Graphic Guidelines
Do You Have Graphic Questions? View Our Frequently Asked Graphic Questions Below.
Large Format Graphic Guidelines
Common Graphic Questions Answered
*To ensure that your graphics are produced in a timely manner we ask that you follow the guidelines provided below. For all our graphic projects we request ready to print artwork unless you have made prior arrangements for our graphic design services. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you are unsure about something or have questions. We have been in this industry for over 30 years and would like to consider ourselves experts in trade show graphics.
Where can I find the graphic template for my product? You should be able to find the graphic template for your product within the product description box. If the product has multiple size, options make sure to select the one related to your product. If you don’t see your graphic template for your product listed, please contact us.
To ensure the smooth production of your project please follow these guidelines.
- Submitted artwork that does not follow our guidelines may result may result in additional charges.
- Acceptable file applications are Photoshop CS6 (or lower version) and Illustrator CS6 (or lower version).
- We DO NOT accept files submitted in Quark Xpress.
- Please do not separate the designs panel by panel (create all panels as one document).
- All files for print must be submitted at actual size or an acceptable proportion (half-scale or quarter-scale).
- A minimum of 1/2” bleed on all sides should be included in all submit. (This is imperative for all mounted graphics) Failure to include bleed may delay production and rush fees may apply.
- Whenever possible please include a low resolution JPEG or PDF for proofing.
This is the preferred application for supplying high resolution raster images. All submitted Photoshop files should be in CMYK mode and sized to 100% (full scale) at 100-150 ppi (pixels per inch), or half -scale at 200-300 ppi. The artwork should be flattened and saved as a tiff file with LZW compression (this option appears in the tiff options window after you click the save button in the save window). Flattening file will rasterize any text or vector elements, so that should be the final step before saving the print-ready artwork. Please include the file extension in the name.
When preparing images in Photoshop, please keep in mind that increasing an image’s resolution will not improve image quality and enlarging an image can result in pixilation. The less an image is interpolated, the better. When increasing an image’s resolution it is better to raise it to 100 ppi instead of 150. An image resampled from 50 ppi will not look any better at 150 ppi than it will at 100 ppi. The 150 ppi standard should only be used when decreasing resolution. Scanned images can become grainy when enlarged. Images previously saved as a jpeg may contain artifacts that will magnify when the image is enlarged.
This is the preferred application for supplying layouts and vector art with maximum compatibility and flexibility. All Illustrator files MUST be supplied in CMYK mode with all text converted into outlines. The file should be at a full scale with the artboard set up to the appropriate size and all printable objects within the artboard. For extremely large layouts over 15 feet (180 inches) half-scale or quarter-scale are also acceptable. To keep the file size down, all raster images in the document should be linked to tiff files (NOT EMBEDDED) and created to the above Photoshop specifications, and the file should be saved as an Illustrator file (.ai) with “Use Compression” checked and “Create PDF Compatible File” unchecked. The files for or all placed artwork used in the document MUST be provided. Please include the file extension in the name.
Documents created in Illustrator or InDesign may be submitted as PDF as long as all of the above guidelines have been followed. PDF files should be saved with no down sampling and zip compression. “Compress text and line art” should be selected. No marks should be used. “No color Conversion” should be selected.
Artwork may be submitted on CD or DVD, or uploaded to our FTP site (see attached instructions for FTP submission). If you prefer to use your own FTP site please be sure to email us the correct information required to connect to your FTP and include the names of all files to be downloaded. Please check over your files before submission to make sure everything is sized correctly and all support files are included. Artwork improperly prepared may need to be fixed and resubmitted
Printing with large-format inkjet printers does not ensure 100% color accuracy. Colors and photos will print approximately 95% accurate. Unlike commercial press printers, we print in CMYK ONLY so our ability to reproduce Pantone colors is limited. Art submission with specific Pantone Color call outs will automatically be converted to CMYK. If you require any specific color to be matched, please include a match print, or previously printed material such as a brochure, business card, or any printed sample with your desired color. We will make our best effort to match your specified color. Not all Pantone’s can be matched in CMYK. The final printed color may not exactly match the sample(s) provided. Due to the time involved, there is a charge for color matching. This charge does NOT include proofs
Proofing for content is the sole responsibility of the client. All files should be checked for spelling or other errors before submission. For your convenience we do offer scaled proofs and actual-size strips prior to final printing for you to review (at an additional cost). This will add 2 (or more) days to your schedule. Any adjustments to color will be subject to additional cost, including any additional proofs that need to be sent out. Web proofs will be provided at no additional cost.
*We hope the FAQ answers were helpful. However, if you still have questions regarding graphics our media display products such as trade show displays, banner stands, outdoor signs and more, contact us. We are here to assist you. If have a rush job call us and we will see what we can do to accommodate your timeline.
