Why do you require CMYK artwork instead of RGB?

Large-format printing uses CMYK inks, and RGB colours often convert unpredictably. Supplying CMYK artwork ensures colours remain consistent and prevents unexpected dullness, saturation loss or inaccurate brand tones.

What happens if my artwork is the wrong size?

Artwork with incorrect dimensions or unclear scaling must be corrected before entering production. Incorrect sizing may cause distortion, misalignment or panel sizing errors during installation.

Can you add bleed for me?

Artwork must ideally be supplied with bleed already included. If bleed is missing, our studio may add it, but this can delay production and may not always be possible depending on artwork complexity.

Why must fonts be outlined?

Outlining fonts prevents text from reflowing or altering if we do not have the typeface installed. This protects the layout and ensures your design prints exactly as supplied.

What is a CutContour line?

A CutContour line is a custom cutting path recognised by finishing equipment. It must be a spot colour, named correctly, and created as a single vector stroke. Incorrect paths may cause cutting errors.

Why is 100 dpi acceptable for large format?

Large graphics are generally viewed from a distance, meaning 100 dpi at full size retains visible clarity without unnecessary file weight. Higher dpi is used for close-view items only.

Can I use images downloaded from the web?

No. Web images are too low in resolution and will pixelate when enlarged. All images must be high-quality, original files suitable for large-format scaling.

Do I need to include crop marks?

Crop marks are not required unless specifically requested. Bleed is mandatory, but crop marks are only necessary for certain finishing processes or where panel trimming references are needed.

Artwork Requirements

To ensure your project prints accurately and moves smoothly through our production workflow, all artwork must meet the technical requirements outlined below. These standards cover file preparation, scaling, colour accuracy, bleed, resolution and finishing indicators. Supplying artwork that meets these requirements helps prevent delays, ensures consistent quality and reduces the risk of errors once the job enters large format production.

Artwork Requirements

To ensure your graphics print accurately and progress smoothly through production, all artwork must meet the technical requirements outlined below. These rules protect against scaling issues, colour shifts, trimming inaccuracy and missing elements. Please follow all specifications precisely before submitting files to our studio.

Accepted

Artwork supplied using Wallace Print templates
At least 5mm bleed supplied
Crop marks included (unless using our template)
Each artwork/design is supplied as a separate file/page
Filenames include finished size + description
Correct width-to-height ratio
CMYK colour mode
All images embedded
All fonts outlined
All template elements removed
PDF, EPS, AI, PSD (flattened) [preffered]
TIFF (flattened), high-res JPG [usable]

Not Accepted

Artwork not using supplied templates
Missing or incorrect bleed
Missing crop marks when required
Multiple artworks in one file
Vague or unclear filenames
Distorted or incorrectly scaled artwork
RGB or mixed colour modes
Missing or unlinked images
Editable or missing fonts
Visible template guides or notes
Word, PowerPoint Files
Canva exports without bleed,
PNGs, screenshots, web images

All artwork must be supplied in a format that adheres to the technical standards of large-format printing. Using incorrect formats or missing essential elements such as bleed or outlines, may result in delays or artwork being rejected.

Why these rules matter

Using templates ensures artwork aligns with the exact product specifications.
Correct bleed prevents white edges after trimming.
Outlined fonts avoid layout changes if fonts are missing.
Embedded images ensure no assets drop out during pre-press.
CMYK ensures predictable colour output on large-format printers.
Accurate filenames help production teams manage artwork efficiently.

Accepted artwork formats

Supplying artwork in the correct file format ensures stable, predictable output and prevents issues during RIP, pre-press and printing. Flattened or simplified files often process more reliably in large-format workflows.

Accepted

PDF (preferred for accuracy and stability)
EPS (Encapsulated PostScript, CS6 and below)
AI (Adobe Illustrator, CS6 and below)
PSD (Adobe Photoshop — flattened recommended)
TIFF (flattened recommended)
JPG/JPEG (high resolution only)

Not Accepted

Word documents
PowerPoint files
Canva exports without bleed/print settings
Low-resolution PNGs
Screenshots, web images, social media imagery
Files exported at incorrect or unknown scales

Why are these formats required

PDF and EPS ensure vector accuracy and stable colour reproduction.
Illustrator and Photoshop formats must be simplified to prevent layer conflicts.
JPEG/TIFF files must be high-resolution to avoid pixelation.
Word, PowerPoint or low-quality PNG files are not print-safe and distort on output.

Submitting your artwork

Artwork can be supplied to your account manager. Please ensure your files are labelled clearly and meet all requirements listed above.

Submission methods:

Email: Send high-resolution PDFs to your account manager or sales@wallaceprint.com
WeTransfer / SendGB: For large artwork files
Dropbox link: Create and share a link to your folder

If you need to discuss any technical requirements before submitting artwork, please contact your account manager or call 01634 724772, and a member of our Studio team will be happy to assist.

Printing Services

We offer a complete suite of large format printing services, covering everything from start to end of the printing process. All produced and finished in-house for consistent quality.

Frequently asked questions

Why do you require CMYK artwork instead of RGB?
Large-format printing uses CMYK inks, and RGB colours often convert unpredictably. Supplying CMYK artwork ensures colours remain consistent and prevents unexpected dullness, saturation loss or inaccurate brand tones.
What happens if my artwork is the wrong size?
Artwork with incorrect dimensions or unclear scaling must be corrected before entering production. Incorrect sizing may cause distortion, misalignment or panel sizing errors during installation.
Can you add bleed for me?
Artwork must ideally be supplied with bleed already included. If bleed is missing, our studio may add it, but this can delay production and may not always be possible depending on artwork complexity.
Why must fonts be outlined?
Outlining fonts prevents text from reflowing or altering if we do not have the typeface installed. This protects the layout and ensures your design prints exactly as supplied.
What is a CutContour line?
A CutContour line is a custom cutting path recognised by finishing equipment. It must be a spot colour, named correctly, and created as a single vector stroke. Incorrect paths may cause cutting errors.
Why is 100 dpi acceptable for large format?
Large graphics are generally viewed from a distance, meaning 100 dpi at full size retains visible clarity without unnecessary file weight. Higher dpi is used for close-view items only.
Can I use images downloaded from the web?
No. Web images are too low in resolution and will pixelate when enlarged. All images must be high-quality, original files suitable for large-format scaling.
Do I need to include crop marks?
Crop marks are not required unless specifically requested. Bleed is mandatory, but crop marks are only necessary for certain finishing processes or where panel trimming references are needed.

Industry Specialists

With over 40 years in large format printing, we’ve delivered thousands of projects across the UK. Our legacy is built on precision, reliability, and trusted results.