Artwork guidelines: get your files print-ready

The quote form takes up to 5 files of 25 MB each.

Following these artwork guidelines saves a round of proofs.

Vector files (AI, EPS, SVG, vector PDF) are built from shapes, so they scale to any size without losing sharpness. Raster files (JPG, PNG, TIFF) are made of pixels and lose quality when enlarged. Logos should always be supplied as vector. Photos are fine as raster, provided the resolution is high enough for the finished size.

A logo copied from a website or social media profile is usually too small. Ask your designer for the original files.

• Resolution: 300 dpi at final printed size for standard print. Large-format work such as banners can use lower resolution because it is viewed from a distance, but scale files to size where possible.
• Bleed: extend backgrounds and images 3 mm beyond the trim edge so no white edges appear after cutting.
• Safe zone: keep text and key details at least 3 to 5 mm inside the trim line, so nothing is cut off.

Set files to CMYK for print. RGB colours from screens, especially bright blues and greens, can look duller when printed. If a brand colour must match exactly, give us the Pantone reference; spot colour matching depends on the process and is confirmed on the quote.

Convert all text to outlines or embed fonts, otherwise a missing font can change your layout. Include linked images when you send native files.

For clothing, send vector artwork or a high-resolution transparent PNG, and state the print size and position. Tiny details and hairline strokes may not reproduce on fabric. For signs, banners and vehicle graphics, supply artwork at a scale proportional to the final size, mark real dimensions and tell us the substrate.

If your artwork is not ready, we can clean up, rebuild or design it. Design work is quoted separately, so you know the cost before we start. See artwork rescue and design.

If anything in these artwork guidelines is unclear, send the file anyway and we will check it for you.