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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

We offer 1/4″ and 1/8″ radius round corners on some products.

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.

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

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.

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 dpi

Flags:
Full scale: 150dpi

Canvas:
Full scale: 250dpi

Coroplast and Adhesive Vinyl
Full scale: 200dpi

Foamcore:
Full scale: 250dpi

PVC:
Full scale: 250dpi

Indoor Banners, Car Magnets, Floor Graphics and Large Posters:
Full scale: 300dpi

Table Runners:
Full scale: 200dpi

Adhesive Vinyl:
Full scale: 100 dpi. vector artwork is preferred

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:

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.