LARGE FORMAT GUIDELIENS
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of files can I upload?
Standard Orders
PDF, EPS, AI, PSD, TIF, TIFF, JPEG, JPG
PDF is highly recommended.We prefer that you send PDF and EPS files with outlined fonts. These files are easier to handle and will likely speed up your turn-around. Remember to remove all crop marks and flatten your files before uploading.
Large Format Orders
PDF, EPS, AI, PSD, TIF, TIFF, JPEG, JPG
PDF is highly recommended.We prefer that you send PDF files with outlined fonts. These files are easier to handle and will likely speed up your turn-around. Remember to remove all crop marks and flatten your files before uploading.
What resolution should my files be?
Most files will require 300 dpi resolution for all elements within artwork. Large format prints have special resolution and scaling options see the large format FAQ.
Can I submit a front and back in the same file?
No. Our systems are specifically set up to process one side at a time, and this requires that each side of a job must be on a separate file.
Not separating files will cause delays and you might have to send the files again. Remember to separate the pages of your .pdf files as well.
What color mode should my files be?
If you send us an RGB file, there is a chance that a color shift may occur and you may not be satisfied with your job.
You should always start and finish your designs in CMYK color mode.
How can I avoid transparency issues?
Never use shadows, glows, or any other transparency (image or otherwise) on top of a spot color. Always convert your spot color to CMYK and flatten before sending.
How should I set up my bleed and crop marks?
Bleed must extend further than the cut line. Please keep all text and anything you do not want cutoff at least .125″ away from the cut line.
Do not include crop marks in the files you submit to us.
Often times, your artwork itself is set-up correctly – however, when you save as PDF – your PDF file will only output the size you have in your document set-up. To ensure your bleed is always acknowledged, you must include the bleed on your artboard in addition to the actual size of your finished size desired. i.e. If you order a 24″ x 18″ PVC sign, your artwork with bleed (.5″ on all sides) and document set-up both should actually be 25″ x 19″.
Banners: If ordering hems, leave a 2-inch safe zone on all sides. Expect to lose between 1/8 inch to 2 inches per side with banners.
Flags: Leave a 2-inch safe zone on all sides and the pole pocket area.
BLEED REQUIREMENTS
Product
Bleed (All Sides)
Business Cards
Marketing Products0.125 inches
Booklets
Presentation Folders0.25 inches
Coroplast
PVC
Foamcore
Car Magnets
Banner Stands
Large Posters
Polyester Banners
Flags.5 inches
Loose Banners
Rolled Canvas
Tote BagsNo Bleed
Mounted Canvas
2 inches
What is rich black and how can I get it?
Rich black is an ink mixture of solid black, 100% K, with additional CMY ink values. This results in a darker tone than black ink alone. If you print black alone as 100% K, the resulting black may not be as dark as you might like
We recommend using
C 60 M 40 Y 40 K 100
This will give you a deep, dark, rich black.Want to learn more? We’ve written a great article on this subject.
What is the standard round corner radius?
We offer 1/4″ and 1/8″ radius round corners on business cards.
For more detailed information see the links below:
Business Cards Round Corner Options
Marketing Materials Round Corner Options
PVC Sign Round Corner Options
Aluminum Signs Round Corner Options
Magnets Round Corner OptionsWhat is overprint, and how can it ruin my file?
Overprint is used to intentionally overlap inks for a number of reasons, overprint can cause unexpected results. We suggest that you turn all overprint objects off before submitting your files.
The colors from a top layer set to overprint might mix with the colors from the background. Unexpected results may occur if you have accidentally set certain objects to overprint. Always check logos and other artwork before submitting.
How can I make sure my blues do not come out purple?
When using a blue in your design, always make sure to leave at least a 30% difference in your Cyan and Magenta values.
Blue is close to purple in the CMYK spectrum. Remember, use a low amount of magenta whenever using high amounts of cyan to avoid purple.
EXAMPLE: C-100 M-70 Y-0 K-0
How should I set up my file for spot gloss and foil?
When creating a job with a mask file, i.e., Spot UV or Foil, you must include a mask template file along with the regular full-color file. The mask template file is used to show where the UV or Foil will be placed.
Use 100% K to indicate where you would like the UV. White will indicate no UV.
Large Format
How should I scale my artwork to keep the file size manageable?
It is not always necessary to scale your artwork. Scaling artwork can help to keep the file size manageable. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are scaling your artwork.
Vector Art
We are able to print outdoor banners as large as 150ft x 16ft, however, most software is not able to produce an artboard larger than 228″. Adobe Acrobat and other PDF readers/converters are only able to view a maximum file size of 200″, resulting in a loss of artwork. For this reason, it is recommended to submit files at a smaller scale than the ordered size.Raster Art
Raster files are calculated by pixels rather than inches. The pixels are converted to inches based on the resolution of a file. The equation for the conversion is (pixels divided by dpi = inches). Raster files have a limitation of 30,000 pixels. A file that is 30,000 pixels set at 150 dpi will be 16′ (200″). If your artwork is more than 30,000 pixels, we recommend dropping your dpi or scaling down your artwork.How to scale your artwork
To scale artwork we need to proportionally decrease the file dimensions and increase the file resolution.
Example:
Here are scaling samples for printing a 40-foot x 10-foot banner.
Note: Banners larger than 15 feet will print below 100dpi
File print size: 40 feet x 10 feet
Full scale artwork: 40 feet x 10 feet @ 100 dpi
Half scale artwork: 20 feet x 5 feet @ 200 dpi
Quarter scale artwork: 10 feet x 5 feet @ 300 dpiFlags:
Full scale: 150dpiCanvas:
Full scale: 250dpiCoroplast and Adhesive Vinyl
Full scale: 200dpiFoamcore:
Full scale: 250dpiPVC:
Full scale: 250dpiIndoor Banners, Car Magnets, Floor Graphics and Large Posters:
Full scale: 300dpiTable Runners:
Full scale: 200dpiAdhesive Vinyl:
Full scale: 100 dpi. vector artwork is preferredWhat size should my text be if I want to view my banner or yard sign from at a distance?
This depends on what the final output size will be, and its viewing distance.
Please reference our Scale & Resolution Example Chart and Letter Visibility Chart below:
LETTER HEIGHT
MAX IMPACT DISTANCE
MAX READABLE DISTANCE
3 inch
30 feet
60 feet
4 inch
40 feet
150 feet
6 inch
60 feet
200 feet
8 inch
80 feet
350 feet
9 inch
90 feet
400 feet
10 inch
100 feet
450 feet
12 inch
120 feet
525 feet
15 inch
150 feet
630 feet
18 inch
180 feet
750 feet
24 inch
240 feet
1000 feet
30 inch
300 feet
1250 feet
36 inch
360 feet
1500 feet
42 inch
420 feet
1750 feet
48 inch
480 feet
2000 feet
54 inch
540 feet
2250 feet
60 inch
600 feet
2500 feet
This is based on dark text on a plain white background in clear weather conditions
There is an approximate 10% variance when using various color combinations.Do you offer installations?
No, we do not offer installation services. We recommend professional installation for all of our products. Please take care when ordering any large format product. Take into consideration where the product will be placed and stresses it may be subjected to, such as wind. We stand behind all of our products and will quality control all orders to the best of its ability but will not be held responsible for damages resulting from improper installation or use.