Frequently Asked Questions
Envelope Construction
return to top- What is the envelope end?
- The term "end" refers to the shortest dimension of the envelope.
- What is the envelope side?
- The term "side" refers to the longest dimension of the envelope.
- What are OECS, OSSS, OSDS?
- These acronyms stand for different types of envelopes, such as:
OECS - Open End Center Seam
OSSS - Open Side Side Seam
OSDS - Open Side Diagonal Seam
- Why are there different styles of envelopes and what are the reasons/applications for these styles?
- Envelope style is determined by the shape of the die-cut blank and the type of machine used to fold and print. The intended use of the envelope will often dictate which style to choose. Open Side envelopes with side or diagonal seams are frequently specified because they are machine insertable. Open End envelopes are used for inter-office and filing where contents are hand inserted. The center seam provides a secure anchor for clasp or button and string closures.
- Standard sizes versus custom sizes?
- Envelopes can be made in virtually any size. USPS rules on mail-ability and rates should be considered. Each style of envelope has specific standard sizes typically identified by numbers or names. For commercial styles: 6-3/4, 7-3/4, 9, 10 are common standard sizes. (Note- the numerical designation does not necessarily correspond to the actual size of the envelope, i.e. number 10 is not 10” long). Announcement style standard sizes include - A-2, A-4, A-6 and “Lee”.
- Size ranges for different types of envelopes?
- Colortree can make envelopes measuring 3-1/2 X 6 to 10 X 13 OSSS and 6 X 9 to 12 X 15-1/2 OECS.
- How do you measure an envelope?
- Envelopes are measured with the opening on the top. Measure the height and width. A number 10 envelope measures 4-1/8” X 9-1/2”. [link to screen-cast/video]. Envelope size is ALWAYS described as height X width with the opening at the top. All window measurements are made with the opening at top, pointing to 12’oclock position on a clock. Measure the height along the vertical dimension. Measure the width along the horizontal dimension or bottom fold of the envelope.
Products
return to top- What are custom products?
- Non-standard size envelopes measuring 3-1/2 X 6 to 10 X13 Open Side style and 6X9 to 12 X 15-1/2 Open End style. Envelopes folded from any foldable writing, text or cover grade papers. Windows, one or more positioned on front and/or back within machine tolerance. Printed envelopes - sheet-fed offset, flexo and Jet imprinted.
- What is an HD Envelope?
- A sheet-fed offset printed four color process build envelope featuring brilliant colors and evocative images designed to stand out in the mail, get noticed and opened. HD Envelopes can be made from coated or uncoated papers. They can have decorative varnishes and scuff-proof coatings.
Paper
return to top- What papers do you stock?
- 20#, 24# and 28# wove, 70# C1S, 70# Matte, 70# bright white opaque, 24# colors, including: brown kraft, sand kraft, blue, canary, cream, gray, green, ivory and 28# brown kraft.
- Which papers can be folded?
- Depending on the size and style of envelope, writing grades ranging from 20# to 28#, Text and Cover grades ranging from 50# to 100#, Tag weight up to 125#.
- Will you special order papers? If so, what types are available and how long will it take?
- We can order just about anything. Paper can take 1-7 days depending on the mill (most are available within 1-3 days for popular brands and grades).
- Do you offer Green/Recycled/recyclable papers?
- We stock 100% recycled and 30# PCW paper in the building, and can access what ever our customer’s needs are.
- Which papers are certified SFI/FSC?
- We are FSC and SFI certified. We stock 100% recycled and 30# PCW paper and can access whatever our customer’s needs are.
Windows
return to top- What size is a standard window?
- A standard window measures 1-1/8 X 4-1/2, and is positioned 7/8 left and ½ bottom on the face of the envelope.
- What are Merlin or IMB windows?
- Special sized and positioned windows designed to accommodate USPS address readability and deliverability systems.
- Can you make custom windows?
- Yes, Colortree can make custom windows in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and positions.
- Where on the envelope can you put window(s)?
- Window(s) can be on the face and /or back of envelopes. The window must be at least ½ from the perimeter of the envelope. Windows on the back cannot be closer than 2” from the throat.
- How big can they be?
- Depending on the size of the envelope the window can be practically any size as long as it is at least ½ from the perimeter and 2” down from the throat on the back of the envelope. Extremely large, (full-view) windows may affect run-ability.
- How many can you put on an envelope?
- Multiple windows are possible on the face and/or back.
- Are odd window shapes possible?
- Yes! Custom shapes and sizes are available.
- What window dies do you already have?
- We have more than 800 window dies in stock. You can download our full window die list here.
- What if you do not already have the window die I want?
- Custom window dies can be purchased for your order, allow 24 hours for deliver of the die. Prices for special order dies varies depending on size and shape.
- What is the cost, availability and delivery time for a custom window die?
- Prices for special order dies varies depending on size and shape - generally allow $200. Large, vertical or special shaped dies can cost more.
Prepress
return to top- What platforms do you support?
- We support PC's, Apple Macintosh and MacPro (Intel based) running Parallels (Windows XP).
- What types of native applications do you support?
- Currently we support native files in the following formats: QuarkXPress versions 6.5, 7.5 and 8.01 and Adobe Creative Suite 2, 3 and 4.
- What workflow system do you use?
- We are presently using the Kodak Prinergy Workflow System, 4.1.2.3 We will launch the Kodak Insite Prepress Portal System in Fall 2009.
- What are acceptable file formats to send to you?
- We accept Quark Express and InDesign file formats, among others, in Macintosh or Windows. Call or email us if you’re using a different application to confirm format support. You may also send the files to us on a CD, DVD or via FTP. If you have a Colortree Print Ready PDF feel free to email it to us.
Design
return to top- Can I design projects with a full bleed?
- Yes! Just include an 0.125" bleed outside the trim of the document to ensure full coverage.
- My project has RGB colors, is that ok?
- For best results, all colors should be set to CMYK and/or spot (in other words, convert RGB files to CMYK).
- Do you offer templates?
- Yes, we offer our seven most popular envelope templates in the tools section. Need a template not shown? Just let us know and we'll help.
- I'm using bitmap graphics, what should I set the dpi to for optimal results?
- Bitmap file resolution (CMYK, duotone and grayscale graphics) should be at least 300 dpi at placed size for best results.
Terms
return to top- What are your terms?
- Our standard terms are 1% 20, net 30 days. Other terms may be available. Call for details.
- Do you offer a prompt payment discount?
- We offer a 1% discount for early payment. Other discounts may be available. Call for details.
- May I use a credit card?
- We currently accept VISA, MasterCard and American Express.
- How do I apply for open credit?
- Customers wishing to open an account with Colortree should sign and complete our credit application.
Print
return to top- Can you print inside tints?
- Yes, we offer six standard tint patterns
- Can you match PMS colors?
- Yes we can, please specify your color(s) when placing your order.
- What is your minimum order quantity?
- We don't have minimum order quantities on our HD Envelopes.
- Do you offer eco-friendly inks?
- Yes, we offer EcoPride inks by Braden Sutphin which are low in VOC’S and manufactured with renewable resources such as soya linseed and tung oils.
Adhesives
return to top- Do you offer eco-friendly adhesives?
- Yes we offer several low VOC adhesives.
Order Process
return to top- How do I place an order with you for a project I'm working on?
- Colortree sells direct to the trade. If you do not already have a representative, please contact us and someone from our customer service team will contact you directly.
- How should I send you my order?
- To avoid production delays it is very important to provide us with print ready files, either as PDFs or in their native format. You may send the files to us on a CD, DVD or via FTP.
Green
return to top- What are you doing to limit your environmental impact?
- We take our carbon footprint very seriously. You can read more about our sustainability practices here.
- Do you offer recycled paper?
- Yes, we offer an array of recycled paper with both pre- and post- consumer waste. We are constantly investigating new substrates; please check with your account representative for further details.
General
return to top- What are your hours?
- Our production facility is open 24/7. Office and administrative staff work standard business hours.
