Artwork Guide

Artwork Guide

Print quality depends heavily on the quality of the file sent to us. This guide explains how to prepare artwork so that the printed result meets your expectations and the order is not delayed because a file has to be remade.

Best file formats

Prefer vector formats or high-quality print files:

• AI (Adobe Illustrator) — suitable for logos, signage, die-cut stickers and any line-based design
• PDF/X-1a — the safest print format because fonts and colours are already locked in
• EPS — another vector option that is still widely accepted
• TIFF — for high-quality raster images without damaging compression
• High-resolution PNG — usable for simple jobs, especially when the background needs to be transparent

Files such as Word documents, PowerPoint files, or images downloaded from social media are usually unsuitable for printing because the resolution is low and the colour is not controlled. We can still accept them as a design reference, but the actual print file has to be prepared again.

Resolution

• Small print such as business cards, stickers, flyers and labels: 300 DPI at actual size
• Large format such as banners, buntings, backdrops and large signage: 100 to 150 DPI at actual size is enough because the viewing distance is greater

Enlarging a low-resolution image inside software does not add real detail. It only makes the pixels bigger, and the printed result looks blurry or jagged.

Colour: CMYK versus RGB

Printing uses ink in the CMYK colour space, while computer and phone screens display colour in RGB. The two are not the same.

The effects of this:

• Bright colours such as neon green, blazing orange and electric blue often look softer once printed
• Very dense dark colours can come out unbalanced if they are not set correctly
• Different materials (fabric, vinyl, matt paper, gloss paper) will give a slightly different colour appearance even from the same file

Prepare artwork in CMYK where possible. A small colour shift between screen and printed result is normal in the printing industry and is not a defect.

Bleed and safe area

• Bleed is the extra design beyond the cut line so that no white strip appears if the cut shifts slightly
• Safe area is the safe space inside the cut line; text and important elements need to sit within it

Bleed and safe area values differ by product and finishing process. Tell us which product you are ordering and we will confirm the measurements to use before you finalise the file.

Fonts must be outlined

Convert all text to outline or curves before sending the file. If fonts are not outlined and the file is opened on a computer that does not have those fonts, the system substitutes them automatically and your layout changes without anyone noticing. For PDF files, embed all fonts.

Actual size versus scaled

Prepare artwork at the product's actual size where possible. If the file is too large to handle, use a tidy scale such as 1:10 and state that scale clearly in the file name or the order notes. An unstated scale is a common cause of sizing mistakes.

Fine lines and minimum text size

• Avoid lines that are too fine, especially for printing on fabric, vinyl or textured materials
• Text that is too small can become unreadable after printing, cutting or lamination
• White (knockout) text on a dark background needs more weight than dark text on a light background

If you are not sure whether a particular element is large enough for the product chosen, send the file early for us to check.

File naming

A tidy file name saves time and avoids misprints. Suggested format:

• Customer or organisation name
• Product name
• Size
• Quantity
• Version number

Example arrangement: customer-name_jersey_size-m_v2. Avoid names such as "final", "final2" and "final-correct" without a version number because they are easy to confuse.

How to send files

Print-ready artwork is sent through the Google Drive link provided for your order. After checkout, you can also upload a small image mockup on the order page for review.

Wait for that link before sending anything. Files sent by other routes are easy to lose track of, and we cannot match them to your order without it.

Checklist before sending

1. The file format is AI, PDF/X-1a, EPS, TIFF or high-resolution PNG
2. The resolution suits the product type and the actual size
3. The artwork is prepared in CMYK
4. Bleed and safe area follow the measurements confirmed for that product
5. All fonts have been outlined or embedded
6. Actual size is used, or the scale is stated clearly
7. Fine lines and small text have been checked for readability
8. Spelling, phone numbers, addresses and links have been checked by you
9. The file name is clear and contains a version number
10. Quantity, size and finishing are stated together with the file

Spell checking is the customer's responsibility. Once a proof is approved, spelling mistakes inside approved artwork cannot be corrected without a reprint.

To see product options, prices and specifications, visit Products. For custom work, contact us through Quote.