Artwork guidelines

Quick checklist

Before you send artwork, check that it is:

• The right file type: PDF preferred, or AI, EPS, or a high-resolution TIFF, JPG or PNG
• The right size: built at the final size (1:1), or to an exact scale such as 1:10, with the scale written in the file name
• Sharp enough: images with enough resolution for the final size and viewing distance
• With bleed: background extended past the trim edge, with text and logos inside the safe zone
• In print colours: CMYK, with Pantone references for brand colours
• Set up for fonts: all text converted to outlines, or fonts embedded in the PDF
• Sent by link if it is too big for email

File types we accept

File	Use it for	Notes
PDF	Almost everything	Our preferred format. It holds vector artwork and images together
AI, EPS	Logos, lettering, anything cut	Vector, so it stays sharp at any size
TIFF	Photographs, murals, fine art	Keeps full photo quality
JPG, PNG	Photographs	Send the original, full-size file, not a screenshot or a social media copy

Anything we cut needs vector artwork, because the cutting machine follows the lines. This includes vinyl lettering, frosted logos, laser-cut shapes and 3D letters. A JPG logo placed inside a PDF is still not vector.

Size and scale

Work at the final size if your software allows it. For very large pieces, build the file to an exact scale. A scale of 1:10 is common, so a 6 m wall becomes a 600 mm document. Write the scale and final size in the file name, for example reception-wall_1-10_6000x2700mm.pdf. Remember to scale the image resolution by the same amount.

Resolution

Check the resolution at the final printed size. Prints seen from further away need fewer pixels per inch, because the eye cannot see fine detail at a distance. As a general guideline, aim for about 150 ppi at final size for prints seen up close. Aim for about 100 to 150 ppi for wallpaper and murals, and less for banners read from across a road. Photos saved from WhatsApp, websites or social media are almost always too small to print large. Our guide to artwork for large format printing explains how to work out the resolution.

Bleed and safe zone

Bleed is extra background that goes past the trim line, so no white edges show after cutting. Small items usually use 3 to 5 mm. Large format prints and wallpaper usually need more. We will confirm the bleed for your job. Keep text, logos and faces well inside the edges, away from hems, eyelets, wallpaper joins and door handles.

Colour

Set up artwork in CMYK. Screens show colour in RGB, which can look brighter than ink can print. Expect some difference between your screen and the finished job. For brand colours, give us the Pantone reference (for example Pantone 186 C). We will match it as closely as the material allows. If colour is critical, ask for a printed test.

Fonts

Convert all text to outlines (or curves), or embed the fonts in your PDF. If you do not, the software replaces a missing font with a different one. Keep an editable copy for yourself in case the wording changes.

Sending big files

Large files are too big for email. Upload them to WeTransfer or Google Drive and set the sharing to “anyone with the link”. Then send us the link with a small JPG preview. You can also attach files on the quote page.

We can design your artwork

If you have no artwork yet, or only a logo on a business card, we can design it for you. Send your logo, photos, wording and a few examples of designs you like. We will make a design for you to approve before we print anything. Ask for a quote to start.