Artwork & File Preparation Guide

Good artwork is the foundation of high-quality signage. Supplying files in the correct format ensures your signs print sharply, scale correctly, and look clean and professional once installed. This guide explains the basics of preparing artwork for signage, what file types work best, and how to avoid the most common issues with resolution, colour, and scaling.

Why Proper Artwork Matters

Signage often needs to be produced at large sizes, sometimes several metres wide. If artwork is supplied incorrectly, it can result in blurry prints, colour shifts, delays, or additional design charges.

Clear and properly prepared files help us:

• produce crisp, accurate graphics
• avoid pixelation and stretching
• maintain brand colours
• minimise back-and-forth with revisions
• speed up production timelines

It’s the fastest way to achieve a clean result from start to finish.

Recommended File Types for Signage

Vector Files (Best Option for Signage)

Vector files are the gold standard for signage because they scale infinitely without losing quality. Unlike photos (which are made of pixels), vectors are made of mathematical paths. This means they stay sharp whether they’re printed at 10cm or 10 metres.

Vector formats include:

• AI (Adobe Illustrator)
• EPS
• SVG
• PDF (when exported correctly from vector software)

Why vectors matter:

• They never pixelate
• Colours remain consistent
• Perfect for logos and text
• Essential for vinyl-cut shapes and CNC-cut panels
• Required for acrylic lettering and ACM Panel Signs

If your logo is only available as a JPG or PNG, it often needs to be redrawn as a vector for accurate production. (Later, we can create a separate mini-guide dedicated solely to vector artwork.)

High-Resolution Raster Files

Raster images are made of pixels. These include:

• JPEG
• PNG
• TIFF

They are only suitable for photos, textures, or complex graphic backgrounds. Raster files must be supplied at the correct resolution (see next section), otherwise they will appear blurry when enlarged.

File Types to Avoid

These formats typically cause issues:

• Screenshots
• Images saved from websites
• Word documents
• PowerPoint files
• Low-resolution PNGs

They don’t scale correctly and often include compression artefacts or incorrect colour profiles.

Resolution & Print Quality

DPI Requirements

Large-format printing uses different resolution standards than small prints:

• Signs above 1 metre: 100–150 DPI at final size
• Small prints or stickers: 300 DPI

Supplying a 72 DPI website image will not produce a sharp print when enlarged.

Scaling Artwork Correctly

Artwork should be supplied at:

• 1:1 scale when possible
• Or 1:10 for very large pieces (with correct scaling indicated)

When scaling, all elements (bleed, safe zones, vector paths) must scale proportionally to avoid misalignment.

Avoiding Pixelation

To check if an image will print cleanly:

• Zoom in to 150% or 200%
• If it looks blurry on screen, it will print blurry
• Dark images, gradients, and shadows are especially sensitive to low resolution

If in doubt, ask for the original high-resolution file.

Bleed, Safe Zones & Cutting Tolerances

What is Bleed?

Bleed is extra print that extends past the trim edge of the artwork. It prevents thin white borders when cutting.

• 3mm bleed for small prints
• 5–10mm bleed for large signage
• 10–20mm for full-wall graphics or ACM panels

Safe Zones

Any text or logos must sit inside the safe zone, away from the edges.

• 10–20mm minimum for large signage
• More for routed shapes or acrylic panels
• Prevents trimming errors

Contour Cut Lines

For vinyl-cut graphics or CNC cutting:

• Cut lines must be supplied as true vector paths
• No strokes, only outlines
• Each cut line should sit on its own layer or spot colour

This is crucial for clean cut edges on routed ACM or acrylic panels.

Colour Settings & File Modes

CMYK vs RGB

All printing is produced in CMYK.

Artwork supplied in RGB will convert on our system, which can cause slight shifts, especially in bright greens, deep blues, and neon colours.

Pantone Colours

If your brand uses Pantone colours, please include them in your artwork or brand guide. These provide a more stable reference point when producing physical signs.

This ties closely to our Colour Matching & Print Accuracy Guide, which explains how CMYK and Pantone behave across different materials.

Embedded Colour Profiles

Embedding ICC colour profiles helps maintain intended colour output, especially for photographic work. If unsure, we can optimise the file for print.

Tips for Supplied Logos & Text

Outline All Fonts

Converting text to outlines ensures:

• fonts do not substitute
• layout does not shift
• spacing stays correct

This is essential for large signage.

Avoid Transparent PNG Logos for Large Signs

PNG logos are made for websites, not signage. They often:

• have low resolution
• blur when enlarged
• contain colour inconsistencies

A vector logo is always preferred.

Include Brand Guidelines If Available

Brand guidelines help maintain consistency:

• Pantone colours
• Logo spacing rules
• Typography
• Minimum sizes

This reduces back-and-forth and ensures accurate reproduction.

Artwork for Different Sign Types

Exterior Signage

• Vector logos
• CMYK print backgrounds
• Clear margins for fixings or standoffs

Recommended reading: Exterior Signage.

Interior Signage

• High-resolution imagery for feature walls
• Acrylic lettering requires clean vector paths
• Glass graphics need precise scaling

See examples under Interior Branding.

Vehicle Signage

• Uses vehicle-specific templates
• Requires exact scaling and alignment
• Avoid placing fine detail across panel gaps

Learn more on our Vehicle Signage page.

When to Request a Proof

You should request a digital or physical proof when:

• using brand-critical colours
• printing large areas of solid colour
• producing illuminated/backlit signage
• scaling artwork significantly
• using specialised substrates

Proofing ensures the final product matches your expectations.

Summary: Preparing Artwork for Signage

• Supply vector files whenever possible
• Use correct DPI for raster images
• Include bleed and safe zones
• Convert fonts to outlines
• Provide Pantone or brand colours
• Request proofs for colour-critical projects

See more guides in the resource hub