File Setup Information for Uploaded Sign Designs

Guidelines for all file types:

TIPS: Do not paste small or low resolution images in your design file Low resolution images will not print clear. This includes images copied off the internet. The best way to determine quality of printing View your file at 100% zoom of actual/print size. Whatever looks pixilated or blurry will print blurry and pixilated. 1 foot equals 12 inches To figure out size in inches, multiply width and height, separately, in feet by 12. This gives you size in inches. All files should be made to 150dpi and the canvas set to the actual sign size (in inches). Greater sizes are acceptable. Lesser sizes will usually need improvements before printing. We will accept any file for review If your file is not accepted for printing, you will not be charged nor are you obligated to buy. We will email you if there is a problem with your file. At this point you can choose to submit a different file or cancel your order for a full refund.

Set canvas/page size (image size) to real sign size in inches. Example - if you creating 3'x8' vinyl banner, set your canvas size to 36" inches by 96" inches. Click to download File Size Templates

Set the file resolution to 150 dpi (or greater).
Set the Color Mode to RGB.
Do not include bleeds.
Include background color in your file.

We suggest keeping all text, images and logos 1 inch off the edge

Preferred file type for printing: TIFF flattened to 1 single layer or PDF file.

Click on this link to download standard vinyl sign and banner sizes file templates for use as a start in your own design software.

Files our printers like

TIFF Files: Set the resolution to 150dpi at full sign size in inches. Flatten the file before saving it at 100% quality. Do not compress or optimize the file. As a general rule TIFF files less than 1mb in size do not print well.

JPEG Files: Set the resolution to 150dpi at full sign size in inches. Save it at 100% quality. As a general rule JPEG files less than 1mb in size do not print well.

PSD Files: Set the resolution to 150dpi at full sign size in inches. Flatten the file before saving it at 100% quality. Do not compress or optimize the file. As a general rule PSD files less than 1mb in size do not print well.

PDF Files: Convert all text to outlines. Expand all fills and strokes. All PDF's should be 1 page files.

EPS Files: Convert all text to outlines. Expand all fills and strokes.

AI Files: Convert all text to outlines. Expand all Fills and Stokes.

Software

Photoshop
Flatten the image. Make sure your file contains only 1 final background layer. Save as a TIFF or PSD file.

Illustrator
Convert all text to outlines. Expand all Fills and Stokes. Save as a PDF file.

Corel Products
Save your Corel file as a PDF, EPS or high resolution (150dpi or greater) TIFF or JPEG. Corel files can not be processed or printed.

Publisher
Save your Publisher file as a PDF or high resolution (150dpi or greater) TIFF or JPEG. Publisher files can not be processed or printed.

Powerpoint
Save your Powerpoint file as a PDF or high resolution (150dpi or greater) TIFF or JPEG. Powerpoint files can not be processed or printed.

Word
Try to avoid sending Word files, they usually can not be printed. If Word file is all what you have, add a border proportional to your sign size and make your design inside that border only. When uploading your Word file, include all Fonts used in the files in upload.

Most Office products limit the artwork/page size making it less suitable to design a sign. Try converting your file to a high resolution PDF or TIFF and our pre-flight department will review your file. It may be possible to enlarge your design for printing.