top of page
436279811_864660769027491_5887284229793983669_n_18036584581821702.jpg

Vector vs Raster: The Most Important Distinction

Before diving into file types, it’s crucial to understand the difference between vector and raster artwork. Most file errors come from confusing the two.

Why File Types Matter for Signage

​

Supplying the correct file type is one of the most important steps in producing sharp, professional signage. Unlike social media graphics or basic print documents, signage artwork is printed at extremely large sizes, often spanning metres rather than millimetres. That scale dramatically changes how files behave, how colours are interpreted, and how well your design holds up when viewed from different distances.

​

Understanding file formats makes every project smoother, faster, and more professional. This guide pairs perfectly with our Artwork & File Preparation and Viewing Distance & DPI resources.

​

When a file type is incorrect or poorly prepared, the first problem that appears is usually loss of clarity. Logos may blur, edges soften, text becomes slightly fuzzy, or colours shift compared to what you saw on your screen. These issues almost always originate from working with the wrong format — most commonly a raster image supplied instead of vector artwork, or a file exported with too much compression.

​

Using the correct file format ensures:

  • maximum sharpness, even at very large sizes

  • accurate colour reproduction, especially for brand colours

  • faster pre-press processing, reducing back-and-forth corrections

  • proper scaling without pixelation

  • clean edges for text and logos

  • reliable output on any printer, regardless of software

  • predictable outcomes every time

​

Signage artwork must also withstand harsh conditions — intense New Zealand sunlight, weather, heat, road grime, and close-up viewing in interior spaces. File formats that work fine for a digital ad simply don’t survive the demands of a 3-metre outdoor fascia or a 10-metre vehicle wrap.

​

Another key reason file types matter is the mix of vector and raster content. While a logo should always remain vector, photographs and complex textures must be supplied as high-resolution raster images. Getting this balance right is essential for producing signs that look crisp both up close and from a distance.

​

File type decisions ultimately determine how professional your final sign appears, how long it takes to print, and how consistently your brand is represented across all materials.

Vector vs Raster: The Most Important Distinction

 

Before choosing a file type for signage, it’s essential to understand the difference between vector and raster artwork. This single distinction determines how sharp your signage will look, how easily it scales, and whether your design prints correctly at large sizes. Almost every file-related issue we see—blurry logos, pixelated text, soft edges—comes from confusing these two formats.

​

Vector Artwork (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF)

Vector artwork is made from mathematical paths, not pixels. Every line, curve, and shape is defined by formulas rather than a grid of coloured squares. This means vectors can scale to any size without losing quality.

If you stretch a vector logo from 50 mm wide to 5 metres wide, the edges remain perfectly sharp. No pixelation. No blurring. No quality loss. This is why all logos and text should always be vector-based.

​​

What vectors are ideal for:

  • business logos

  • main headings and taglines

  • icons and symbols

  • brand elements

  • geometric shapes or linework

  • cut vinyl graphics

  • 3D acrylic letters

  • illuminated sign faces

  • vehicle branding layouts

  • ACM panel layouts

Why vectors matter for signage:

  • crisp edges even when viewed up close

  • perfect scalability for any size

  • small file size, easy to send

  • accurate colour and stroke control

  • reliable output on any printer

  • editable without degradation

​

Most signage layouts begin as vector files because they offer the cleanest foundation for text, logos, and shapes.

​

Raster Artwork (JPEG, PNG, TIFF, PSD)

Raster artwork is made from pixels arranged in a grid. A raster image contains a fixed number of pixels—so when you enlarge it, those pixels spread apart, making the image look soft or blocky.

Raster artwork can still be used in signage—but only when supplied at the correct resolution for the final print size.

​

What rasters are ideal for:

​

Limitations:

  • cannot be scaled larger without pixelation

  • large file sizes at high resolution

  • compression (JPEG) can create artefacts

  • loses clarity when viewed up close

​

Raster images are essential for photographic content, but they must be prepared carefully. A small JPEG from a website or a phone screenshot is not suitable for signage.

​

Vectors vs Raster: When to Use Each

Always vector:

  • logos

  • text

  • icons

  • linework

  • branding elements

  • any graphics that must stay sharp

​

Raster only when necessary:

  • photos

  • soft gradients

  • background textures

  • large imagery that isn’t available as vector

​

Most signage artwork is a hybrid—vector text & shapes combined with raster photos. This is normal and can produce excellent results when prepared correctly.

Detailed Breakdown of Each Common File Type

 

Every file format behaves differently when used for signage. Some preserve vector quality, others support high-resolution raster images, and some are suitable only for working files—not final print output. Below is a complete explanation of the file types you’ll encounter and when to use them.

​

PDF (Preferred for Most Signage)

 

PDF is the gold standard for final print files. It can contain both vector and raster elements, preserves transparency when exported correctly, and remains consistent across almost all software.

​

Why PDF is ideal for signage

  • supports vector logos and text

  • embeds or flattens images correctly

  • maintains clean curves and crisp edges

  • predictable colour handling (using CMYK or spot colours)

  • scales accurately to large sizes

  • small file sizes even with high-res content

  • printers almost universally support PDF/X formats

​

Best uses

​

Recommended export

  • PDF/X-4 (ideal for signage, transparency-safe, industry standard)

​

Common mistakes

  • rasterising the entire artwork before exporting

  • exporting from Canva (vector elements often flatten or distort)

  • exporting in RGB instead of CMYK

  • compressing images too heavily

​

PDF should almost always be your final supplied file.

​

AI (Adobe Illustrator Document)

 

AI is a working file rather than a print-ready file, but it is the most reliable way to maintain full editability of vector artwork.

​

Why AI files are excellent for production

  • retains full vector data without flattening

  • allows precise editing and scaling

  • preserves layers, outlines, masks, and effects

  • ideal for logos, text-heavy layouts, and linework

  • integrates perfectly with RIP software used by sign printers

​

Best uses

  • supplying logos

  • layout working files

  • cut vinyl designs

  • vehicle templates

  • multi-panel setups (before exporting to PDF)

​

Notes

Most printers prefer the final artwork as PDF/X-4.
AI files are ideal to supply alongside your final PDF for flexibility.

​

EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)

EPS used to be the industry standard before PDF improved. It’s still useful, especially for logos, but its limitations mean it isn’t ideal for complex signage layouts.

​

Pros

  • widely compatible

  • vector-safe format

  • good for logos

  • easy for signwriters to open regardless of software age

​

Cons

  • outdated transparency handling

  • cannot handle effects like soft shadows well

  • not suitable for final signage layouts

  • often flattens layers unnecessarily

​

Best uses

  • supplying a logo file when no AI/PDF vector is available

EPS is still “safe,” but not preferred for modern print production.

​

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphic)

 

SVG is ideal for digital use, but has limited value for print unless used strictly for logos or icons.

​

Pros

  • crisp vector scaling

  • extremely small file size

  • useful for web previews

​

Cons

  • not suitable for multi-page or large-format layouts

  • inconsistent colour handling between software

  • can break transparency or masks on export

​

Best uses

  • simple logo files

  • icons

  • supplying a web-safe version of branding

Like EPS, SVG is good as a supporting file, not final print artwork.

​

JPEG / JPG (Raster)

JPEG is the most common photo format. It uses compression to keep file sizes small, which can introduce visible artefacts—not ideal for signage if overused.

​

Pros

  • small file size

  • good for photos

  • widely supported

  • fast to transfer

​

Cons

  • loses quality every time it’s re-saved

  • compression artefacts can be obvious at large scale

  • not suitable for text or logos

  • cannot scale larger without pixelation

​

Best uses

  • background photos

  • photographic wall prints

  • vehicle wrap imagery

  • gradients (if not too compressed)

JPEG must be supplied at correct resolution for final output size.

​

PNG (Raster)

PNG supports transparency and crisp edges, making it better than JPEG for web graphics—but still not ideal for main print elements.

​

Pros

  • transparency

  • sharper edges than JPEG

  • suitable for simple raster elements

​

Cons

  • large file size

  • cannot scale without pixelation

  • not appropriate for logos/text in signage

  • transparency can flatten unpredictably when exported

​

Best uses

  • small overlay graphics

  • website previews

  • mock-ups shown to clients

Avoid supplying your main printed elements as PNG.

​

TIFF (Raster — High Quality)

TIFF is the top choice for high-end photographic printing.

​

Pros

  • lossless quality

  • handles massive dimensions

  • excellent for detailed photos

  • retains clarity when viewed up close

​

Cons

  • large file sizes

  • slower to process

  • unnecessary for small graphics

​

Best uses

  • wall murals

  • photographic prints

  • large-format backgrounds

  • ultra-high-detail interior prints

TIFF + PDF/X-4 is a perfect combination for large indoor graphics.

​

PSD (Photoshop File)

PSD is a working format only. It’s perfect for editing but should not be supplied directly as the final print file.

​

Pros

  • keeps all layers

  • perfect for retouching

  • ideal for photo-heavy designs

​

Cons

  • not good for final output

  • huge file sizes

  • can break when transferred or opened in non-Adobe software

​

Best uses

  • photo retouching

  • background preparation

  • image composition

  • “working file” before exporting to TIFF or PDF

​

Unsupported / Not Recommended Formats

These should never be used for signage artwork:

  • GIF (web only, tiny colour range)

  • BMP (uncompressed, obsolete)

  • WEBP (web format, breaks in print workflows)

  • PowerPoint / Word files

  • Screenshots

  • Images copied from websites (72 DPI)

They either don’t scale, don’t handle colour correctly, or cannot produce print-quality output.

​

 

When to Use Vector Files vs Raster Files in Signage

 

Choosing whether an element should be vector or raster is one of the most important decisions in preparing signage artwork. The correct choice determines clarity, scaling behaviour, visual sharpness, and how reliably the artwork prints across different substrates. In most cases, high-quality signage uses a combination of both formats — but only when each is used in the right context.

​

When to Use Vector Files

Vector artwork should be used whenever clarity, sharpness, or brand consistency is essential. Because vectors scale infinitely, they remain perfectly crisp regardless of how large the sign becomes or how closely it is viewed.

​

Use vector artwork for:

  • All business logos (primary and secondary)

  • Brand names and taglines

  • All text, regardless of size

  • Icons, arrows and symbols

  • Fine linework, outlines and strokes

  • Geometric shapes or clean edges

  • Cut vinyl graphics

  • Acrylic letter layouts

  • Illuminated sign faces

  • Panel layouts for ACM and interior signage

​

If it carries branding, needs to be readable, or must remain crisp up close, it should be vector.

​

Examples where vector is essential:

  • A 5-metre shopfront fascia with a 200 mm business name

  • Vehicle branding where edges must stay sharp, even on curves

  • Wayfinding signage where clarity affects usability

  • CNC-cut acrylic letters where paths must be precise

​

Vectors guarantee professional output, especially under magnification or close viewing.

​

When to Use Raster Files

Raster artwork is used when the graphic contains complex detail or photographic information that cannot be represented through vector shapes.

​

Use raster artwork for:

  • Photographs (product photos, staff photos, food, landscapes)

  • Realistic textures (brick, concrete, fabric, lighting effects)

  • Soft gradients & shadows

  • Large wall murals and interior features

  • Full vehicle wrap imagery

  • Complex illustrations that cannot be vectorised cleanly

​

Raster images must be supplied at the correct resolution for the final print size, otherwise they will pixelate when enlarged (covered in the next H2 section).

​

Where raster is appropriate:

  • Wallpaper-style graphic panels

  • A background photo behind vector text

  • Lifestyle images on a retail shopfront

  • Window graphics using high-resolution photography

  • Full-wrap vehicle designs with blended imagery

​

Raster elements add visual richness — as long as the resolution is correct.

​

When to Use Both Together

 

Most modern signage artwork is hybrid:

  • Vector for logos + text

  • Raster for photos + backgrounds

  • PDF/X-4 to combine them safely

​

This provides the perfect balance of scalability, detail, brand clarity, and print accuracy.

​

A well-prepared hybrid file is the industry standard for:

  • ACM panel signs

  • Retail window displays

  • Vehicle wraps

  • Wall graphics

  • Large indoor branding installations

​

Understanding where each format excels ensures your signage prints as sharply and professionally as possible.

Resolution Requirements & Scaling Rules for Raster Images

 

Raster images are essential for signage that includes photographs, gradients, textures, or complex art that can’t be recreated with vector shapes. But unlike vector artwork, raster images are resolution-dependent. If the resolution is too low for the final print size, the result will appear soft, pixelated, or grainy — especially on indoor signage where customers view your graphics up close. Getting the DPI right is one of the most important steps in preparing artwork for large-format printing.

​

Understanding DPI (Dots Per Inch)

DPI refers to how many pixels appear within one inch of printed space.
A 300 DPI file contains 300 pixels per inch; a 100 DPI file contains 100 pixels per inch, and so on.

For signage, DPI matters because the larger the final print, the more the image must be stretched, and the more the available pixels become visible.

​

The “Viewing Distance Rule”

Signage isn’t viewed like a brochure or a smartphone screen — a lot depends on how far away the viewer stands.

Here is the industry-standard guideline:

​

Close Viewing (0.5–2 metres)

  • Indoor wall graphics

  • Reception signs

  • Retail display panels
    Required: 150–300 DPI at final print size

​

Medium Viewing (2–5 metres)

  • Standard shopfronts

  • Window graphics

  • General retail signage
    Required: 100–150 DPI

​

Long Viewing (5+ metres)

  • Large exterior signage

  • Building fascias

  • Outdoor temporary boards
    Required: 45–100 DPI

​

Very Long Viewing (10–50 metres)

  • Billboards

  • Large hoardings
    Required: 10–30 DPI
    (This sounds low — but the viewing distance makes it perfectly sharp.)

​

This is why a huge billboard printed from a “low resolution” file still looks good: people are never close enough to see the pixels.

​

How to Calculate Whether Your File Is Big Enough

To check suitability, compare the pixel dimensions of your image to the required DPI for the final print size.

​

Example 1 — Wall Graphic (Viewed at 1 m)

Final size: 2.4 m × 1.2 m
Ideal DPI: 200–300 DPI
Pixel requirement:

  • 2.4 m = 2400 mm → ~19,000–28,000 pixels wide

A 4,000 px wide JPEG will instantly fail here — it will pixelate.

​

Upscaling Images: When It Works (and When It Doesn’t)

Modern software (Photoshop Super Resolution, Gigapixel, etc.) can upscale images — but only successfully when the source is already:

  • clean

  • uncompressed

  • high detail

  • free from artefacts

​

Upscaling cannot fix:

  • blurry photos

  • screenshots

  • web images

  • compressed JPEGs (where data has been lost)

​

If the source is poor, upscaling magnifies defects instead of fixing them.

​

Large Format Printing Is More Forgiving — But Not Unlimited

NZ conditions (strong sunlight, high contrast, bold branding) mean pixelation shows more easily. For exterior signs, a low DPI photo may survive, but on:

  • reception panels

  • interior branding

  • retail displays

  • restaurants

  • trade sites with up-close viewers

​

…the flaws become obvious instantly.

This is why raster photos always need to be checked at final print size before approval.

​

File Types That Handle High Resolution Best

  • TIFF (best for wall graphics & murals)

  • High-quality JPEG (if saved once, low compression)

  • PSD flattened to TIFF or PDF/X-4

  • Embedded raster inside vector PDF

​

The worst choices for high-resolution images:

  • PNG

  • web images

  • screenshots

  • Instagram/Facebook exports

  • anything under 1500 px width

​

These simply cannot scale.

​

Summary

Raster images are extremely powerful in signage, but only when supplied at the correct resolution. Understanding DPI, viewing distance, and scaling ensures your signs stay sharp, professional, and visually consistent across all substrates.

Next, we’ll look at how colour profiles affect print accuracy.

​

​

Colour Profiles: RGB vs CMYK vs Spot Colours

 

Colour accuracy is critical in signage, especially for brands with strict identity standards. The colour profile you use determines how artwork is interpreted by printers, how consistently it displays across different devices, and how closely the printed result matches your digital design. Understanding RGB, CMYK and spot colours ensures predictable, reliable output.

​

RGB — For Screens Only

RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is the colour model used for:

  • computer screens

  • phones

  • tablets

  • digital previews

  • web graphics

​

RGB has a wider colour gamut than CMYK, which means it can display bright colours that printers physically cannot reproduce. This is why designs that look vivid on-screen sometimes appear duller when printed — they were never achievable in CMYK to begin with.

​

When RGB is acceptable:

  • mock-ups

  • website previews

  • digital concepts

  • mood boards

  • social media graphics

​

When RGB is NOT acceptable:

  • any final print file

  • any colour-critical brand element

  • any artwork that includes logos or brand colours

Supplying signage artwork in RGB will produce unpredictable results.

​

CMYK — The Standard for Print

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) is the colour model used for physical printing. It has a smaller colour range than RGB, but it produces far more consistent, predictable colour output.

​

Why CMYK is essential for signage:

  • colour output matches real-world print

  • predictable results across different materials

  • prevents unwanted colour shifts

  • mandatory for brand colours and text

  • consistent across ACM, vinyl, window films and wall graphics

​

Most signage printers request artwork in CMYK + PDF/X-4, ensuring the file is optimised for large-format output.

​

Best practice:

  • convert all final print artwork to CMYK before exporting

  • check for colour shifts (especially bright greens, blues, reds)

  • use CMYK-safe values for brand colours

​

Spot Colours (Pantone®) — For Brand Accuracy

Pantone (PMS) spot colours are pre-mixed inks designed to match specific brand colours with exceptional consistency. Although spot colours are not always printed as true “spots” in large-format digital production, they are still incredibly important for:

  • specifying brand colours

  • matching painted surfaces

  • matching acrylic or vinyl materials

  • ensuring consistency across multiple suppliers

​

Best use cases:

  • corporate branding

  • acrylic letters

  • painted aluminium signage

  • vehicle graphics

  • mixed-material installations

​

Even when printing in CMYK, your printer can match Pantone references as closely as the substrate allows.

​

Summary

  • RGB = screen; never final print

  • CMYK = correct for all printed signage

  • Spot Colours (Pantone) = essential for brand consistency

​

Understanding these colour profiles ensures that what you see on screen is as close as possible to what appears on the final sign — across all substrates and viewing conditions. More on colour accuracy is in Colour Matching & Print Accuracy.

​

​

Exporting Files Correctly: Bleed, Outlines, Embeds & Compression

 

Supplying your artwork in the right format is only half of the equation. The export process determines how reliably your file prints, whether it imports cleanly into the RIP software, and whether your sign appears exactly as intended. Many file problems—missing fonts, unexpected white boxes, colour shifts, or blurry edges—come from incorrect export settings rather than the artwork itself.

​

This section explains the essential steps required to prepare signage artwork for final production.

​

Outline All Text (Convert to Paths)

Text that is not converted to outlines can cause:

  • missing fonts

  • substituted fonts

  • reflowing text boxes

  • corrupted characters

  • inconsistent kerning

​

When you convert text to paths, it becomes vector artwork (shapes), ensuring it prints exactly as designed.

​

Best practice:

  • Convert all text to outlines before exporting

  • Save a second “editable” version with live text for future updates

  • Avoid obscure or system fonts

​

If fonts aren’t outlined, your design may look entirely different on the printer’s computer.

​

Embed or Link Images Properly

 

Images that aren’t embedded can disappear or downsample incorrectly.

​

Embed images when:

  • using Adobe Illustrator or InDesign for final layout

  • sending a single-page final artwork

​

Link images when:

  • files are extremely large (high-res wall murals)

  • you are supplying a packaged project folder

​

Never do:

  • link an image from your desktop or cloud drive and forget to supply it

  • rely on low-resolution previews

  • flatten the entire layout unless necessary

​

Missing images create delays and rework.

​

Use the Correct Colour Profile at Export

The final export should always be:

  • CMYK (unless specifically instructed otherwise)

  • PDF/X-4

​

PDF/X-4 is the industry standard because it handles:

  • transparency correctly

  • embedded images

  • vector elements

  • consistent colour output

​

Avoid exporting PDFs in RGB, “High Quality Print” presets, or Canva’s PDF options, which often flatten vectors.

​

Add Bleed Where Needed

Bleed ensures your artwork prints edge-to-edge with no white gaps after trimming.

​

Add bleed for:

  • ACM panels that will be flush-trimmed

  • posters

  • corflute signs

  • stickers or labels

  • anything trimmed to size

​

Typical bleed requirements:

  • 5 mm on all sides for standard signage

  • 10 mm for oversized graphics or textured cuts

​

For wall graphics or surface-applied vinyl, bleed may not be necessary unless the artwork wraps around edges.

​

Check Transparency & Overprints

Flattened transparency can cause:

  • white boxes behind graphics

  • random haloing

  • clipped shadows or gradients

​

Avoid flattening unless exporting a TIFF or other raster format.
PDF/X-4 maintains live transparency safely.

​

Use Appropriate Compression Settings

Compression affects file size and clarity.

​

Good compression:

  • High-quality JPEG inside a PDF

  • LZW compression for TIFFs

  • ZIP compression for vector-heavy PDFs

​

Bad compression:

  • “Smallest File Size” export in Adobe

  • Repeated JPEG resaving

  • PNG used for large imagery

​

Avoid over-compression at all costs—once detail is lost, it cannot be recovered.

​

Summary of Best Export Settings

  • Format: PDF/X-4

  • Colour: CMYK

  • Text: Outlined

  • Images: Embedded or properly linked

  • Bleed: 5–10 mm where required

  • Compression: Minimal, high-quality

  • Transparency: Preserved, not flattened

  • Logos: Supplied separately as vector files

​

Correct export settings ensure that your signage prints reliably and accurately across all substrates, sizes, and environments.

​

Common File Issues & How to Avoid Them

 

Even well-designed artwork can run into production problems if the underlying file isn’t prepared correctly. Many clients assume a file “looks fine on screen,” but perfectly acceptable digital artwork can fall apart when scaled for large-format print. Below are the most frequent issues we see in signage production — and how to avoid them entirely.

​

Blurry or Pixelated Logos

This is by far the most common problem. Logos supplied as PNGs, JPEGs, screenshots, or images copied from a website cannot be scaled cleanly. Even if they look acceptable at small sizes, the moment the logo is enlarged for a fascia, vehicle, or window display, the edges become soft.

​

Why it happens:

  • Raster logo supplied instead of vector

  • PNG/JPEG exported from Canva

  • Logo pulled from a website or email signature

  • Screenshot used as a “logo file”

​

How to fix it:

  • Always supply logos in AI, EPS, PDF (true vector), or SVG

  • Recreate/redraw low-quality logos as vector artwork

  • Maintain a brand asset folder with official versions

​

Low-Resolution Photos

Photos that look fine on social media often fall apart at scale. A 1080×1080 Instagram image might appear crisp on your phone but will pixelate instantly when enlarged for a window or wall graphic.

​

Common causes:

  • Photos downloaded from websites

  • Screenshots used in place of originals

  • JPEGs saved repeatedly (heavy compression)

​

Solutions:

  • Provide original camera files whenever possible

  • Supply TIFF or high-quality JPEG

  • Check DPI at final print size before sending

​

(See H2 #5 for full resolution guidelines.)

​

Missing or Substituted Fonts

If fonts are not converted to outlines, the printer’s computer may replace them with a default system font — completely changing the appearance of your design.

​

Fix:

  • Convert all text to outlines before exporting

  • Supply fonts only if specifically requested

  • Never rely on system fonts or obscure typefaces

​

Unexpected Colour Shifts

The most common cause is artwork supplied in RGB. Bright RGB colours simply cannot be reproduced in CMYK, so printers must convert them, causing visible changes in saturation and tone.

​

Fix:

  • Convert all artwork to CMYK before export

  • Use Pantone references for brand consistency

  • Avoid neon or highly saturated RGB values

​

(See H2 #6 for more on colour profiles.)

​

White Boxes Behind Elements (Transparency Issues)

This occurs when transparency is flattened incorrectly, especially in exported PNG elements or when artwork comes from Canva or non-Adobe tools.

​

Fix:

  • Export using PDF/X-4 to preserve live transparency

  • Avoid flattening unless exporting a raster image

  • Keep shadows, glows and overlays as vector effects where possible

​

Mismatched Scaling or Incorrect Dimensions

A file designed at the wrong size can distort when scaled, or text may be too small to read when printed.

​

Fix:

  • Set artboard to final print size

  • Use vector text and graphics for all key elements

  • Check readability at actual viewing distance

​

Linked Images Not Included

If images are linked rather than embedded and not supplied with the artwork, the printer may receive empty boxes or low-res previews.

​

Fix:

  • Embed images unless supplying a packaged project

  • Double-check links before exporting

​

Summary

Most file issues are preventable. Ensuring vector logos, correct DPI, outlined text, CMYK colour profiles and proper export settings eliminates 95% of production delays and guarantees professional results every time. You can see examples of clean, sharp signage outcomes in our Portfolio.

​

​

Summary & Best-Practice Recommendations

 

Correct file preparation is the foundation of high-quality signage. Whether your project involves ACM panels, vehicle graphics, wall prints, illuminated signage or retail window displays, the sharpness, colour accuracy and overall professionalism of the final result depend on supplying artwork in the right formats. Vector artwork ensures logos and text remain crisp at any scale, while high-resolution raster images provide depth and realism when used appropriately. Choosing the correct colour profile, outlining fonts, embedding images and exporting with industry-standard settings prevents unexpected issues and ensures predictable, reliable output across all substrates.

​

When preparing signage artwork, follow these best-practice principles:

  • Use vector files whenever possible — especially for logos, text and branding.

  • Supply raster images at the correct resolution for the final print size, based on viewing distance.

  • Work in CMYK, and use Pantone references when brand accuracy is critical.

  • Outline all fonts to prevent missing or substituted typefaces.

  • Embed images or package your files to avoid missing assets.

  • Export using PDF/X-4, keeping transparency live and preventing flattening artefacts.

  • Check scale and legibility at the intended viewing distance.

  • Avoid screenshots, web images or low-resolution PNGs, as these cannot be fixed.

​

By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure your signage prints cleanly, installs correctly and represents your brand consistently across every application. Understanding file formats is one of the simplest ways to avoid production delays, protect visual quality and achieve a professional finish on every project.

Frequently asked questions

bottom of page