Artwork Specifications
Follow these guidelines to ensure your artwork prints perfectly. Our specifications are designed to guarantee the highest quality output for your custom stickers.
Quick Specifications
Essential requirements at a glance. Click each card for detailed information below.
File Formats
We accept professional design files
- Adobe Illustrator (.AI)
- Adobe Photoshop (.PSD)
- High-res PDF (PDF/X-4)
- Adobe InDesign (.INDD)
Resolution
Minimum quality requirements
- Small format: 300 DPI at 1:1
- Large format: 150 DPI minimum
- Ideal: 300 DPI at 1:10 scale
- Vector art preferred
Color Mode
Australian print standards
- CMYK color mode required
- ISO Coated v2 (FOGRA39)
- Rich black: C40 M40 Y40 K100
- Embed color profiles
Bleed & Safety
Border and margin requirements
- 3-5mm bleed all sides
- 5mm safety zone from trim
- Critical elements inside safe area
- Crop marks included
Fonts & Text
Typography requirements
- Convert all text to outlines
- Or embed 100% of fonts
- Minimum 6pt font size
- Avoid True Type fonts
File Setup
Document preparation
- Dimensions in millimeters
- All layers organized
- Remove unused elements
- Name files clearly
Supported Software
We accept files created in the following professional design software:
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Acrobat PDF
All fonts must be outlined or supplied with your artwork files. Files must be in CMYK color mode for accurate color reproduction.
Layout Size & Setup
Large Format (over 3m²)
- Set up at 1:10 scale (e.g., 3000mm × 2000mm artwork at 300mm × 200mm)
- Minimum 150 DPI at final size (1500 DPI at 1:10 scale)
- Ideal resolution: 300 DPI at 1:10 scale for optimal quality
- All dimensions in millimetres (Australian standard)
Small/Medium Format (under 3m²)
- Set up at 1:1 scale (actual print size)
- Minimum 150 DPI at final size
- Ideal resolution: 300 DPI for best quality
- A-Series paper sizes supported (A0, A1, A2, A3, A4)
General Requirements (AS/NZS Standards)
- Minimum 3mm bleed on all sides (5mm recommended for large format)
- Safety zone: Keep critical elements 5mm from trim line
- Sizes stated as width × height in millimetres (e.g., 1000mm × 2000mm is portrait)
- Document colour mode: CMYK (Australian print standard)
- Measurements follow ISO 216 (A-Series) or custom mm dimensions
- Name artwork files clearly: [YourName]_[Size]_[Date].pdf
Australian Design Standards
- All measurements in metric (mm, cm, m²)
- Colour profiles: ISO Coated v2 (FOGRA39) or PSO Coated v3
- UV resistance rated for Australian climate conditions
- Outdoor vinyl rated to AS/NZS 1580 standards
- Fire rating compliance: AS/NZS 3837 (where required)
Format Guidelines
- Disable overprint unless specifically required
- Remove all profiles from TIF files
- Save TIF files in Mac format
- Crop image data in placed link files to necessary size
- Avoid transparency or effects with PMS colors
We are not responsible for print errors resulting from incorrect overprint or trapping settings. Special features affecting rip output are the responsibility of the artwork supplier.
PDF Requirements (AS/NZS Compliant)
PDF Standards
- PDF/X-4:2010 format (preferred for Australian printing)
- Alternative: PDF/X-1a:2003 for basic workflows
- Ensure PDF is in CMYK colour mode with embedded profiles
- Include 3-5mm bleed marks and crop marks
Font Handling
- Convert all text to outlines/paths (mandatory)
- Or embed all fonts (100% font embedding required)
- Use OpenType or PostScript fonts (avoid TrueType where possible)
- Check for missing fonts before export
Adobe Settings
- Illustrator: File → Save As → Adobe PDF (Print)
- Use "Press Quality" or "PDF/X-4" preset
- Photoshop: Save as Photoshop PDF with CMYK mode
- InDesign: Export → Adobe PDF (Print) with marks and bleed
Upload your PDF and we'll perform a complimentary preflight check to ensure it meets Australian printing standards. We'll notify you of any issues before production begins.
Large Format Tiling
When printing large format vinyl stickers, there's a maximum usable print width of 1340mm (from 1370mm media accounting for margin and skew) that our printers can handle in a single piece. If your design is wider than this, it needs to be "tiled" or "panelled" using Australian signage installation convention.
Australian Tiling Convention:
Design Division (1340mm)
The artwork is divided into panels based on the 1340mm usable print width (real usable after margin/skew). First panel has NO overlap. Subsequent panels have 20mm left overlap.
Left-Hand Overlap (20mm)
Each panel after the first overlaps the previous panel by 20mm on the LEFT edge only. This matches Australian left-to-right installation practice.
Left-to-Right Installation
Install panels from left to right. Each new panel overlaps the previous one on its left edge, matching Australian installation standards.
Seamless Result
The final installation looks like one continuous graphic with no visible seams when properly applied using registration marks.
"If your artwork exceeds 1340mm width, we split it into panels. Panel 1 installs first with no overlap (clean edge). Panel 2 and subsequent panels overlap 20mm on the left edge only. This left-to-right method matches Australian signage installation practice and ensures seamless alignment."
Tiling Specifications:
- Media: 1370mm vinyl roll
- Usable width: 1340mm (accounting for margin and skew)
- Overlap amount: 20mm on left edge (panels 2+)
- Installation direction: Left to right (Australian convention)
- First panel: Clean edge, no overlap
- Subsequent panels: 20mm LHS overlap only
Design Considerations:
- Critical text or logos should avoid panel boundaries when possible
- Patterns work well as they seamlessly continue across panels
- We provide installation guides with alignment marks
- Professional installation recommended for multi-panel graphics
- Material cost includes overlap material
- • Avoid placing critical text or logos near potential tile boundaries
- • Use patterns or backgrounds that can seamlessly continue across tiles
- • Consider the viewing distance - small imperfections are less noticeable from afar
- • Provide high-resolution artwork (minimum 150 DPI at final size)
Font Requirements
- Supply all screen and printer fonts or outline them
- Zip fonts when sending via FTP or email to prevent corruption
- Avoid True Type Fonts when possible
Colour Requirements (Australian Standards)
Colour Mode
- Supply files in CMYK colour mode (not RGB or LAB)
- Colour profile: ISO Coated v2 (FOGRA39) - Australian print standard
- Alternative profile: PSO Coated v3 for high-end work
- Embed colour profiles in your PDF files
Rich Black Specification
- Rich Black: C:40%, M:40%, Y:40%, K:100% (recommended)
- Alternative: C:50%, M:50%, Y:50%, K:100% (super rich black)
- Never use 4-colour black for text under 24pt
- Total ink coverage should not exceed 280%
Pantone Matching System
- Supply Pantone Coated (C) or Uncoated (U) reference
- Pantone colours converted to CMYK closest match
- Spot colour matching available (additional cost may apply)
- Provide physical Pantone swatch for critical colour matching
UV-resistant inks used for all outdoor applications. Colours may appear slightly different when viewed in bright Australian sunlight versus indoor lighting. We recommend viewing colour proofs in natural daylight for accuracy.
Digital colour proofs provided upon request. Please note that screen colours (RGB) will differ from printed colours (CMYK). Always request a physical proof for critical colour matching projects.
Linked Files
- Supply all linked and embedded files
- Embedded images may not be color corrected
- Supply layered working PSD files when possible
Need Help?
If you have any questions about preparing your artwork or need assistance with Australian design standards, our design team is here to help. We're familiar with AS/NZS requirements and local print specifications.