Our services & how to use the site

2.1 Accepted files for quality printing

At Xtra Copy, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality printing.

• Standard document printing: files must be provided in PDF format only.
• Flyers: PDF files are recommended, but high-resolution JPG/PNG images are also accepted.
• Plans & large formats: for technical plans, PDF is recommended; for posters, large format prints or photos, you can send a PDF or a high-resolution JPG/PNG image.

The maximum size for each file is 450 MB. Beyond this, the upload may fail.

Files created with office software (Microsoft Office or open-source alternatives) may change layout depending on the computer. To avoid these issues and ensure the output matches what you see on screen, always convert your documents to PDF before sending, especially for standard printing.

2.2 Quality & resolution

• For flyers, posters and graphic visuals, a resolution of 300 dpi is strongly recommended.
• Avoid blurry images or images downloaded at small sizes from the Internet.
• Check that text is legible by zooming to 100% on your screen.

2.3 Margins, edges and bleed

• Avoid placing text too close to the edges, as it risks being slightly cut during trimming.
• If your visual extends to the edge of the paper, include a small bleed (a few millimetres around the edge).
• Colours may vary slightly from what you see on screen, which is normal in printing.

2.4 File size and weight

• Technical limit: 450 MB per file.
• If your file is very large, consider using a PDF compression tool.
• A lighter file will upload faster and be simpler for us to process.

4.1 Standard document printing

This service is suitable for all your everyday documents: schoolwork, administrative files, reports, presentations, contracts, etc.

For standard printing, files must be provided in PDF format only. This guarantees a stable layout and output that matches what you see on screen.

When to use standard printing?

• You have a multi-page PDF (dissertation, thesis, report…).
• You simply want clean, well-aligned copies.
• You need a few copies or larger volumes.

Print type

• Colour printing
• Black and white printing

Layout

• Single-sided: one printed side per sheet
• Double-sided: two printed sides per sheet

Number of slides per page (useful for presentations)

• 1 slide per page
• 2 slides per page
• 4 slides per page

Sheet format

• A4 format (standard)
• A3 format (larger, useful for certain layouts)

Pricing & copy subscriptions

Pricing is tiered: the more you print, the lower the unit cost. For even greater savings, you can use copy subscriptions.

A subscription works like a copy credit usable for standard printing. The calculation basis is simple:

• 1 subscription unit = 1 A4 copy (in the chosen subscription type, e.g. Black & White).
• Larger formats, such as A3, use more credits (for example: one A3 may count as 2 A4 copies).
• Your subscription credits are deducted automatically when ordering, based on the number of copies and options chosen.
• If the subscription balance is insufficient, the remaining amount is simply charged at the standard rate.

Subscriptions are particularly worthwhile for students, schools, associations and professionals who print regularly.

4.2 Advertising flyers

Flyers are perfect for promoting an event, a business, an association or a special offer. They are designed to be handed out in person or left in high-footfall locations.

When to choose flyers?

• Evening, concert, festival or open-day announcement.
• Advertising distribution in a neighbourhood or town.
• Communicating a promotion or a new offer.

Preparing your flyer file

• Common formats: A5, A6, DL.
• File in PDF or JPG/PNG image at high resolution (300 dpi).
• Short, legible text: who, what, where, when, contact.
• If the visual extends to the edge, include a small bleed.

Typical options for flyers

• Single-sided or double-sided printing.
• Standard or thicker paper for a premium finish.
• High-quality colour printing.
• Small or large quantities as needed.

How to order flyers on the site?

• Go to the menu and choose the section dedicated to flyers/visuals.
• Add your PDF or image file.
• Choose format, paper, colour and quantity.
• Add to cart and finalise the order.

4.3 Plans & large formats

The Plans & large formats service is designed for architects, architecture students, engineering firms, construction sites, as well as any large format printing needs: event posters, presentation visuals, large format photos, etc.

When to use the plans & large formats service?

• House, building or renovation plans.
• Construction site plans, technical diagrams, installation plans.
• Posters for an exhibition, architecture jury, stand or presentation.
• Large format photos to display on a wall or in a room.
• Any document that becomes unreadable or hard to read in A4/A3 format.

Formats and files

• Common formats: A2, A1, A0 (other formats possible depending on the file).
• For technical plans: file recommended in PDF to preserve scale and dimensions.
• For posters / photos: PDF or JPG/PNG image at high resolution (300 dpi recommended).

Options for large formats

• Black & White (standard) or Colour printing.
• Standard or thicker paper depending on use (technical, decorative, exhibition…).
• Rolled plans (tube) or folded (practical for construction sites or transport).
• Choice of number of copies (one or several sets of plans / posters).

How to order your plans or large format posters?

• Go to the section dedicated to plans / large formats.
• Upload your file (PDF for plans, PDF or high-resolution image for posters / photos).
• Choose the format, print type, paper and quantity.
• Add to cart and finalise the order.

4.4 Binding, finishing & protection

To give your documents a more professional and practical look, you can add various finishing options when ordering.

Perforation

Perforation is ideal if you want to file your documents directly in a binder.

• Two holes (2-ring binders).
• Four holes (4-ring binders).

Stapling

Stapling is practical for small files, handouts or a few pages to keep together.

• One staple (corner of the document).
• Two staples on the edge (folder style).

Technical limit: a stapled document can contain a maximum of 20 sheets (on standard paper).

Binding

Binding is ideal for reports, dissertations, presentation files or any document you wish to keep.

• Plastic rings.
• Metal rings.
• Perfect binding (square spine).

Stapled booklet

The stapled booklet is perfect for brochures, small catalogues, programmes or event booklets.

Technical limit: a stapled booklet cannot exceed approximately 20 sheets before folding (depending on paper).

Layout tip: for a booklet, the number of pages in your PDF must be a multiple of 4 (4, 8, 12, 16, …). Otherwise, the last pages will be blank or the pagination will be incorrect.

Lamination & paper type

Lamination protects your documents against splashes, stains and wear (menus, posters, information boards…).

We offer various paper weights (e.g. 80 g, 120 g, 200 g) to suit the thickness to the intended use:

• 80 g: standard paper for everyday documents.
• 120 g: stiffer, ideal for slightly higher-quality materials.
• 200 g and above: for covers, cards, more robust flyers, etc.

Cover

You can add a cover to your bound files for a cleaner and more professional finish (for example for a dissertation, internship report or file submitted to a client).

Student printing a dissertation

• Service: Standard printing.
• File: 80-page PDF.
• Options: A4, double-sided, Black & White, binding with cover.
• Result: bound dissertation, ready to hand in.

Business running an advertising campaign

• Service: Flyers.
• File: A5 colour flyer in PDF.
• Options: A5, colour, thicker paper, 1,000 copies.
• Result: flyers ready to distribute.

Architecture student or engineering firm

• Service: Plans & large formats.
• File: plans + presentation poster in PDF or high-resolution image.
• Options: A1 colour, stiffer paper for the poster, A1 or A0 plans in B&W, folded or rolled.
• Result: legible plans + presentation poster ready for the jury.