How to Speed Up the Printing Process and Get Your Order Sooner

When you're up against a deadline, every second counts—especially when you're waiting on printed materials. Whether it's business cards, brochures, or banners, the faster you get your print order, the sooner you can move on with your marketing or event plans.

Luckily, there are a few insider tricks to make sure your print job moves through production faster. While you can't control every part of the process, a few smart moves on your end can save you valuable time—and headaches.

Why Speed Matters in Printing

• Meet critical deadlines for launches, events, or promotions
• Avoid rush fees and unexpected delays
• Keep your brand running smoothly with less stress

1. Send Print-Ready Files Every Time

This might sound obvious, but it's a game-changer. A print-ready file means your design is properly sized, cropped, and formatted, with the right resolution and bleed settings. It’s essentially ready to hit the press the moment we receive it.

When files aren’t set up correctly, we’ll need to pause production to request edits—adding time you might not have. Taking a few minutes upfront to double-check file specs saves a lot more time later on.

If you’re not sure what a print-ready file looks like, feel free to reach out to us. We’re always happy to take a look before you hit “send.”

2. Be Clear and Communicate Early

If you have a firm deadline, don’t keep it a secret! The earlier you tell us your timeline, the better we can plan for it. Clear communication allows us to prioritize your job and let you know if rush options are needed.

Also, keep an eye on your inbox. If we have questions about your project or need clarification, quick responses can keep everything moving without a hitch.

The more we collaborate, the faster your prints can get out the door—and into your hands.

3. Stick to Standard Sizes

Custom sizes are great for standing out—but they also take more time. Choosing standard print dimensions can help your project move through production faster because the machines are already set up for those specs.

Standard sizes also use paper we stock regularly, which means we won’t have to special order materials. That saves not just days, but sometimes a full week.

If you're unsure what "standard" means for your type of project, we can guide you through your options with minimal hassle.

4. Select Common Paper Stocks

Paper choice isn’t just about texture or thickness—it can actually impact how fast your job prints. If you go with a paper we keep in stock, your project can start immediately.

Specialty papers may look great, but they often need to be ordered, and that alone can add days to your turnaround time. Some even require longer drying times or added finishing like lamination, which can delay delivery.

If time is tight, stick to popular, in-house options. Not sure what those are? Just ask us—we’ll help you find something quick and high-quality.

5. Choose Digital Over Offset Printing

Offset printing is amazing for large runs and high-detail work, but it does take more setup time. Digital printing, on the other hand, is fast, flexible, and perfect for smaller projects or tight timelines.

Digital presses don’t require plates, which means fewer steps and faster results. It's why digital printing is growing like crazy in the world of quick-turnaround advertising and marketing materials.

If you need quality and speed, digital printing is often the way to go. We’ll let you know if it’s the right fit for your project.

Let’s Make Your Next Print Project a Breeze

Print delays don’t have to be part of your workflow. By preparing your files correctly, keeping communication open, choosing standard options, and leveraging faster printing methods, you can take control of your timeline and meet your deadlines with confidence.

Still unsure about how to make it all work? Give us a call or send us a message. At CW Creative, we’re here to make the printing process as smooth—and as fast—as possible. Let’s get your project moving!