Kids' Party Printables FAQ

Hello and welcome to So Sweet DIY! Below is a list of frequently asked questions pertaining to the ordering, downloading and printing of our digital products. For further information, please check out our Ordering & Download Information, Digital Downloads Terms of Use and Printing Information guide.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

What is a printable?

Printables are digital files that you download and print from home (or at your local print/copy shop). Please note that no printed products or physical items of any kind will be shipped to you. Your purchase will include the digital download file(s) only.

What type of file will I receive?

Our printables are available in a non-editable PDF format only. Please note that we do not offer any additional types of file formats (JPEG, EPS, etc.). The PDF files will arrive in a compressed ZIP file.

What software do I need to open and print the PDF files?

You will need a PDF reader to open and print the files. We recommend Adobe Reader which can be downloaded for FREE at http://get.adobe.com/reader or www.adobe.com/reader. Be sure to open the files with Adobe Reader and NOT the default PDF viewer that came with your computer (eg. Preview is the default viewer on a Mac). If you use your default PDF viewer instead of Adobe Reader the colors may not display and print correctly.

How quickly will I receive my digital files?

Your files will be ready to download immediately after payment has been confirmed.

What additional supplies will I need?

You will require the basic equipment and supplies for downloading, viewing and printing the files. In addition to the free Adobe Reader software (as listed above), you will need a *computer, color inkjet printer, premium bright white cardstock and multipurpose paper (see Printing Information guide for paper selection tips), scissors and a variety of adhesives (for those products requiring cutting and assembly). Additional materials required (and optional trims) are listed in the downloadable Materials & Instructions Guide included with each Printable Party Kit purchase. (*Note: In some instances, there may be technical issues with link downloads when using mobile devices. For that reason, we recommend downloading the PDF files from a desktop or laptop computer).

What is the difference between your Printable Party Kits and Printable Sets?

Our Printable Party Kits are designed as an immersive crafting experience that include one (or more) Project Sheets (depending on the Kit purchased) and a full-color step-by-step Materials & Instructions Guide. Each Kit features inspirational photos, party tips, styling ideas and more! Our Printable Sets feature quick and easy Project Sheets that don’t require the more detailed step-by-step Materials & Instructions Guide offered with our Kits (such as coloring pages, activity sheets, party signs, prints, etc.). Since instructions are minimal, they are simply listed on the individual product order pages (under the Product Description tabs). You can mix-and-match the Printable Party Kits and Printable Sets to style a one-of-a-kind party celebration!

Do all products qualify for the “Bundle & Save” Party Package Deals? Do I need a special discount code?

Yes and no! You can mix-and-match any of our digital products to receive the Party Package Deals. You simply need to meet the minimum dollar amount to qualify for the specified savings. No discount code is required (the discount will automatically apply at check out). Our current Party Package Deals are as follows: Spend $40/Save 30%, Spend $30/Save 20% and Spend $20/Save 10%. However, these deals are subject to change at any time without notice.

Do I need to install any fonts?

No. The fonts used in our designs are embedded in the PDF files.

Can I share the digital files with my family and friends?

No. All PDF files are for YOUR PERSONAL USE ONLY and may not be copied, shared or distributed in any way even if no money is exchanged. Unauthorized file sharing is a violation of copyright law. Please refer to our Digital Downloads Terms of Use for further information regarding the Permitted Uses and Restrictions on Use.

Can I use the printables for commercial purposes?

No. File sharing, distribution and commercial use of our PDF files (and the printed materials from these files) is a violation of copyright law and is strictly prohibited. Please refer to our Digital Downloads Terms of Use for further information regarding the Permitted Uses and Restrictions on Use.

Can I change the colors, fonts or graphics in the PDF files?

No. All PDF files are sold “as is” and are password protected so you will not be able to make any alterations to the colors, text or graphics. Please note that it is a violation of copyright law to alter the digital products in any way.

PURCHASE & DOWNLOAD QUESTIONS

Can I purchase and download the digital products from a mobile device?

You can, however in some instances, there may be technical issues with link downloads when using mobile devices. For that reason, we recommend downloading the PDF files from a desktop or laptop computer.

What is the "Quick Buy" Option?

The "Quick Buy" option allows you to quickly add the product to the shopping cart directly from the collection page. It simply eliminates the extra step of going onto the product page. However, we recommend visiting the product pages for additional product details, styling tips, party ideas, etc.

How do I order and download my digital products?

Our Shopify store makes it super easy to purchase and download your party printables.

1. Once you’ve selected the products, just pop on over to the shopping cart and click on the “Check Out” button.

2. Enter your contact email, payment details and billing address information then click on the "Pay Now" button

3. This will take you to the Order Confirmation page where you will see your PDF products. Click on the “Download Now” buttons (or you can wait to download your products directly from the two emails that will be sent immediately after payment is confirmed).

4. The first email will confirm your purchase. To download your products, just click on the “View Your Order” button.

5. The second email titled “Your downloads are ready” gives you another opportunity to download your PDF products directly from the links in the body of the email.

How many times can I download the file?

We currently have a maximum download limit of 5 for each digital product order.`

How do I unzip my PDF file(s)?

The PDF files will be sent in a compressed ZIP file. It’s super easy to unzip the file:

MAC: Double-click the ZIP file. Then double-click the folder and/or files to open.

WINDOWS/PC: Double-click or right-click and select “Extract All”.

I’ve downloaded the file on my computer but can’t find it. What should I do?

First check your Downloads folder and/or junk/spam folder. You can also use the search function of your computer by typing in the title of the file.

PRINTING QUESTIONS & TROUBLESHOOTING

NOTE: Please refer to our Printing Information guide for additional troubleshooting tricks and paper selection tips.

Can I print the digital files using a professional printer or copy shop?

Yes, as long as the printed copies are for your personal, non-commercial use only subject to our Digital Downloads Terms of Use. Most professional printing services accept (and many prefer) files in PDF format. However, please note that we are unable to make changes to the PDF files or offer the files in additional formats (eg. JPEG or EPS) should your printer request different specifications.

How many times can I print the file?

You can print the file as many times as you wish for your personal, non-commercial use only subject to our Digital Downloads Terms of Use.

What type of paper should I use for the printables?

All of our printables are designed to be printed onto white paper. We generally recommend printing the Project Sheets onto a premium bright white cardstock (or cover stock). Multipurpose paper may be used for the printing of the Materials & Instructions Guide (included with each Printable Party Kit download). A lightweight, non-coated white cardstock (or a premium multipurpose paper) is a good choice for activity sheets and coloring pages.

Why do the product images appear brighter and more vibrant on screens than in print?

Printers and screens/monitors work in two different color spaces (CMYK vs. RGB). Digital screens (RGB) have a wider color range and emit light, which is why these backlit images appear brighter and more vibrant than what you see in print. On the other hand, printers use dyes and pigments (CMYK) that absorb light which is why printed colors are typically duller and less saturated. There are many additional factors that contribute to these color variations including monitor and printer calibration, printer settings, a screen’s brightness level and paper selection. It is also important to note that all PDF files are saved in CMYK format (standard for printing) so they will appear less vibrant on screens compared to these same images captured in RGB digital camera format. So for these reasons, color variations across different devices can be expected.

I’m having an issue with the quality of my printables. What should I do?

To ensure the best possible print quality, the printable Project Sheets are provided in high resolution (300 DPI) digital PDF format. However, if you are experiencing quality issues with your printer, make sure you have selected the highest/best quality setting and set your printer to the correct type of paper you are using (see Printing Information guide for important paper selection tips). Also ensure that you have opened the file and are printing from Adobe Reader and not the default PDF viewer that came with your computer (eg. Preview on a Mac).

Quality issues may also be a sign that your ink cartridges are low or that you need to run your “clean print cartridges” utility. If the printer settings, paper, or ink cartridges are not the issue, please refer to your printer instruction manual/user guide or visit your printer manufacturer’s website for any troubleshooting or technical support you may need. Please remember that you may also use the services of your local print/copy shop as long as the printed copies are for your personal, non-commercial use only subject to our Digital Downloads Terms of Use.

Why are my printables printing out smaller than they should?

All files should be printed at their actual size (ie. set Scale to 100% or select “Do Not Scale”). Please note that some printers by default may automatically print at a different scale depending on the margin settings that are selected. To override these default settings and print at the correct size, make sure the “Fit to Page” or “Scale to Fit”/“Stretch to Fit” box is NOT selected and choose the 8.5” X 11” BORDERLESS (or US LETTER BORDERLESS) print option. For some printer models, you can simply set your margins to “zero”. Each printer works differently, so it’s best to refer to your printer instruction manual/user guide to see what settings you may need to adjust.