Artwork Requirements & Guidelines

To ensure your custom signs and prints turn out crisp, vibrant, and accurate, please review our artwork guidelines before uploading your files.

STEP 1

Preferred File Types

We accept both vector and high-resolution raster files:

  • PDF - Recommended for best print quality
  • PNG - High-quality raster format
  • JPEG / JPG - Common image format
  • AI - Adobe Illustrator vector files
  • EPS - Encapsulated PostScript
  • PSD - Adobe Photoshop documents
💡 Pro Tip

If submitting vector formats (AI, EPS, PDF), please ensure all fonts are converted to outlines/curves and images are embedded.

STEP 2

Resolution & Print Quality

  • Minimum Resolution: 150 DPI at 100% final print size
  • Best Quality: 300 DPI at 100% final print size

⚠️ Note: Images saved from websites or social media are usually 72 DPI and may look blurry when printed large.

STEP 3

Color Settings & Formatting

  • Color Mode: Set your artwork to CMYK mode for accurate color reproduction
  • Black Text & Lines: Set fine text and thin lines to 100% K (Black) rather than rich black to prevent alignment issues
  • Fine Details: Avoid very light text, ultra-thin fonts, or extremely fine details, as they may become illegible when printed at a distance
STEP 4

Designing in Canva?

Canva is a great tool for creating sign designs! Follow these tips for best results:

  • Set Up Canvas Size: Create your canvas using the exact dimensions of your sign
  • Add Bleed: Add a 0.125" (1/8") bleed on all sides to allow for clean trimming
  • Safe Zone: Keep text and key logos at least 0.25" away from the edges so nothing gets cut off
  • Download File: Export your design as PDF Print (Best) or PNG at the highest quality setting
STEP 5

Our Free Artwork Review Process

Don't worry if you aren't sure whether your artwork is print-ready—we've got you covered!

  • Human Quality Check: Our prepress team reviews every file before it hits the printer
  • Direct Communication: If we spot resolution issues, missing bleeds, or distortion, we'll contact you right away with guidance or correction options
  • 100% Approval Guarantee: We NEVER print without your final approval!
STEP 6

Visual Artwork Examples

✅

Good Artwork (Print-Ready)

  • High Resolution: Crisp, clear text and sharp graphics
  • Correct Proportions: Aspect ratio matches your ordered sign size
  • Safe Margins: All important text and logos sit safely inside the trim area
❌

Low Resolution (Pixelated)

  • Blurry / Pixelated: Looks fine on a small mobile screen, but prints fuzzy when scaled up to full size
  • Low DPI: Original source image was 72 DPI or compressed
❌

Incorrect Proportions (Distorted)

  • Stretched or Squeezed: Artwork was forced to fit a different size, distorting images and text
  • Cut Off Elements: Text or logos placed too close to the outer edge are clipped during trimming

Summary Checklist Before You Upload

  • File format is PDF, PNG, JPEG, AI, EPS, or PSD
  • Resolution is at least 150 DPI (300 DPI preferred)
  • Document is set to CMYK color mode
  • Text and important graphics are safely away from the outer edges