What size should I supply my artwork at?

Where possible, artwork should be supplied at full size. For large graphics such as hoardings or wall wraps, scaled artwork at 50% or 25% is perfectly acceptable, provided the resolution remains proportional. Always include clear measurements so our studio can confirm the correct output size.

How much bleed should I include?

Standard graphics require 5mm bleed, but larger installations such as construction hoardings or full wall coverings need 10–25mm to allow for trimming tolerances and installation movement. Including bleed ensures clean edges without risking white borders.

Should I design in CMYK or RGB?

Always design in CMYK for print output. While RGB may appear brighter on screen, it will convert differently in production, which can cause colour shifts. If your brand uses Pantone colours, include the references so we can match them as closely as possible.

What resolution do my images need to be?

150 dpi at full size is ideal for most large format jobs. Outdoor graphics that are viewed from a distance can be set at 100 dpi, while small or high-detail prints benefit from 300 dpi. Avoid enlarging low-quality images, as this will reduce clarity.

Do I need to outline fonts?

Yes. Outlining fonts prevents text from shifting or reflowing if the font is not available on our systems. It ensures the layout remains accurate and avoids delays during pre-press.

Can you help prepare multi-panel artwork?

Absolutely. Whether you supply a full layout or individual sections, we can prepare panel splits with correct sizing, overlaps and alignment. This ensures seamless installation on site.

What file format should I use?

PDF is the preferred format for stability and compatibility. We also accept AI, EPS, PSD, TIFF and high-resolution JPEGs. If supplying native files, include all linked assets and fonts to avoid missing elements.

What if I’m not confident setting up artwork myself?

Our studio can take care of the entire setup process, from resizing and bleed adjustments to full artwork preparation. Send what you have, and we’ll make it print-ready with no stress or uncertainty.

Artwork Setup

Artwork setup

Supplying artwork that is correctly set up ensures your project moves smoothly through production and prints exactly as intended. At Wallace Print, we work with artwork for everything from small internal signage to full site-wide branding, so accuracy and consistency are essential. This page explains the key steps involved in setting up artwork for large format print, helping you achieve sharp, reliable results with no delays or unexpected issues.

SETTING UP YOUR ARTWORK FOR PRINT

Artwork Setup & Pre-Press

We begin by checking every file for correct bleed, colour mode, resolution and scaling. Our studio resolves setup issues early to ensure your artwork is fully print-ready before moving to production.

Colour Matching & Proofing

Next, we manage colour accuracy across materials and printers. Where required, we produce printed proofs to validate key brand colours, Pantones and sensitive campaign elements before full print runs.

Panel & Layout Preparation

For walls, hoardings, windows and large multi-section graphics, we create precise panel splits and layout plans. This guarantees accurate alignment, correct scaling and seamless joins during installation.

File Fixing & Corrections

If your artwork contains errors or requires adjustments, we correct them at this stage. This can include resizing, bleed adjustments, outlining fonts, tidying layers, converting file types and stabilising artwork for production.

Artwork Refinement & Layout Support

When artwork is incomplete or not yet print-ready, our studio can refine supplied files, apply existing brand assets and build final print layouts. We focus on preparing accurate, production-ready artwork for signage, graphics and large format applications using the elements you provide.

Quick Turnaround Support

Once artwork is approved and prepared, we prioritise efficient turnaround. Our streamlined studio workflow ensures files move directly into production, supporting urgent deadlines without compromising quality.

If you’re unsure which materials or print method are best for your project, our team is here to help. Email sales@wallaceprint.com with your project details, quantities and intended use, and we’ll review everything for you. You’ll receive clear recommendations and a no-obligation quote based on what will deliver the best result.

Understanding Artwork Requirements

Before starting any design intended for print, it’s important to understand how large format graphics differ from standard print. Elements such as resolution, scaling, colour profiles and bleed play a direct role in how the final product appears. Preparing these correctly at the beginning avoids unnecessary amendments and ensures your artwork is print-ready from the outset.

Good artwork setup should:

Match the final printed size or a correct proportional scale
Use the appropriate colour mode for print
Include sufficient bleed and safe margins
Maintain image quality at the intended viewing distance
Keep layers tidy to prevent errors during pre-press

Setting Up Your Document Size

Your artwork should be created at the correct dimensions or at a proportional scale that maintains accuracy when enlarged. This prevents distortion, incorrect panel sizing and layout issues once the job reaches production.

We recommend:

Creating artwork at full size whenever possible
Using 50% or 25% scale for oversized graphics
Keeping scale consistent throughout multi-panel artwork
Including dimensions clearly when sending files

Bleed, Safe Area and Trimming

Bleed and safety margins are vital in large format production due to material movement, trimming tolerances and finishing processes. Proper setup ensures a clean, professional edge without risking important information being trimmed.

Guidelines:

Add 5mm bleed for standard graphics
Add 10–25mm bleed for hoardings, wall coverings and shaped pieces
Keep essential elements 10–20mm inside the safe area
Extend background colours and images fully into the bleed

Image Resolution and Quality Control

Ensuring your images are supplied at the appropriate resolution is essential for crisp text, smooth gradients and clean photographic detail. Low-resolution images appear pixelated or soft once enlarged to full size, particularly on window vinyls, posters and display graphics.

Resolution guidance:

150 dpi at full size for general large format print
100 dpi at full size for very large outdoor graphics
300 dpi for close-viewing graphics or small signage
Avoid enlarging small images beyond their original size

If any supplied imagery does not meet the required resolution for the intended application, our studio team will be in touch to discuss options and confirm you are happy with the final print quality before production.

Panel Splits and Large Graphics

Graphics produced over multiple panels must align perfectly. Whether for wall wraps, hoardings, window graphics or murals, panel splits must be created accurately to avoid gaps, overlaps or misalignment during installation.

Our team can prepare:

Panel splits at the correct size and tolerance
Overlaps for installation where required
Grid layouts for complex walls or spaces
Sectioned artwork for large continuous displays

Studio Support for Artwork Setup

If you’re unsure about any part of the setup process, our studio can prepare, correct or finalise artwork for you. Whether you have fully designed files or only an initial concept, we can ensure everything is print-ready and accurate before production begins. An artwork preparation charge could applied to your invoice.

We can assist with:

Adding bleed and safe margins
Colour correction and profile setup
Resizing and scaling artwork
File conversion into press-ready PDFs
Panel preparation for large graphics
Tidy-up work for layered or inherited files

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

What size should I supply my artwork at?
Where possible, artwork should be supplied at full size. For large graphics such as hoardings or wall wraps, scaled artwork at 50% or 25% is perfectly acceptable, provided the resolution remains proportional. Always include clear measurements so our studio can confirm the correct output size.
How much bleed should I include?
Standard graphics require 5mm bleed, but larger installations such as construction hoardings or full wall coverings need 10–25mm to allow for trimming tolerances and installation movement. Including bleed ensures clean edges without risking white borders.
Should I design in CMYK or RGB?
Always design in CMYK for print output. While RGB may appear brighter on screen, it will convert differently in production, which can cause colour shifts. If your brand uses Pantone colours, include the references so we can match them as closely as possible.
What resolution do my images need to be?
150 dpi at full size is ideal for most large format jobs. Outdoor graphics that are viewed from a distance can be set at 100 dpi, while small or high-detail prints benefit from 300 dpi. Avoid enlarging low-quality images, as this will reduce clarity.
Do I need to outline fonts?
Yes. Outlining fonts prevents text from shifting or reflowing if the font is not available on our systems. It ensures the layout remains accurate and avoids delays during pre-press.
Can you help prepare multi-panel artwork?
Absolutely. Whether you supply a full layout or individual sections, we can prepare panel splits with correct sizing, overlaps and alignment. This ensures seamless installation on site.
What file format should I use?
PDF is the preferred format for stability and compatibility. We also accept AI, EPS, PSD, TIFF and high-resolution JPEGs. If supplying native files, include all linked assets and fonts to avoid missing elements.
What if I’m not confident setting up artwork myself?
Our studio can take care of the entire setup process, from resizing and bleed adjustments to full artwork preparation. Send what you have, and we’ll make it print-ready with no stress or uncertainty.

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.