
Frequently asked questions - FAQ
Inhalt:
- 1. information on the image file
- 2. information about our products
- 3 Payment and shipping costs
- 4 Delivery of the ordered products
- 5 Information about my order and my user account
- 6 Complaints
- 7 General information
- 8. bank coordinates
1. information on the image file
1.1 Which image file can I upload?
Various file formats can be processed at printolino. The following file formats are suitable for producing your image: .jpeg, .jpg, .tiff, .tif, .png, .gif
1.2 What resolution does my image need to have in order to achieve a good print result?
Basically, we need at least 72 dpi (72 dots per inch = 30 dots per cm), i.e. 72 pixels per inch, where an inch is 2.54 cm. You can also upload images with a higher resolution, e.g. 300 dpi. This resolution is sufficient for digital printing, a higher resolution than 300 dpi does not produce a visible and better print result. Some of the canvas pictures in our exhibition (up to 4 metres in length) were even produced with only 120 dpi - and in a unique and astonishing quality. See for yourself!
At printolino, all formats that are still in the >72 dpi range are displayed in green. Experience has shown that an image in these formats can be printed in perfect resolution.
An example: With a 6 MP (megapixel) camera, for example, we have an aspect ratio of 3000 x 2000 pixels. If you now convert this to the optimum resolution, i.e. 3000 (pixels - dots) : 30 (dpcm), this results in an image of 100 x 66.6 cm with the same aspect ratio, which still has 72 dpi, i.e. a sufficient image size.
If there are few pixels, your image will appear pixelated. Even with interpolation (extrapolation), you will unfortunately not get a better image result, as there are simply too few pixels (pixels) to achieve a satisfactory quality.
To obtain a good image result despite this, please select a smaller format.
Please note that even with a good resolution, the image may appear somewhat grainy or blurred. This happens, for example, if you did not have a steady hand when taking the photo. In this case, the resolution is still perfect, but the quality of the image may be slightly blurred. However, as we check the image data before each print, we will contact you if the image result is unsatisfactory.
1.3 What colour space must my image file have?
Your image can be saved in both RGB and CMYK colour spaces, as our RIP software can process all common colour spaces. The data is not automatically converted, but printed in the colour space in which you provide us with your data. Our 12-colour printers print in both RGB and CMYK. We also take colour spaces such as sRGB, AdobeRGB, eciRGBV2, GreyGamma2.2, ... into consideration and print them in the corresponding colour spaces.
We recommend that you create the data in RGB, as we work much more frequently with this colour space and it can reproduce many more colours. As only three colour channels have to be saved with RGB (red, green, blue), you also have a smaller amount of data and the upload is even faster.
2. information about our products
2.1 Are the products waterproof?
Unless otherwise stated, the posters, adhesive posters, canvas pictures, acrylic glass pictures and pictures on Alu-Dibond and Forex produced by us are intended exclusively for hanging indoors and are not waterproof, as they are printed with water-based inks. However, the laminated pictures (on Alu-Dibond and Forex) and acrylic glass pictures are splash-proof. They are therefore suitable to a limited extent for protected, dry outdoor areas.
2.2 How light-resistant are the posters and canvas prints?
Our products are more light-resistant than prints made with conventional printers for private use. According to our suppliers, you can assume a light resistance of approx. 100 years under normal sunlight.
2.3 Laminating the products
For pictures that are mounted on Alu-Dibond or Forex or for certain poster papers, it is possible to laminate the pictures. You will find this under the Poster, Dibond and Forex products.
The laminate protects your image from moisture, UV light, dirt and scratches. The laminate gives your product a higher quality, increases its lifespan and improves the image effect. The matt laminate also reduces annoying reflections. It is also possible to gently clean the laminated image (e.g. fingerprints or splashes).
We always recommend a matt protective laminate for images that are intended for long-term and not just temporary use.
2.4 Cutting and tolerances of posters, adhesive posters and flat canvas prints
You will always receive your posters and adhesive posters cut to the edge of the image. Each picture is cut exactly as it was ordered. If you order your picture with an additional white border, the picture will of course be cut with the border allowance.
We always work as precisely as possible, but cannot guarantee absolute dimensional accuracy. Our posters are cut by hand, which can lead to production tolerances of up to 2 millimetres per edge. For very large prints, the tolerance may be slightly higher.
If you order your canvas picture unstretched, it will automatically be delivered with an additional 5 cm white border around each edge. This allows you to mount the canvas picture on a frame yourself.
2.5 Edge trimming and tolerances for laminated products (acrylic glass picture, picture on aluminium dibond & Forex)
For mounted (laminated) products, the images are printed 5 mm larger than the ordered format on each side as standard. This enables us to ensure that your image is cut cleanly to the edge and can therefore be produced within a tolerance range of +/- 3 mm (per side).
Of course, we take account of image-specific content at the edge of the image so that important image content is not lost.
It is best if you create your image file one centimetre larger so that you can see for yourself which areas will be cut away. For example, for a 60 x 40 cm image, create your own 61 x 41 cm file in Photoshop. This can play a decisive role, especially with panorama formats.
2.6 How do I clean my products?
Please never clean images with a rough cloth. Permanent scratches or shiny spots may occur. If the pictures have a little dust on them, you can clean them gently with a dry, dust-free feather duster. Please never clean with a damp cloth! The ink is not waterproof.
Acrylic pictures and laminated pictures on Alu-Dibond and Forex can be gently cleaned on the front with a damp microfibre cloth. Make sure that the sides of the picture do not get too damp, as water can penetrate the sides of the picture and damage it. Please do not use glass cleaning products or other harsh cleaning agents, but clean your picture with water and, if necessary, a mild soap.
2.7 Instructions for handling and caring for your canvas picture
Unpack this high-quality canvas picture carefully. Touching it directly can leave shiny spots, especially on dark areas of the picture. We recommend wearing fine cotton gloves.
Avoid locations where the picture is exposed to direct sunlight.
Never clean this canvas picture with a cloth. Permanent scratch marks may occur. Commercially available feather dusters are suitable for removing dust.
The printing colours of this canvas picture do not contain any solvents and are not waterproof. Moisture and splashing water can impair the colour quality. Avoid outdoor locations and damp rooms.
If the canvas loses tension over time, the wedges on the back of the picture can be lightly tapped further into the corners with a small hammer. This will tighten the canvas again.
2.8 Instructions for handling and caring for your picture on Alu-Dibond or Forex
Unpack this high-quality product carefully. Caution: Pictures on Alu-Dibond can have sharp edges, Forex can be easily dented.
Avoid locations where pictures are exposed to direct sunlight. Your picture will only last longer in direct sunlight with UV protection lamination.
Avoid outdoor areas and damp rooms if your picture is not laminated. Without lamination, use should be restricted to indoor areas; the pictures are not splash-proof. With laminated pictures, penetrating moisture can impair the colour quality and damage the picture.
Laminated products can be cleaned gently with lukewarm water (possibly mild soap). Use a soft, damp cloth and only clean the front of the image with a damp cloth, as moisture penetrating the sides can damage your image.
Avoid picture locations with high temperature fluctuations and draughts. This can lead to a visible change in the picture, e.g. white spots on the edges.
2.9 Instructions for handling and caring for your acrylic glass picture
Unpack this high-quality acrylic glass picture carefully. The acrylic glass is very sensitive and can be scratched by sharp or angular objects.
Avoid locations where the picture is exposed to direct sunlight as well as outdoor areas and damp rooms. Penetrating moisture can impair the colour quality and damage the picture.
Clean the acrylic glass picture gently with lukewarm water (possibly with mild soap). It is best to use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth or chamois leather. The picture should never be rubbed dry or cleaned with harsh cleaning agents. Only clean the front of the picture with a damp cloth, as moisture penetrating the sides can damage your picture.
Slight scratches and scuff marks can be removed with polishing cream available from specialised dealers. To do this, work the surface with a cotton cloth and the cream in small overlapping circles. Then carefully wash off the polish with soap and water.
3 Payment and shipping costs
3.1 What payment options are available?
At printolino you always pay for your pictures by invoice within 20 days. However, we reserve the right to request a down payment or prepayment for larger orders or if we have a corresponding credit rating.
3.2 What are the shipping costs?
You can choose the most suitable shipping option for you. The actual shipping costs are displayed directly in the shopping basket.
If you collect your order from our studio in Root D4, you will pay CHF 4.90 for collection with protective packaging. This is due to space and damage reasons. However, you have the option of returning the packaging in undamaged condition and the costs will be refunded on presentation of the order.
4 Delivery of the ordered products
4.1 How are the pictures sent?
All products are packaged with the best possible protection, padding and sturdy cardboard. Flat products (posters, adhesive posters, flat canvas prints) are packed in sturdy roll packaging or Hahnemühle media in flat packaging, depending on their size. All packaging is customised in accordance with the regulations of Swiss Post, our shipping partner. If you expressly require flat packaging, please let us know using the comments field in the order. This may result in additional costs.
4.2 What delivery options does printolino offer?
All our products are delivered by A Mail with a tracking code.
Images from a girth of 4 metres (length + circumference) or from a length of 2.5 metres are sent by Swiss Post courier service. The total length including packaging applies to the dimensions.
Printolino offers you the option of collecting your products directly on site in Root D4. This saves you the shipping costs and you only pay for the protective packaging.
4.3 What delivery time should I expect?
The delivery time for canvas pictures and mounted products (acrylic glass picture, photo on aluminium dibond or forex) depends on current stock levels. The delivery time for customised formats is generally longer than for standard formats, as the corresponding materials first have to be produced individually.
However, the exact delivery time will be displayed directly during the ordering process.
The delivery time is estimated and calculated in working days. This means that if a fixed delivery date has not been agreed, the delivery time may take a little longer in exceptional cases. However, experience has shown that you will always receive your products within the specified delivery time.
4.4 How long does the delivery time take for orders of several or different items?
In the case of mixed orders, we normally deliver all products together. The product with the longest production time therefore determines the delivery time.
5 Information about my order and my user account
5.1 I cannot log in. What can I do?
At printolino you must always log in with your user name and not your e-mail address. This is the most common error.
If you have forgotten your user name, click on Forgotten login details. Your details will be sent to you by e-mail.
If this does not work, please contact us. We will be happy to help you.
5.2 How can I change my user details?
You must be logged in to be able to change your user data. Go to your customer profile. There you can make any changes you wish.
5.3 I have forgotten my user name
Click on Forgotten login details. Your username and password will be sent to you by e-mail.
If this does not work, please contact us by telephone on 041 541 92 92 or by e-mail at info@printolino.ch. We will be happy to help you.
5.4 I have forgotten my password
You can click directly on "Forgotten password" when you log in. After entering your e-mail address, you will then receive an e-mail with your login details. If you do not receive the e-mail, please also check your spam folder, because depending on how you have set your spam settings, the e-mail may have ended up there. If you have definitely not received the e-mail, please contact us. We will be happy to help you.
5.5 How can I see my order status?
If you are logged in, you can click on "My account" in your customer profile. There you can see all your orders with their current status.
5.6 Can I cancel or change my order?
Once your order has been accepted, it is generally no longer possible to cancel or change the order or parts of it. This is because the production of your image has already started.
In urgent cases, please contact us by telephone on 041 541 92 92 or by e-mail at info@printolino.ch. We can then see whether we can still stop production or make changes to the order.
As long as the order has not yet been finalised, it is still possible to change the billing and delivery address.
5.7 Can I enter a delivery address that differs from the invoice?
Yes, this is possible. You can enter the billing address, delivery address, any copies of the invoice and other comments etc.
5.8 Where can I enter my discount code/voucher code?
You can enter your voucher code directly in the shopping basket. The voucher amount will be deducted from the total amount immediately.
5.9 What happens to my data?
We only store your address data and the other customer details in your profile for order processing and, if desired, for Printolino newsletters or mailings. Your image files are archived internally to enable you to place any repeat orders. Your data will not be passed on to third parties without your knowledge and consent. All data is stored on a secure printolino server in Switzerland. Please also note our data protection guidelines on this subject.
5.10 Is there a right of cancellation?
As Printolino products are exclusively customised, a right of withdrawal is excluded in all cases.
6 Complaints
6.1 What should I do if my parcel and product arrive damaged?
All our packaging has been checked by the post office in Bern and found to be good and adequately protected. Unfortunately, there are still a very small number of consignments that arrive damaged at the customer's address due to the post office. We are sorry when customers receive parcels with damaged contents.
If a case of damage has occurred, the following procedure must be followed.
A) What to do if a parcel arrives damaged?
1. show the damaged consignment to your local post office.
According to Swiss Post, every recipient has the right or obligation to report damage to the post office responsible for them within 8 days.
You can find the post office responsible for you under the following link à https://places.post.ch/?lang=de
You should take the entire order with you, including the consignment number:
- Contents of the consignment (photos may be sufficient for very large bulky goods consignments, but please clarify this with the post office in advance)
- Packaging including postage with 18-digit consignment number. This is usually affixed to the red document envelope containing your delivery note.
- All existing delivery documents (invoice, delivery note, etc.)
As a rule, Swiss Post draws up a damage report and at the same time checks the claim for compensation. If Swiss Post accepts the claimed consignment as a case of damage, we will receive the damage report together with a cost credit note. As soon as we have received the damage report and the confirmation of costs, we can begin with the production of the replacement delivery.
2. inform us of the damage
After visiting your local post office, call us or send us an e-mail to info@printolino.ch and inform us of the damage together with a photo of the damage report from the post office.
B) Is the damage already recognisable when the parcel is handed over?
If you notice the damage when the parcel is handed over, you can refuse to accept the goods and write a note on the parcel. However, this is only possible if the parcel is handed over in person by a Swiss Post delivery agent.
C) Damage with customer-defined delivery (deposit, delivery to neighbour or floor delivery)
If you have controlled your delivery by means of a service offered, such as deposit, delivery to neighbour or floor delivery, Swiss Post and Printolino reserve the right to withdraw from your contract and refuse liability for the damaged parcel.
6.2 Why does my product look pixelated?
You have probably selected an image with too low a resolution for a format that is too large. Please note our colour-coded recommendations when selecting the format. You should not select the formats marked in red and orange if you want to avoid the "pixelated" impression.
Please also note point 1.2 - What resolution must my image have to achieve a good print result?
6.3 Why do the colours look different than on my monitor?
Every monitor and every printer has different settings for colour, contrast and brightness. To ensure that the colours on the monitor and the print match, it is necessary to calibrate the monitor. However, most monitors are not calibrated correctly or are not regularly readjusted and therefore the colours are not identical to a Printolino print. This is because at Printolino, monitors and printers are calibrated and the carrier media (paper, canvas, etc.) are individually profiled for each printer. This is the only way we can guarantee that the print result matches the original file in terms of colour. When printing, we therefore receive exactly the colours that can be seen on our calibrated monitors.
Experience has shown that most screens tend to be set too bright, which means that the print result will be darker than you see on your screen. Other common causes of a deviating print result are incorrect calibration or poorly set hardware.
If you would like to find out more about colour management, you will find a very good, competent and free source of information at www.cleverprinting.de.
If you are interested in the calibration of the monitor, please also read point 7.2 - How can I calibrate my monitor.
7 General information
7.1 How binding are colours?
printolino produces very high-quality prints using its own colour management system integrated into the production process. We achieve these results thanks to the use of state-of-the-art technologies and consistent quality controls. We permanently readjust monitors and output devices (plotters) and print with our own icc profiles, which we have created especially for our high-quality print media. Our colour management processes enable us to print your images exactly according to the original file and thus guarantee optimum colour accuracy.
Nevertheless, depending on the light source and viewer, colours can give the appearance of a "colour cast". This effect is known as metamerism. However, when viewed under standard light, the printed colours correspond exactly to the supplied print file.
7.2 How can I calibrate my monitor?
There are professional calibration devices for monitors and printers with which you can adjust your devices, e.g. Eye One (only for the monitor) or Spyder5. There are also various online instructions for software and hardware calibration (e.g. from Adobe, Microsoft, ...)
We generally recommend the following basic settings for monitors:
Colour temperature 6500° K (= standard light D65, corresponds approximately to daylight)
Gamma value 2.2
Monitor brightness: 120 - 150 candela/m2, laptop monitors 90 candela/m2
For a small fee, you can hire our portable, comprehensive Spyder5 Studio calibration tool. Please contact us by telephone on 041 541 92 92 or by e-mail at info@printolino.ch.
7.3 What is the difference between RGB and CMYK?
Basically, you can say that RGB is the colour space for digital images and CMYK is the colour space for printing.
The RGB colour space is made up of the colours red, green and blue. Every digital image is based on these physical primary colours. RGB colours are also referred to as the additive colour model. This means that more colours result in an increasingly brighter image. All three colours with 100% colour application each result in white.
The colours cyan, magenta and yellow as well as black (key colour) make up the CMYK colour space. This colour model is in contrast to the RGB model. With CMYK, the four basic colours are mixed together, so the image result is always darker. If all four colours are mixed together with 100% colour application, the result is black. This is also referred to as the subtractive colour model.
Theoretically, the RGB colour space produces approx. 16.8 million colour nuances. The CMYK colour space, on the other hand, has over 4 billion colours. Unfortunately, with CMYK it is not possible to actually display all colours on the screen and on paper, which is why the actual colour space is smaller than the RGB colour space.
7.4 Quality control
All products manufactured by us undergo standardised production processes designed for high quality in our largely automated production facilities. Before dispatch, each product is subjected to a final inspection and then carefully packaged. We can therefore ensure that every product leaves our premises in perfect condition.
7.5 Where are the products manufactured?
The products are produced exclusively in our production facility in Root D4 using meticulous manual labour. We source the canvas, paper, stretcher frame wood and other materials mainly from Swiss suppliers.
7.6 How do I get to printolino and the exhibition?
Would you like to experience our products up close? Then visit us at our production facility in the Technopark Lucerne in Root D4 and marvel at our impressive exhibition with many large-format pictures. To arrange a viewing appointment, please contact us in advance on 041 541 92 92 or by e-mail at info@printolino.ch.
We are located in the Technopark Lucerne in 6039, Root D4. We have excellent transport links thanks to the A4/A14 motorway junction and regular public transport connections (bus/train) and our own Root D4 railway station.
On foot: Just two minutes from Root D4 railway station or from the D4 Oberfeld bus stop.
By train: Every half hour from Zurich, Bern, Basel, Geneva and Lucerne. Change to the S-Bahn (S1) in Lucerne, Zug or Rotkreuz and get off at the Root D4 stop.
By bus: From Lucerne main station every quarter of an hour: Take line 1 (to Ebikon) and 23, direction Gisikon to the D4 Oberfeld stop (journey time approx. 20 minutes)
By car: Motorway A14 Lucerne-Zurich, exit 3 Buchrain-Ebikon direction Root D4, 1.3 kilometres on the main road to Root D4 or motorway A14 Zurich-Lucerne, exit 4 Gisikon-Root direction Lucerne, 3 kilometres on the cantonal road to Root D4. Car parking spaces are available.
7.7 Can I order samples from printolino?
Yes, of course. On request, we will be happy to send you our sample fan with all papers, adhesive posters and canvas samples. You can also see one sample each with matt and glossy laminate in the sample bundle.
We can also send you samples of our three different adhesive posters for adhesive and adhesion tests.
We will be happy to provide you with further product samples on request.
If you wish, you are also welcome to visit us in our studio. We can show you our products and our exhibition with many large-format pictures. To arrange a viewing appointment, please contact us in advance on 041 541 92 92 or by e-mail at info@printolino.ch. We look forward to seeing you.
8. bank coordinates
8.1 Bank coordinates for paying an invoice.
If you are unable to pay using the QR payment slip, you can transfer the amount to the following account.
Zuger Kantonalbank / 6330 Cham
IBAN: CH79 0078 7007 7091 3430 1
QR-IBAN: CH04 3078 7007 7091 3430 1
printolino GmbH-Technopark Luzern/ Platz 4 6039 Root D4
BIC (Swift): KBZGCH22XXX
Bank clearing no.: 00787
Account number: 7709134301
Please ensure that you quote the invoice number as a reference.
Your advantages with printolino
- Clear product designer
- Choice of custom & standard sizes
- High-end quality data printing
- Professional data control
- 12-color printing process with pigment ink for long color fastness
- Odorless & environmentally friendly ink
- Professional and personalized advice
- Swiss quality work
Payment and shipping
We offer the following payment methods:

All products are sent by Swiss Post. The shipping costs are indicated directly in the basket.
You can pick-up your image at our studio in Root D4.