Artwork Requirements and Formats

Before beginning your business signage or graphics project, we need to obtain as much information as possible from you before we start. This way we can not only optimize our ability to maintain the quality of the artwork you send us, but also stream line the design and manufacturing process, which saves you money.

Once you understand the artwork requirements and formats preferred, you can go back to our quote page, and send your graphics along with other information you feel is important for us to be aware of with regard to your project.

Graphics Software

Artwork generated from the following software are acceptable:

• Adobe Photoshop CS5 (or earlier versions)
• Adobe Illustrator CS5 (or earlier versions)

Artwork for Standard Die-cut Stickers

The following are general guidelines you can follow to prepare you images before sending to us via the quote page. Note the following steps are not necessary if you do not know how to do them yourself. If you are having difficulty, you can send this page to your graphic artist, or we will do it for you during production:

• Type: Convert all type to outlines
• Letters: Letters must be a minimum size of .3 inches with a stroke width of .0625 inches to maintain adhesive properties and efficient production
• Embed: Embed all images placed within your artwork
• Colour Profiles: All files should be created in CMYK color mode. RGB mode is primarily used for displays and will cause color matching issues
• Minimum DPI: All non-vector images should be a minimum of 300 DPI
• Graphic File Formats: Graphics must be saved in Vector based file formats. Vector based images are made up of lines and curves and can be resized, and manipulated without losing the quality of the graphic. Vector graphics are defined by a series of mathematical equations that enable us to scale the object to any size without losing it’s detail or clarity. JPEG and TIFF files are not able to be manipulated in this fashion

Acceptable file formats for Standard Die-cut Stickers

The acceptable file format types for Standard Die-cut stickers are the following:

1. .EPS
2. .AI
3. .PDF
4. .SVG

Flatten All Layers

If you are choosing to send a Photoshop .JPG or .TIFF file, make sure you have flattened all layers to avoid losing any text, or graphical element during the transfer process.

Scaling Images

Scale your image to at least half the desired print size so when re-scaled to print ready format, we do not lose any significant amount of image resolution and clarity.

• We prefer 300-600 dpi, CMYK, flattened Photoshop TIFFs or outlined Illustrator EPS files
• Pantone Colors must be identified if Pantone matching is needed. Color matching charges may apply.

Acceptable File Formats for Digital Art

• .TIF
• .PSD
• .EPS
• .AI
• .PDF
• .JPG (300 – 600 dpi)

If you are having any difficulty with the above requirements, send a note to info@signshopbrantford.com and we’ll do our best to assist you in the process.