Design Guidelines
Professional guidelines for creating print-ready artwork. Follow these best practices to ensure your designs print perfectly every time.
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File Format Requirements
Submit artwork in high-quality vector formats (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF) for best results. Raster formats (PNG, JPG, TIFF) accepted at 300 DPI minimum. All fonts must be converted to outlines or embedded. Save files in CMYK color mode for accurate printing.
Color Mode & Profiles
Use CMYK color mode for all print files. RGB colors will be converted and may shift. Apply appropriate ICC color profiles for your material type. Include Pantone references for spot colors. Avoid using pure black (C:0 M:0 Y:0 K:100) - use rich black instead.
Resolution & Quality
Minimum 300 DPI for raster images at actual print size. Vector artwork should use proper stroke weights (minimum 0.5pt). Avoid image scaling beyond 110% to prevent pixelation. Check for embedded low-resolution images in your document.
Bleed & Safe Zones
Add 3mm bleed on all sides of your artwork. Keep text and important elements 5mm inside the trim line (safe zone). Design to the finished size plus bleed. Include crop marks on separate layer if needed.
Layering & Organization
Keep layers organized and properly named. Flatten transparent objects before submission. Ensure all linked images are embedded. Remove hidden or unused layers. Lock background elements to prevent accidental edits.
Typography Best Practices
Minimum text size: 8pt for body text, 6pt for fine print. Convert all text to outlines to avoid font substitution. Use appropriate leading (line spacing) for readability. Avoid extremely thin fonts that may not print clearly.
Copyright & Licensing
Only submit artwork you own or have legal rights to use. Obtain proper licensing for stock images, fonts, and graphics. Do not use copyrighted logos, characters, or trademarks without permission. Respect intellectual property rights of others.
Material Considerations
Design with your chosen material in mind. Clear vinyl requires backgrounds or borders. Contour-cut designs need minimum 3mm spacing between elements. Large format prints should account for viewing distance. Consider material texture and finish in your design.
Pre-Flight Checklist
Verify all colors are CMYK. Check image resolution and embedded status. Confirm bleed and safe zones are correct. Ensure fonts are outlined. Review for spelling errors. Test print or soft-proof before submission.
Important Notice
Following these guidelines ensures the best possible print quality and prevents production delays. Files that don't meet specifications may require revision before printing.
Need help preparing your artwork? Contact our design team for assistance or use our Material Advisor tool for material-specific recommendations.
Quick Tips for Success
- •Always save a backup of your original file before converting fonts to outlines
- •Use our calculator tool to preview how your design will look at actual size
- •Check our Artwork Specs page for detailed technical requirements
- •When in doubt, contact us before submitting - we're here to help