Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions about how GPX really works.
GPX Guides
PDF Missing Bleed: How to Check and Prepare It for Printing
A print-ready PDF isn't just about having the right content: it also needs a safety margin around the final trim size — bleed. If it's missing, the file can look perfectly fine on screen and still come out with unwanted white edges after trimming. Here's how to recognize the problem and what to check before sending a file to print.
Why Printed Colors Look Different from the Screen
The color you see on screen and the one that comes out of print are never perfectly identical, even with a correct file and a calibrated monitor. It's not a defect: they're two physically different ways of producing color. Here's why it happens, what you can actually control, and what depends on the specific print workflow.
Pixelated or Blurry Images in Print: Resolution and Size
An image that looks sharp on screen can come out pixelated, blurry or blocky once printed. The reason is almost always the same: the real pixels available aren't enough for the size the image is printed at. Here's how to recognize it before sending a file to print.
Missing or Replaced Fonts in a PDF
Text that looks correct on your own computer can change appearance — or shift, or reflow differently — as soon as the PDF is opened somewhere else. Almost always the reason is missing or unembedded fonts in the PDF: the font wasn't embedded in the file, and the system opening it substitutes another one automatically. Here's how to recognize it and what to do.
Black Overprint: When to Use It and When to Avoid It
"Black" in print isn't a single concept: pure 100K black, rich black (mixed with other colors) and overprint are three different things, each correct in some situations and wrong in others. Confusing them is one of the most common causes of unexpected results — hard-to-read text, halos, colors mixing where they shouldn't. Here's how to tell them apart.
PDF Transparency Effects That Change or Disappear in Print
Soft shadows, semi-transparent objects, light effects inside a PDF file: they work perfectly on screen, but in print they can change appearance, show unwanted lines along their edges, or disappear entirely. This guide is about transparency effects inside the PDF file — not about printing on transparent substrates like film, acetate or window clings, which is a different topic. The reason for the problem is almost always how the file handles transparency — not an error in the original design. Here's what to know.
How to Prepare a File for Large-Format Printing
Banners, roll-up displays, panels, window graphics, trade show setups: large-format printing follows different rules from standard printing, because scale, viewing distance and materials all change. Applying the same rules as desktop printing can produce enormous, needlessly heavy files — or, conversely, artwork that's technically inadequate. Here's what to actually consider when preparing a file for large-format printing.
GPX Solved Cases
Colored streaks on Xerox VersaLink laser printing: causes and solution
I printed this sheet with a Xerox laser printer and those streaks appear all over the sheet in various colors and inconsistent, the Xerox is VersaLink C8000
Dark color rendering after Xerox firmware update: how to restore the profile
On our Xerox VersaLink C8000, after the latest firmware update the color rendering in print has changed compared to before. Is there an updated driver or official Xerox release notes that explain this difference and how to restore it to the original state?
Screening variability from sheet to sheet in printing: causes and checks
This problem appeared today. A colleague thinks it depends on the machine, but we are not sure. Can you help us understand what to check?
Color misregistration and line distortion in offset printing: causes and verification
This problem appeared today. A colleague thinks it may be related to the machine, but we're not sure. Can you help us understand what to check?
Color Misregistration in Printing: Causes and Preventive Controls
During printing this defect appeared. Previously the job was printing correctly. From the photo can you understand what I can check before stopping production?
Dull Blue Logo in CMYK Printing: Causes and Solutions
I have a logo with a precise blue. It looks correct on the monitor, but when I print it in CMYK it becomes much duller. I need to get a color as similar as possible to the original. What can I do?
How to print a document: guide to basic steps
I need to print a sheet and don't know how
Photographs too dark in PDF printing: color profile and calibration
When I print a PDF document with my home printer, the text comes out sharp but the photographs appear too dark compared to how I see them on the monitor
Missing bleed in file: how to avoid defective edges in printing
the printer tells me there is no bleed, I don't even know what that means?
Darker images in PDF: color conversion issue in Illustrator
I am preparing a PDF for print and some images appear much darker compared to how I see them on the monitor. I'm not sure if the problem depends on the file or the color conversion
Doubled text in label printing: causes and solution
I'm printing labels and on some copies the small text appears slightly doubled, while images and solid areas seem normal. The file is always the same and the problem wasn't visible at the beginning of the run. I don't know if it depends on the file or the machine. What can I check?
Ink coverage too high in PDF: how to reduce TIC without losing colors
My printer told me that my PDF has excessive total ink coverage in some dark areas and asked me to reduce it. However, I don't know how to verify if this is true or how to intervene without ruining the colors
Poor ink adhesion in printing: causes related to storage conditions
On a material I print on regularly, the print this time shows areas where the color does not seem to adhere well. The file is the same one I had already printed several times without problems. What can I check?
Color variation during series printing: causes and solutions
I'm printing 300 copies of the same job. The first copies are correct, but as I continue the color changes slightly even though the file remains the same. What could be causing this?
Fonts not embedded in PDF: printing issues and solutions
I sent a PDF to the printer and they told me that some text could have font issues. The PDF looks perfect on my computer. How can I tell if I can send it to print without risks?
White edge on business cards after cutting: causes and solutions
I had business cards printed with black background extending to the edge. After cutting, a small white edge appears on some cards. The file already had bleed. Where could the problem be?
Cleaning solution residue causes irregular print patterns
Has anyone ever had this happen during a test print Is this cleaning solution I'm wondering What might cause this, and I want to avoid it happening during an actual print
Color variability in brochure printing: causes and solutions
We received a print run of brochures and in some copies the images have a reddish cast while in others they are correct. The PDF sent is always the same. I would like to understand if the problem could be in the file or in the printing
Separate cut line in Illustrator: how to create it without printing it
I need to prepare die-cut stickers in Illustrator. I've created the artwork, but the printer asked me for a separate cut line and I'm not sure exactly how to prepare it without risking it being printed
Pure black K too gray in offset printing: how to intensify it
I need to print a brochure with large black backgrounds. I used 100% K black, but the print appears more gray and less intense than I expected. The black text looks fine though. How should I set up the backgrounds?
Transparencies and shadows in Illustrator: print problems and solutions
My Illustrator file contains graphics with transparencies and shadows. The PDF looks correct on my computer, but the print shop tells me that some transparencies print poorly. How can I prepare the file safely?
Misaligned double-sided brochure: causes and solutions
I'm printing a double-sided brochure and the back appears offset from the front by a few millimeters. I've checked the file and it seems aligned. What could be causing this?
Enlarging JPG files for large-format printing: quality loss
I need to print a large-format panel. The file I received is a fairly small JPG, and when I enlarge it, it seems to lose quality. Can I use it anyway or do I need to have it redone?
Low-Resolution Images in PDF Exported from InDesign
I prepared a catalog in InDesign and exported the PDF for the printer. The print service provider tells me that some images are low-resolution, but they look perfect in my file. How can I understand which images actually have a problem?
Horizontal streaks and color loss in printing: causes and solutions
Procolored L1800 printer. It worked perfectly and now prints like this. Do you have any suggestions on how to fix the problem?
UV lamp dimming during printing: aging and solution
We've been having many problems lately with the UV light turning off on its own or ruining the print after copying the same image 10 times without changing anything – how can you help me
Unreadable QR code after printing: causes and solutions
I have a file for a label with a QR code. After printing, the QR code reads poorly with my phone, but it works fine on the monitor. How can I figure out what the problem is?
Window decals: how to prepare the mirrored file
I need to prepare a decal to be applied on a storefront window from the inside, so it reads correctly from the outside. I don't know how to prepare the file for printing
Letter edge doubling in screen printing on t-shirts: causes and solutions
I am screen printing on t-shirts and on some prints the edges of letters appear slightly doubled. I would like to understand what can cause this and how I can avoid it.
Color variations in printed business cards: causes and checks
I received newly printed business cards and on some of them the logo color is very different compared to the others. I would like to understand what might have happened and what I need to check before having them reprinted
Frequently Asked Questions
How does GPX work?
You describe your problem in your own words, optionally attaching a file or photo. GPX analyzes it and looks for the solution among already-solved cases; if it's truly needed, it puts you in touch with a professional.
Do I need to register to use GPX?
No — you can describe your problem from "Tell us your problem" before even registering. An account is only needed to actually create the request and follow its status.
Are my files uploaded to GPX's servers?
At this stage, no: the files you attach are declared (name, type, size), not actually uploaded. You can still describe the problem in detail in the text.
Is the text of my problem shared with anyone?
An already-minimized version of the text may be sent to an external AI provider (Claude or OpenAI) for technical processing. We do not share your data for marketing purposes.
What are GPX Credits?
They are the unit used to count some operational services (such as a Print Imposition request in the Standard tier). At this Beta stage there is not yet a real way to purchase them online.
What's the difference between Simple Mode and Advanced Mode for Print Imposition?
Simple Mode (the default) lets you describe the job in your own words and tries to automatically fill in fields already clear from the text. Advanced Mode shows the full technical form, step by step instead — same engine, same result.
How do I know if my case needs a professional?
GPX's analysis (Judgment) decides this: if the data is sufficient and the solution is reliable, you get a direct answer; otherwise the case is routed to a professional or you're only asked for the information that's genuinely missing.