Artwork Guidelines

Supplying accurate, print-ready artwork ensures your graphics reproduce exactly as intended and move smoothly into production with no delays. These guidelines outline the technical standards required for all large-format print jobs. Following them closely prevents colour shifts, soft imagery, trimming issues and file failures at pre-press.

Following these guidelines ensures a smooth process from submission to print, reflecting your vision with precision and quality. Our studio team is always available for guidance or to clarify any part of the submission process.

Hi-res PDFs offer the most reliable workflow for large-format printing because they maintain fonts, colours, vector shapes and linked assets in a stable format.

Preferred formats

• PDF (Hi-res, fonts embedded or outlined) – the most predictable and stable format for print

• Photoshop: EPS, PDF, PSD, TIFF (flattened where possible)

• Illustrator: AI, PDF, EPS with fonts outlined & images embedded

• InDesign: Supply the packaged folder with all fonts and links included

Do:

• Supply PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 where possible
• Embed all linked assets
• Ensure fonts are outlined or included
• Keep file names short, clear and descriptive

Don’t: (we may reject and ask to re-supply).

• Send Word, PowerPoint or Canva exports
• Include missing links or unembedded images
• Supply low-resolution PNGs or web graphics

Why this matters:
Non-print formats often alter layout, scale or colour during export. Missing links or layered transparency can cause unexpected results once ripped to print. Stable file formats protect your visual accuracy.

Accurate file preparation prevents alignment issues, trimming mistakes and delays during pre-press. Multi-panel files, cut paths and naming conventions must be clear.

Requirements:

• Name your file clearly using the order reference + size
• For multi-panel projects, submit one full layout with split instructions
• Turn off overprint unless intentionally used
• Define cut lines with a spot colour named “CutContour”
• Keep working files tidy, removing unused layers

Do:

• Provide a visual key or panel diagram for hoardings or wall wraps
• Use spot-colour cut lines (not RGB strokes)
• Consolidate layers into clean, simple groups

Don’t:

• Leave hidden layers, notes, or unused elements
• Flatten cut lines into the artwork
• Use arbitrary file names

Why this matters:
Incorrect file naming, poor layer management or mislabelled cut paths can cause production pauses and increase the risk of finishing errors. Clear preparation ensures accuracy throughout print and finishing.

Proper colour setup ensures reliable reproduction. Large-format printers use CMYK output, and spot colours must be clearly defined to avoid colour shift.

Requirements:

• Use Solid Coated Pantone references for spot accuracy
• Maintain original spot colour names
• Supply vector artwork in CMYK
• Supply bitmap images in CMYK or RGB (RGB will convert on RIP)

Do:

• Keep brand colours consistent across documents
• Ensure black elements use the correct CMYK values
• Check gradients for banding at full artwork size

Don’t:

• Rely solely on RGB appearance (screens vary)
• Use mixed colour modes within one layout
• Convert Pantone values manually (retain original naming)

Why this matters:
CMYK and Pantone colours behave differently on various substrates. Incorrect or mixed colour modes cause dull blacks, muddy imagery or unexpected shifts in print. Proper colour management protects brand accuracy.

Bleed prevents white edging during trimming. Large graphics require more bleed due to substrate movement and installation tolerances.

Requirements:

• Apply 5mm bleed on all edges for every substrate
• Extend backgrounds, colours and imagery fully into bleed
• Keep key content comfortably within safe areas

Do:

• Add bleed before exporting to PDF
• Maintain consistency across multi-panel files
• Check artwork alignment to avoid mis-trim

Don’t:

• Leave backgrounds flush to the document edge
• Place text or logos near trim lines
• Rely on RIP software to add bleed

Why this matters:
Trimming tolerances vary depending on substrate thickness and finishing method. Without adequate bleed, graphics risk showing white edges or misaligned joins.