined

Sending Files

We happily accept your preferred file-sharing platform, including:

  • OneDrive

  • Dropbox

  • Google Drive

  • Email (for smaller files)

 

Start Your Small Format Digital Printing Project

From economical house stocks to specialty finishes and custom paper sourcing, Brightformat delivers flexible, high-quality digital printing services built around performance and reliability.

Have a project ready? Contact our team for a quote or file review, and let’s bring your ideas to life.

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