TIPS & GUIDES

Please use the following tips and guides when creating and submitting artwork for all signage and prints.

Quick Links - File Formats | Artwork Checklist | Vector vs. Raster | Glossary

How to Submit Artwork?

Direct Upload

Upload up to 15MB of files directly on our Contact Page

Via Email

You can submit your artwork directly to your sales rep via email.

Free FTP Sites

Use sites such as wetransfer.com to send larger files of up to 2GB.

Bring or Mail in a Storage Device

USB Flash Drives is another great way to quickly and securely submit large files

Recommended File Formats

PDF

Photoshop

Illustrator

InDesign

Regardless of the file format, when creating the artwork, please ensure the following guidelines are followed.

Create your artwork in CMYK color mode.
Hi-resolution images are embedded.
Icon, logos, and images (where possible) are vectorized.
All texts/fonts are outlined or supplied along with the file(s).
Please do not submit artwork created in Canva.

Wide Format Printing Checklist

Size

Verify the dimensions and orientation of your artwork, especially if its saved at a scale.

Colour

Convert the colours to CMYK, especially if you created the artwork in RGB.

Bleed

Supply at least 0.5" to 1" of bleed all around the artwork if possible

Fonts

All fonts must be converted to outlines or supplied with the artwork

Pantone

All objects with Pantone reference colours must be on a separate layer

Layers

Organize all elements on respective layers (“cut path”, “background”, “text”, “white spot/ink”, etc.)

Backlit

Indicate backlit mode in your files where backlit is applicable.

White

Make "white layer" in vector software. Indicate if you require white printing to be over or under the print.

VECTOR
VS.
RASTER FILES

A vector file is made up of mathematically defined paths and shapes, which allows it to be scaled up or down without losing quality. On the other hand, a non-vector file, often referred to as a raster or bitmap image, is composed of individual pixels and can become pixelated when scaled.

To easily identify the difference, consider the following:

Zoom In: If you zoom in on an image, and it maintains its smooth, crisp edges, it's likely a vector file. If it becomes blurry or pixelated, it's probably a non-vector (raster) file.
File Format: Check the file extension. Common vector file formats include .ai (Adobe Illustrator), .eps, and .svg. Common raster formats include .jpg, .png, and .bmp.
Editability: Vector files are easily editable with software like Adobe Illustrator, where you can manipulate individual elements. Raster files are less flexible and may lose quality when edited.
Resolution: Vector files are resolution-independent, while raster files have a fixed resolution. High-resolution raster files may closely resemble vectors when not zoomed in.

Need Help?

One of our designers will be happy to help answer any additional questions you may have.

Glossary

Dimensional Signage

ADA Signage: Signs designed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations, typically featuring tactile elements and Braille for accessibility.
Backlit Signage: Signage that is illuminated from behind, creating a glowing effect and enhancing visibility.
Channel Letters: Three-dimensional letters or characters often used in signage, typically illuminated.
Embossing: A technique that creates raised or 3D designs on signage by pressing the material from the back.
Face: The front surface of a sign where graphics, letters, or branding elements are displayed.
Glow Sign: A type of sign that emits a soft, diffused light, often created with LED lighting.
Halo Lighting: A lighting technique where light is cast behind the signage, creating a halo effect around the letters or graphics.
Illuminated Signage: Signs with integrated lighting, such as LEDs, to increase visibility, especially at night.
J-Channel: A type of mounting hardware used to secure channel letters to a building or structure.
LED Display: A type of signage that uses Light Emitting Diodes to display text, graphics, or animations, commonly seen in digital billboards and electronic message boards.
Monument Sign: A freestanding, permanent sign often placed at the entrance of a business or development.
Neon Sign: A sign that uses neon gas to emit a colorful and distinctive glow, often used for retro or artistic effects.
Outdoor Signage: Signs designed for exterior use, built to withstand various weather conditions.
Pylon Sign: A tall, freestanding sign often used near roadways to promote businesses and services.
Raceway: A custom fabricated mounting structure used to attach and secure channel letters, logos, or other three-dimensional signage elements to the exterior of a building.
RGB: Red, Green, Blue - The color model used in LED signs to create a wide range of colors by combining these primary colors.
SMD LED: Surface Mount Device Light Emitting Diode - A type of LED technology used in displays and signage for improved brightness and clarity.
Translucent Signage: Signs designed to allow light to pass through, often used with LEDs for illumination.

Awnings

Backlit Awnings: Awnings equipped with lighting from behind to enhance visibility, especially during the night.
Bracket Sign: A type of awning sign that is supported by brackets attached to a building's exterior.
Cassette Awning: An awning with a protective casing, often retractable, to shield the fabric when not in use.
Dome Awning: A curved or dome-shaped awning often used for entrances to provide shelter from the elements.
Fascia Sign: An awning or canopy that displays business information, such as the company name or logo.
Gussets: Reinforcements or triangular-shaped pieces added to an awning's corners to provide strength and stability.
Hardware: The components, including brackets, arms, and fasteners, used to attach and support an awning.
Keder Track: A system used to secure fabric to the frame, allowing for easy replacement and tension adjustment.
Lateral Arm Awning: An awning with extendable, hinged arms that provide shade and can be retracted when not in use.
Marquee Awning: A large, permanent, or semi-permanent awning often used for covering walkways or outdoor seating areas.
Non-Illuminated Awning: An awning without built-in lighting, typically used for decorative or shading purposes.
Overhang: The extension of an awning beyond a building's wall to provide additional shade or protection.
Pitch: The angle or slope of an awning, which affects water runoff and shade coverage.
Retractable Awning: An awning that can be extended or retracted as needed, providing flexibility in shading.
Striped Fabric: A type of fabric often used for awnings with colorful, alternating stripes.
Valance: The decorative, hanging edge of an awning, which can be customized with various shapes and designs.
Waterproof Fabric: A fabric treated or designed to repel water, keeping the area under the awning dry during rain.
X-Brace Arm: A type of support arm for awnings that forms an "X" shape, providing stability and strength.

Wide Format Printing

Bleed: The area of an image or design that extends beyond the final cut or trim edge, ensuring there are no white borders when the printed material is trimmed.
CMYK: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black) - The four ink colors used in full-color printing to create a wide range of colors.
Die-Cut: The process of cutting a design or shape out of a material using a custom-made die (a cutting tool) to create unique signs or displays.
DPI (Dots Per Inch): A measure of the resolution or quality of an image, indicating the number of individual ink dots a printer can produce in one inch.
Eco-Solvent Ink: Environmentally friendly ink used in wide format printing, known for its durability and resistance to fading.
Grommet: A reinforced metal or plastic ring inserted into a hole in a banner or sign to strengthen it and facilitate hanging.
Inkjet Printing: A method of printing that uses tiny droplets of ink to produce images on various materials, commonly used in wide format printing.
Lamination: The process of applying a protective layer over a printed graphic to enhance durability, UV resistance, and color vibrancy.
Media: The material onto which an image is printed, such as paper, vinyl, fabric, or canvas.
Mounting: The method used to affix a sign to a surface, such as adhesive, screws, brackets, or stands.
Pantone Color: A standardized color matching system used in printing and signage to ensure consistent and accurate color reproduction.
Raster Image: An image composed of pixels or dots, suitable for photographs but not scalable without losing quality.
Resolution: The quality or clarity of an image, typically measured in dots per inch (DPI).
RGB (Red, Green, Blue): A color model used in digital design and wide format printing to create a wide range of colors.
Scrim: A type of durable, woven fabric often used for outdoor banners.
Solvent Ink: Ink designed for outdoor applications, known for its weather resistance and durability.
Substrate: The material onto which an image is printed, such as paper, vinyl, fabric, or metal.
UV Printing: A printing method that uses ultraviolet light to cure or dry the ink instantly, allowing for printing on a wide variety of substrates.
Vector Image: An image composed of mathematical paths and shapes, allowing for infinite scalability without loss of quality.
Vinyl Graphics: Designs or letters cut from adhesive vinyl material that can be applied to surfaces like windows, vehicles, and signs.