Captain Cyan Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s a selection of questions we are often asked.
If you can’t find the answer to your question here just give us a call on 020 3005 4495, email [email protected], or use the Live Chat and we’ll be happy to help.
Poster Sizes
What will happen if my image isn’t the right size for the size I ordered?
Your poster will be scaled to best fit the page size you ordered. If the artwork you supply isn't the exact dimensions of the size order, it may result in posters being either narrower or shorter than the actual size you ordered, so please ensure that your artwork is the correct size if this is critical.
What’s the largest size poster you can print?
We offer all A-sizes from A4 to A0, but we can also print custom sizes up to 1.5m wide, and up to 30m in length.
For a tailored quote, please contact us directly via email to [email protected]
What file type should I provide my artwork in?
Your files should be uploaded as either PDF, TIFF or JPEG.
Virtually all popular desktop publishing, photo editing software, and presentation tools will export to one of these formats.
Always select the highest quality possible, so that the finished result will be of the highest possible quality.
Why can’t I upload my file as a PowerPoint file?
Sorry, we can't accept PowerPoint files as text and images within original PowerPoint files can look different on our system, so they aren't suitable to be printed from.
If you are unable to save your document as a PDF in Microsoft Office 2007, instructions from Microsoft on enabling this feature are available here.
If you have Microsoft Office 2003 or below, further information on saving files as a PDF can be found here.
Do I need to add bleed or crop marks to my poster?
No, we do not require files to have either bleed or crop marks. However, it isn’t an issue if your poster does have either.
Will you alter my artwork?
No, we will print your artwork exactly as it is submitted. Without cropping or stretching your artwork, it will be scaled to best fit the size of print you have ordered. Please note that crop and bleed, if added, will be removed.
Do you print flyers, business cards or leaflets?
Yes, we can also print a large range of small format print, including business cards, flyers and leaflets. For a quote for this, please email the order specifications to [email protected]
How do I order a custom size online?
You can do this by selecting the A-size that your custom size fits within. For example, if you're ordering a 50cm x 70cm print, this would be within A1 dimensions so you'd need to choose A1 size.
Please make sure to leave a note in the 'customer notes' section with your requested print size, otherwise the file will be automatically scaled up to fit the A-size selected.
You'll also need to ensure your artwork is the correct size or aspect ratio for your custom size.
If you're unsure what A-size to select, or if it's larger than an A0 (1189mm x 841mm), please contact us via LiveChat or email [email protected] and we can take your order via email.
Paper Types & Finishes
What type of paper will you print my poster on?
You will be able to choose the best type for you from our comprehensive list of paper finishes when you place your order. We have several different types of paper finishes.
For more information, please see our Paper Types section. If you are still unsure on which paper type is best for you, please contact us.
Do you offer a laminating service?
At present, we are unable to offer you a laminating service.
Can you print double sided posters?
We are unable to offer same day turnaround on double sided printing, however it is something we can do for large quantity orders with an extended turnaround time. For double sided printing quotes, please contact us directly.
Can you mount my poster?
Yes, we offer a mounting service. Posters are mounted onto either 5mm foam board or 3mm foamex and this service is available in sizes A4, A3, A2, A1 and A0. For more information, please see our Mounted Posters section.
Will I be able to write on my poster?
The Standard and Premium satin finish is unsuitable for writing on. However, you will be fine to write on the standard and premium matte along with the plain paper.
Is your paper suitable for outdoor use?
We offer a special outdoor paper for external use which is suitable. However, we would not recommend putting any of the other paper types outside for any length of time or in wet conditions.
Ordering Process
Can I supply my artwork on a USB stick and wait in the shop whilst it’s printed?
Whilst you are welcome to come in place your order and bring the artwork on a USB stick, we do advise ordering online or via email for the fastest turnaround time.
Can you print my order on the spot?
We are not able to offer printing whilst you wait, as we can't guarantee that we will have space in the print queue. Our waiting facilities are very limited and therefore, for the quickest turnaround time, we advise that you submit your order online and wait for our email stating that your order is ready for collection, before you come to collect.
I can’t upload my artwork onto your website - why?
It might be that your file is too big to upload via our website. Please refresh your browser and try again. If the problem persists, please call or email us.
Am I able to upload more than one file?
Yes you can. On our 'Order Now' page, select your product, upload your first file and choose your finishing options such as size and paper choice.
You'll then just need to repeat the process for each file you wish to upload.
Do you offer discounts to recurring customers?
We offer a print fulfilment service to customers, offering tiered loyalty discounts based on a cumulative monthly spend. If you are a regular customer (i.e weekly orders over a 3+ month period), please feel free to contact us to discuss this with one of our team.
Collection
I have an order to collect - how do I find your studio?
Please see our contact us page for directions to our central London printing studio.
Please note, we are in the congestion charge zone and we do not have parking facilities available.
How will I know when my order is ready for collection?
You will receive an email once your order is ready for collection. Orders are usually completed between 1-6pm, but don't worry if it's not ready by 6pm, we won't close the shop until your order is finished!
Can I collect outside of opening hours?
Yes, you can collect outside of opening hours, but you'll need to get in touch with our team to make arrangements for this.
Delivery
How long does standard delivery take?
Orders placed with free standard delivery will be dispatched by the Royal Mail 48 service and will generally arrive within 5 working days from order despatch.
Please note that this service is not tracked, so for orders required by a specific date, we highly recommend next day delivery or collection where possible.
Can you deliver outside of the UK?
Yes, we can deliver Internationally too. More information can be found here: https://captaincyan.com/delivery
What will happen if my image isn’t the right size for the size I ordered?
Your poster will be scaled to best fit the page size you ordered. If the artwork you supply isn't the exact dimensions of the size order, it may result in posters being either narrower or shorter than the actual size you ordered, so please ensure that your artwork is the correct size if this is critical.
What’s the largest size poster you can print?
We offer all A-sizes from A4 to A0, but we can also print custom sizes up to 1.5m wide, and up to 30m in length.
For a tailored quote, please contact us directly via email to [email protected]
What file type should I provide my artwork in?
Your files should be uploaded as either PDF, TIFF or JPEG.
Virtually all popular desktop publishing, photo editing software, and presentation tools will export to one of these formats.
Always select the highest quality possible, so that the finished result will be of the highest possible quality.
Why can’t I upload my file as a PowerPoint file?
Sorry, we can't accept PowerPoint files as text and images within original PowerPoint files can look different on our system, so they aren't suitable to be printed from.
If you are unable to save your document as a PDF in Microsoft Office 2007, instructions from Microsoft on enabling this feature are available here.
If you have Microsoft Office 2003 or below, further information on saving files as a PDF can be found here.
Do I need to add bleed or crop marks to my poster?
No, we do not require files to have either bleed or crop marks. However, it isn’t an issue if your poster does have either.
Will you alter my artwork?
No, we will print your artwork exactly as it is submitted. Without cropping or stretching your artwork, it will be scaled to best fit the size of print you have ordered. Please note that crop and bleed, if added, will be removed.
Do you print flyers, business cards or leaflets?
Yes, we can also print a large range of small format print, including business cards, flyers and leaflets. For a quote for this, please email the order specifications to [email protected]
How do I order a custom size online?
You can do this by selecting the A-size that your custom size fits within. For example, if you're ordering a 50cm x 70cm print, this would be within A1 dimensions so you'd need to choose A1 size.
Please make sure to leave a note in the 'customer notes' section with your requested print size, otherwise the file will be automatically scaled up to fit the A-size selected.
You'll also need to ensure your artwork is the correct size or aspect ratio for your custom size.
If you're unsure what A-size to select, or if it's larger than an A0 (1189mm x 841mm), please contact us via LiveChat or email [email protected] and we can take your order via email.
What type of paper will you print my poster on?
You will be able to choose the best type for you from our comprehensive list of paper finishes when you place your order. We have several different types of paper finishes.
For more information, please see our Paper Types section. If you are still unsure on which paper type is best for you, please contact us.
Do you offer a laminating service?
At present, we are unable to offer you a laminating service.
Can you print double sided posters?
We are unable to offer same day turnaround on double sided printing, however it is something we can do for large quantity orders with an extended turnaround time. For double sided printing quotes, please contact us directly.
Can you mount my poster?
Yes, we offer a mounting service. Posters are mounted onto either 5mm foam board or 3mm foamex and this service is available in sizes A4, A3, A2, A1 and A0. For more information, please see our Mounted Posters section.
Will I be able to write on my poster?
The Standard and Premium satin finish is unsuitable for writing on. However, you will be fine to write on the standard and premium matte along with the plain paper.
Is your paper suitable for outdoor use?
We offer a special outdoor paper for external use which is suitable. However, we would not recommend putting any of the other paper types outside for any length of time or in wet conditions.
Can I supply my artwork on a USB stick and wait in the shop whilst it’s printed?
Whilst you are welcome to come in place your order and bring the artwork on a USB stick, we do advise ordering online or via email for the fastest turnaround time.
Can you print my order on the spot?
We are not able to offer printing whilst you wait, as we can't guarantee that we will have space in the print queue. Our waiting facilities are very limited and therefore, for the quickest turnaround time, we advise that you submit your order online and wait for our email stating that your order is ready for collection, before you come to collect.
I can’t upload my artwork onto your website - why?
It might be that your file is too big to upload via our website. Please refresh your browser and try again. If the problem persists, please call or email us.
Am I able to upload more than one file?
Yes you can. On our 'Order Now' page, select your product, upload your first file and choose your finishing options such as size and paper choice.
You'll then just need to repeat the process for each file you wish to upload.
Do you offer discounts to recurring customers?
We offer a print fulfilment service to customers, offering tiered loyalty discounts based on a cumulative monthly spend. If you are a regular customer (i.e weekly orders over a 3+ month period), please feel free to contact us to discuss this with one of our team.
I have an order to collect - how do I find your studio?
Please see our contact us page for directions to our central London printing studio.
Please note, we are in the congestion charge zone and we do not have parking facilities available.
How will I know when my order is ready for collection?
You will receive an email once your order is ready for collection. Orders are usually completed between 1-6pm, but don't worry if it's not ready by 6pm, we won't close the shop until your order is finished!
Can I collect outside of opening hours?
Yes, you can collect outside of opening hours, but you'll need to get in touch with our team to make arrangements for this.
How long does standard delivery take?
Orders placed with free standard delivery will be dispatched by the Royal Mail 48 service and will generally arrive within 5 working days from order despatch.
Please note that this service is not tracked, so for orders required by a specific date, we highly recommend next day delivery or collection where possible.
Can you deliver outside of the UK?
Yes, we can deliver Internationally too. More information can be found here: https://captaincyan.com/delivery