Print Quality - Why are there small dots on my documents?
Getting Started
If you've noticed tiny, scattered dots—what we refer to as "confetti"—on your printed documents, you're not alone. These dots are a feature of certain high-speed color printers used at LetterStream. This article explains why they appear, how they affect your documents, and how to avoid them if desired.
In This Article
Why Confetti Dots Appear
The small dots you may see are a byproduct of high-speed digital color printing technology. These printers use this technique to maintain consistent color quality and calibration across large print runs.
- The "confetti" pattern is not a defect—it's a standard part of how these machines operate.
- Most individuals don’t notice the dots, but those with sharp eyes and high standards for print appearance may detect them.
When Confetti May Not Be Present
Not all jobs printed by LetterStream will display these dots. Here are a few scenarios where your documents may not include them:
- Printer Maintenance: If our high-speed printer is down, we may route jobs to our slower, higher-quality printers that do not produce the confetti effect.
- Rush or Expedited Jobs: For time-sensitive mailings, we may print your documents on a different machine to meet your requested mail date, which may also reduce or eliminate the dots.
How to Avoid Confetti Dots
If you prefer your documents without these small dots, you can request "Premium White Paper" for your job.
- This upgrade routes your mail through our slower, higher-quality printers designed for optimal visual presentation.
- The additional cost ensures a clean and more crisp appearance without the confetti effect.