Large Format File Help
Wall Graphics / Posters / Banners / Signs
Want a quick view? We made you a cheat sheet:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Artwork comes in all shapes and sizes, and rest assured, we can handle them all! Help us produce your large format projects by following the guidelines below. Don’t forget we’re always a call or email away if you get stuck!
What are the preferred file formats for print?
Adobe Illustrator
.ai & editable .pdf
- For artwork requiring editing, Package the file with all fonts used in the document
- Embed all images and Package with linked images
- When saving as .pdf, enable option to Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities
Adobe InDesign
.indd
- Package the file and include all linked images and fonts
Adobe Photoshop
.psd, .tiff, .pdf
- Include all layers, paths, and channels
Other file formats?
Please convert any other file types to .pdf (or .tiff where applicable). CAD files are typically not compatible with our workflow and will need to be exported as .pdf files prior to production.
How to prepare my file for contour cutting?
All graphics requiring contour-cutting need to be vectorized.
What do I need to know about artwork setup?
Color
- Set document color mode to CMYK for four color process production, including all files linked within the document
- For color-critical jobs, spot colors should be defined with PMS numbers, instead of color values or generic names like “plum” or “sea-foam green”
Fonts & Text
- Adobe Illustrator files should have all [unchanging] text converted to outlines
- Adobe InDesign files must be properly packaged to include all fonts used in the document
Bleed
- Include at least a 1/8” bleed where possible, and a 2” bleed for graphics to be installed
Size & Scale
- Create your art at 100% whenever possible and have all links at 150 ppi. If reduction is necessary for file size, please create your layout at 50% or 25% of the final size
- If your art is at 50% or 25% and has linked raster files (i.e. TIFF, PSD, EPS), they should be at 300 ppi (50%) and 600 ppi (25%) to print at high quality
Will I receive a proof?
PDF proofs are available by request. Hard copy proofs are available by request for an additional fee. Let us know if you’d like to add a proof to your next project!