Print ready artwork is defined as a file that can be used, as submitted, by a commercial printer to create the desired print materials. These types of files have to be the correct file type, resolution, and dimensions for the final product. Use these simple guidelines to ensure that your artwork is 100% print ready before you submit it.

 

FILE FORMATS
We accept artwork files in the following formats.

• Ai. Adobe Illustrator

• Psd. Photoshop

• Pdf. (flattened with text in outline)

• Png.

• Eps.

• Jpeg.

• Jpg.

• Tiff.

Artworks that are supplied in any other formats will not be accepted.

 

COLOUR SETTINGS
Please send print file in CMYK format only. Any files that are not set to CMYK will automatically be converted to CMYK. RGB colours are used mostly as screen colours so for web images etc. Colours in RGB have a wider colour range, meaning sometimes converting a file to CMYK will dull the colour. A dullness of colour is completely normal, and on some brighter tones, the dulling of colours is unavoidable when converting RGB to CMYK.

 

UPLOADING FILES TO OUR SERVER
You can upload artwork files when ordering through our website, but we have a file size limit of 100MB. For Larger files, you can use, Dropbox, or a similar method. To upload a larger file, please select the upload later option. Once you have placed your order, you will receive an email with instructions on uploading your artwork.

 

TEXT AND TYPE
When saving a file, make sure that you create all type of outlines, including pdf files. The term ‘Create outlines’?’ Creating Outlines’ or ‘Converting Text to Curves’ as it’s known in other software is a term from converting an editable text element into a path.

 

WHY DO I NEED TO CREATE OUTLINES ON THE TEXT?
Creating outlines on text removes the text elements in the artwork. Removing the text elements means that the text cannot be replaced by a default typeface when opened on another computer. As there are millions of different typefaces, weights and styles, ‘creating outlines’ ensures that there is no chance of your text being automatically replaced by another similar font when opened up on another computer.

Creating outlines on type removes the ability to edit the text. Once the text is converted to outlines, you won’t have the ability to change the text as its now a path. It’s advised to choose the ‘Save as’ command to create a copy when saving. Using the save as and making a copy gives you the ability to change the text should you wish to on your original file later.

 

RESOLUTION OF IMAGES
The resolution of images will depend on the size of your finished graphic. As items differ, there is no rule of thumb for resolution. Smaller items up to A4 size require dpi at 300dpi. Items larger than A4 require Dpi at around 150dpi. For small banners, up to 5m square ideal dpi would be 125dpi. Larger banners from 5-50 m square dpi can be around 50-100dpi. Large building wraps and items larger than 50m square can be around 30-50 dpi. 

 

BLEED & CROP MARKS
We require no crop marks on supplied artwork. Bleed is only required on smaller items up to 1m square. Any items over 1m square require no bleed.

 

Safe area on printed banners
‘Safe area’ or ‘clear area’ is a term used to describe the amount of clear area around a banner. A banner with a standard hem and eyelets requires a 1 inch clear area around a banner, so none of the eyelets interferes with any important text or logos. It’s best to avoid placing important items near the edges of your banner.