Frequently Asked Questions

General Services and Getting Started

  • Chalk Line provides graphic design, printing, and direct mail services. We can also help you choose the right format, paper, quantity, and mailing approach.

  • Contact us with your idea, even if the details aren't set. Tell us your goals, audience, timeline, and budget, and we'll recommend the right format and services. If your files are ready, order directly through our online storefront.

  • Either works. Send us your content and we'll design it, or submit a print-ready PDF if your artwork is already done. Not sure which applies? Contact us.

  • Written content: an editable Word or Pages document, or a shared Google Doc. Photos: JPEG or PNG. Logos: PNG, JPEG, EPS, or SVG, ideally in light- and dark-background versions. Print-ready artwork: PDF. Mailing lists: CSV, Excel, Numbers, or a shared Google Sheet.

  • Yes. Export your finished design as a high-resolution PDF from any of these programs. Contact us first if you're unsure about export settings.

  • Yes, a high-resolution PDF. Images should be at least 300 ppi at final size. In Canva, choose "PDF Print." In Word or Pages, export at the highest resolution available.

  • Use images at 300 ppi or higher at final print size. Photos for a design project should be JPEG or PNG.

  • Yes, as JPEG or PNG. If your phone saves photos as HEIC, convert them first. Use the original, full-resolution file for the best result.

  • Only if color or artwork runs to the edge of the piece. Add 0.125 inch of bleed on all sides and include crop marks on export. A 4 x 6 inch card, for example, needs a 4.25 x 6.25 inch artwork area. See our guide for exporting bleed from Canva.

Design and File Preparation

  • Yes. Email it to friends@chalkline.org with the finished size and any questions, and we'll check it for print readiness.

  • Yes, in a range of formats, including small prayer cards, tri-fold brochures, and rack cards. Send us your content, logos, photos, and any examples you like, and we'll design it.

  • Yes, from simple newsletters and prayer cards to logo design and full brand refreshes.

  • Yes. Choose "Update Existing Design" if we made the original. Choose "Custom Letter Design" if it was made elsewhere, since we'll need to rebuild the file.

  • Often, yes. The result depends on the quality of what you can provide, including logos, photos, and fonts. We'll match the original as closely as possible.

  • Yes. Publisher support ends after October 2026. Send us a high-resolution PDF of the original along with any logos or photos, and we'll recreate it.

  • Yes. Send your brand guide and assets, and tell us how strictly to follow them.

  • That's fine. Share your colors, fonts, examples, and a sense of your audience, and we'll take it from there.

  • Your written content, logos, photos, brand guidelines, and any examples you like, ideally in original, high-resolution form. Not sure what to send? Contact us first.

  • You are. We may catch obvious errors, but you should carefully proofread every proof before approving it.

Printing & Products

  • Newsletters, prayer letters, year-end appeals, and holiday cards; postcards, prayer cards, and magnets; booklets, brochures, annual reports, letterhead, and envelopes; posters, banners, coroplast signs, and banner stands. This is just a sample. Contact us about anything else.

  • Options vary by product, quantity, and budget. Common choices include 28 lb white Accent Opaque for newsletters, 28 lb semi-gloss for a coated look, and 100 lb white cardstock for postcards and holiday cards. White envelopes are standard, with color options for #10 envelopes. Contact us and we'll recommend a paper for your project.

  • Yes. Tell us your goals, audience, timeline, and materials, and we'll help you choose.

  • Yes. If you don't see it in our storefront, email friends@chalkline.org to discuss it.

  • Yes. A photo of a printed sample is free and checks that the piece is cut correctly, though it won't show color perfectly. A physical sample in hand is available for an added cost and will delay production. Contact us to discuss.

  • We'll do our best. The result depends on the quality of the files you provide and how closely we can match the original fonts and elements. Paper and finish may not be an exact match.

  • Not exactly. Screens use RGB light; printers use CMYK ink on paper, which covers a different color range. Use your onscreen proof to check content and layout, not exact color. Let us know in advance if precise color matching matters.

  • Yes. We keep a backup of your files. Place a new order and include your previous order number in the comments so we can find it.

Mailing Services

  • USPS first-class mailing for newsletters, postcards, holiday cards, year-end appeals, and more, through our storefront. Contact us about bulk mail or Every Door Direct Mail.

  • A spreadsheet: CSV, Excel, Numbers, or a shared Google Sheet. Some projects need separate lists for different versions. Not sure what to send? Contact us.

  • Upload it through your storefront order when possible. If using Google Sheets, share it directly with our team and leave access open until the project is done.

  • No, we don't offer list cleanup or verification. Please review your list for errors and correct formatting before sending it.

  • Yes, through a mail merge, for an added cost. Select "mail merge" when ordering, and make sure your list includes the needed fields. We'll send a proof showing a sample record for you to approve before printing; a full proof is available on request. Not every product supports personalization, check the product description.

  • Yes. Place each version as a separate order, with its own files and list, to keep them from getting mixed up.

  • Yes, for products Chalk Line mails on your behalf. We mail USPS first-class; unusual weight, size, or destination may add cost. A "Ship to Me" option is also available: we print and ship the full quantity to you, without postage or mailing labor, for pieces you'll distribute yourself.

  • Yes, with our Prep-Ahead service. Choose your mailing date at checkout, and submit your order at least seven business days ahead.

  • No. We control when your mailing reaches USPS, but delivery timing depends on the Postal Service.

  • Depending on the postage class, it may be forwarded, returned, or discarded. First-Class Mail that can't be forwarded is usually returned free, marked with the reason. Since we can't serve as your return address, use one where you or someone you trust can receive it. Returned pieces need a corrected address before they can be remailed.

  • Yes, on file for future use. Since donor information changes often, we recommend sending an updated list regularly.

  • We take data security seriously. Files are removed from our online system after 90 days; backups are kept on an in-house server.

  • Yes, several options are available when you order your newsletter mailing. Contact us if you're not sure which to choose.

  • Yes, either way. Choose "Mail to My List" and we'll send your artwork and list straight to your recipients, with postage and labor included. Choose "Ship to Me" and we'll send the full quantity to one address, ideal for pieces you'll hand out or mail yourself. Shipping is billed separately.

  • Print-ready artwork (or content for design) and a complete mailing list. Depending on the project, we may also need a return address, personalization details, enclosures, and a mailing date. See our Mailing Preparation Guide for the full checklist.

Ordering, Pricing, and Payment

  • Yes. If your files are ready, order through our online storefront. Contact us first if you're unsure which product to choose.

  • Yes. Set one up ahead of time or create it during checkout.

  • Start wherever you are. Contact us to talk through an idea, or go straight to the storefront if your files are ready to order.

  • Contact us at friends@chalkline.org or by phone. Have your size, paper preference, quantity, and mailing needs ready for the most accurate quote.

  • Most items are priced per piece in our storefront. For mailing projects, quantity is based on your list size. Newsletters start at $1.82 per recipient, postcards at $1.26, and holiday cards at $1.62.

  • Yes, for select products at specific quantities, shown as separate options in the storefront.

  • A flat fee per project. Bundled with printing, design starts at $39.99 (or $7.99 for smaller items). Design-only services start at $129.99.

  • Up to four US Letter pages, an initial proof, and three rounds of revisions. Smaller products have a lower fee. A per-round fee applies after the third revision. Design-only pricing applies if you don't need us to print.

  • Taxes, shipping, and extra labor, listed separately when they apply. Contact us if your project doesn't fit a standard storefront option.

  • After your order is reviewed and confirmed ready for print.

  • Most major credit cards. Reliant, Cadence, and GSN ministry accounts are accepted. As of 2025, Cru ministry accounts are accepted only for international staff.

  • Yes, for reasons like a mismatch between your list and order quantity, added labor or postage, or a size change during design. We'll reach out about any significant change before printing.

  • Yes, we can usually mail or ship them together. Combining items in one envelope may add labor and postage costs.

  • No. Order whatever quantity fits your needs. Volume pricing is available at specific quantity levels.

  • Yes, an initial proof plus three rounds. Extra rounds cost a per-round fee.

Timing, Delivery and Approvals

  • Turnaround begins once your order is print-ready: files received, design approved, and proofs signed off. Print-ready orders typically mail within 1 to 2 business days of becoming production-ready. Design projects get an initial proof in 1 to 2 business days, with 1 to 2 more days per revision round. Tell us about any deadline when ordering.

  • Design proofs: 1 to 2 business days, plus 1 to 2 days per revision round. Requested proofs on print-ready or mail-merge orders: usually within 1 business day.

  • Missing files, pending revisions or approvals, late changes to artwork, or file issues found in review. Plan for 2 to 3 extra business days on print-ready orders and 5 to 7 on design orders.

  • Yes, volume-discount items and larger products like banner stands, booklets, and signs. Check the product description for its estimated timeline.

  • Rush printing is available only in limited cases. Your best option for a firm deadline is our Prep-Ahead service: order at least 7 business days ahead and specify your mailing date. Express shipping is also available for an added cost. Contact us to plan around a deadline.

  • You'll get an email confirmation once your order is marked complete.

  • By package size, weight, and delivery method. We choose the most cost-effective option unless you request otherwise.

  • Yes. Provide the quantity and shipping information for each location. Each shipment is billed separately.

  • Yes, at our San Marcos, Texas office, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call ahead to confirm your order is ready.

  • Not automatically for print-ready files, unless you ask in your order comments. Design projects always get a proof to approve. Mail merges get a sample-record proof, with a full proof available on request. Requesting a proof adds time to your schedule.

  • Yes, within each revision round. Review the whole proof and submit all your changes together. Once approved, your project moves to production and generally can't be stopped.

  • We run final checks and send your order to print, then mail or ship it within the stated timeframe.

  • Contact us right away. We can't guarantee a change is possible once production has started, but we'll help if we can. Call during office hours; email friends@chalkline.org after hours.

Customer Support

  • Call our office or email friends@chalkline.org, and include your order number.


  • Call our office or email Jeannette@chalkline.org, and we'll route it to the right person

  • Contact us right away, by phone during business hours or by email after hours at friends@chalkline.org. Include your order number and any photos or details that show the issue.

Need support with a specific project? Reach out to discuss how we can help!

Discuss Your Project