Artwork Guidelines

Please read all of the guidelines and requirements on this page.
Artwork Submission Process

• Artwork should be sent out/submitted the same day the order has been placed to avoid delays
• After receiving your file, it will be reviewed for printing requirements. If the file does not meet all necessary requirements, you will be contacted.
• If corrections are required, you may make these changes yourself and resubmit the file or choose to have us make the corrections (if we are able to do so). Additional costs may be incurred if corrections are required to prepare your file.
• After the file has been approved we will send a physical or email proof (10-15% of actual size) for your approval. You can expect to receive this proof within 24-48 hours from the time we receive your artwork. We will proceed with printing only after your approval.
• Delivery lead time starts AFTER proof has been approved.

General Guidelines

• Files should be created in CMYK color mode. Converting from other modes may distort colors, shapes or images.
• File should be 100-120dpi at full output size for large format items, or up to 300 dpi for smaller items
• Convert all fonts to outlines and/or include all fonts used. If unsure send all fonts used.
• Logos and line based objects should remain in vector format whenever possible
• Do not embed placed files or images
• Do not embed color profiles in placed images or Photoshop files
• Include both a layered file and flat file. This allows us to make minor corrections if necessary.
• Adobe Illustrator CS2 (or earlier) (.ai or .eps)
• Adobe Photoshop CS2 (or earlier) (.psd or .tif)
• A layered version is required for color matching (see Color Matching below).
• Call to check if other formats are acceptable, if you cannot provide one of these formats
• Die-Line / Profile Cutting MUST be supplied as a vector file

File Size and Bleeds

• When designing your artwork remember to incorporate:
• The live visual area of the graphic. The area you will be able to see once the graphic is installed.
• The printing bleed of 0.25in. and any other required bleeds.
• Any elements that will be cut out, blocked or excluded.
• Extend all images and/or background colors to the outside edge of the template
• Keep all important graphic elements (images, text, etc.) within the viewable area.
• If after printing, the graphic will be trimmed, please allow space for trimming by not placing type or logos too close to the edge of the viewable area.

Resolutions

• File must be at least 100dpi at final full output size
• All images used must be at least 100dpi at final full output size
• Higher resolution images are accepted, but generally do not produce better graphic output.
• Do Not use web site images (jpg, jpeg, gif). These images are generally low resolution (72dpi) and are unsatisfactory when enlarged to banner dimensions. For this reason jpeg, and gif files are not acceptable.
• When using stock photography images, be sure to purchase the highest resolution version that your budget will allow.
• Logos and other line or text-based objects should be in vector format, not rasterized.

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