Downloading, Unzipping, and Printing

Every online store has a slightly different procedure for transferring files. This makes me a little hesitant when ordering from a new store for the first time. To relieve some of that anxiety for you, let’s walk through what happens when you click “Checkout:"

  • First, we ask for your Customer Information: name, address, email, and so on.
  • One of the things we ask is "What Country or Region do you live in?" The default country that appears in the "Country/Region" box is the United States. If you live somewhere else, click on the down arrow in the right side of that box. A long list of countries appear. Click on the country where you live and it will appear in the box. Once you’ve filled in these boxes, click through to…
  • Payment Information. This is a secure page where you tell us how you want to pay. Once you click “Pay Now,” our servers will think for a moment or two, and then send you…
  • An Invoice, detailing your purchase. This invoice will contain a link to download your files immediately, if you so wish.
  • Additionally, we will send you an email with that same download link, should you wish to download later. That link will remain open for 30 days.
  • Once the download is complete, check your “Download” folder or whatever folder you have assigned to receive files.
  • If you ordered a single file (usually a PDF or MP4 file), you can use it immediately simply by clicking on it.
  • If you ordered several files, they will be sent to you in a zipped format (*.zip) and they must be unzipped before you can use them.
  • If you have a Windows operating system, right-click on the zipped file .
  • If you have an Apple system (macOS), double-click on the zipped file.
  • Choose “Extract.” Your device will create a folder with the same name as the zipped file and extract the files to it. This new folder will be in your “Downloads” folder or wherever you have instructed your device to send the zipped file, and will contain the unzipped files.
  • Should you need a third-party program to unzip these files, we recommend 7-Zip, a free app available from 7-zip.org . 

One more thing: Printing! All our plans are sent in a digital PDF format; we cannot provide printed paper plans for the reasonable prices that we charge. If you prefer to work with paper plans (as most of us do), you will have to print them out yourself. Unless otherwise noted, the sheet (page) size is  8-1/2” x 11” (216 mm x 279 mm). 

If you don’t have a printer, you have several options. Save the PDF file to a memory stick or card, and then…

  • Ask a relative, friend, or neighbor with a printer to print them for you.
  • Have your local library print it out – almost all libraries offer printing services.
  • Have the file printed at an office supply store, such as Staples or Office Depot. UPS (United Parcel Service), Walgreens, and some CVS stores also offer printing services. 

Finally, you can use an online “photo book” printing service such as PrestoPhoto or Mixam. Send the file via email, and they will snail-mail the printed version back to you. Warning: This is you most expensive option. As of this writing (2023), a 12-page plan could cost you $20 to $30 US.

Hope that helps. And thank you so much for your support! 

With all good wishes,

Nick