INTRODUCTION

Creating clear and vibrant graphics is perhaps the most important part of your entire display. Your design is what catches the viewers eye and gains you their attention. It is our purpose to help you achieve that goal and having a firm grasp on the requirements and guidelines for large format printing is crucial.

PREFERRED FILE TYPE

PDFs – All print-ready files must be in PDF format. Please outline all fonts and either embed or include all linked image files used to create the design file. *Please note that Illustrator special effects like glows, transparencies, or drop shadows are not recommended as they have unpredictable results when printing.

NOT RECOMMENDED FILE TYPES

Adobe Illustrator – Please convert to PDF and make sure all text is outlined and include all linked images.

Adobe Photoshop – Please convert to PDF and include all layers, paths, channels, linked images and fonts.

InDesign – Save as a press quality PDF file. Check the PDF file for errors. Include all layers, paths, channels, linked images and fonts. Convert text to outlines. Do not embed images. 

JPEG – Should be converted into a PDF.

NOT ACCEPTED FILE TYPES: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft PowerPoint

ARTWORK TEMPLATES

To avoid artwork issues and delay, please use our artwork templates located on each product page. This will help avoid sizing & formatting issues.

PROOFING

All artwork undergoes our pre-flight checklist for resolution and/or sizing discrepencies. If we find any resolution or sizing related issues with your file(s), we will contact you to have them resolved. If no issues are found then your artwork will go straight into production. We do not provide digital proofs prior to production unless otherwise discussed with a sales associate. All artwork uploaded is expected to be print-ready. Hard copy proofs are available at an additional cost of $75 per proof.

RESOLUTION

Flattened raster files must be between 100-125 pixels per inch to avoid quality issues. Any lower and your image will print blurry and pixelated. Any higher it will just increase the file size of your document but it will not increase quality.

COLOR SPECIFICATIONS

Please provide all vector files (Illustrator & InDesign) in CMYK format. All raster artwork (Photoshop files & JPEGS) should be provided in RGB format for the most accurate color output. If Pantone colors need to be matched please call those out in the file as solid coated swatches. If multiple Pantone swatches are used in the file, all will be matched to solid coated unless otherwise specified. Matching to a Pantone color can only be done on vector based artwork (Illustrator & InDesign). We suggest ordering a hard copy proof if color matching is critical. Orders without indication of Pantone colors, supplied hard copy proofs or requested hard copy proofs are not guaranteed for color.

MOST COMMON ISSUES

Incorrect formatting due to the graphic template not being used. Fonts not being converted to outlines. Low resolution imagery. Linked files not supplied with design file.

ARTWORK SERVICES

Artwork services such as Graphic Design Time and Layout Assistance must be paid for prior to designing or laying out. We don't design or layout your graphic until this fee has been paid. Artwork service fees such as those for Graphic Design Time and Layout Assistance are non-refundable.