DESIGN HELP

Artwork prep for trade-show gear.

Get your file print-ready in under 15 minutes. File formats, resolution, bleed, color, templates, everything you need.

File formats we accept

We accept the standard print formats. Vector is always preferred for type and logos because it scales without quality loss. High-resolution raster works for photos and complex illustrations.

PDFVector preferred. Outline all text.
AIAdobe Illustrator. Save as CS6 or newer.
EPSVector. Embed all linked images.
PSDPhotoshop. Flatten before export.
PNG150 DPI at print size, transparent OK.
JPG150 DPI at print size, max quality.

Max file size per upload: 500 MB. For multi-file submissions, zip the folder first. Send template files by uploading them in the checkout artwork field.

Resolution: vector vs raster

If your file is the wrong resolution, your print will look fuzzy or pixelated. Two paths to crisp output: vector (no resolution to worry about) or raster at the right DPI for the print size.

Vector (best)

Built from math, scales infinitely without quality loss. Used for logos, type, illustrations. File types: AI, EPS, PDF, SVG.

Vector art always prints crisp at any size, whether it is a 2-inch business card or a 20-foot tent canopy.

Raster (works if sized right)

Built from pixels. Photos and complex illustrations are raster. File types: PSD, PNG, JPG, TIFF.

Rule: target 150 DPI at final print size. A 36-inch banner needs an image at least 5400 pixels wide. Smaller and it will pixelate on the print.

Bleed and safe zone, explained

These two concepts trip up most first-time print buyers. Once you get them, your artwork will always cut cleanly.

Bleed area, trim line, and safe zone BLEED (extends 0.25" past trim) TRIM LINE (final cut edge) SAFE ZONE All text and logos go inside this box
Red dashed = bleed. Black solid = where we cut. Green dashed = safe zone for type and logos.

What each zone means

  • Bleed: background color or image extends 0.25 inch past the trim line on every side. This prevents a thin white edge if the cut is slightly off.
  • Trim line: where the final cut happens. This is the visible edge of your printed product.
  • Safe zone: keep all text, logos, and important content at least 0.5 inch inside the trim. Anything outside the safe zone risks being trimmed off or sitting too close to the edge.
GoodBackground extends to the red bleed line. Logo and text sit inside the green safe zone. Cuts cleanly with no white edges, nothing important gets clipped.
BadBackground stops at the trim line, logo touches the edge. Any cut variation shows a white sliver. The logo risks being trimmed.

Color modes: CMYK vs RGB

Screens use RGB (red, green, blue light). Printers use CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black ink). Submit your print files in CMYK for the most accurate color match.

CMYK is for print, RGB is for screen CMYK (for print) Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black inks RGB (for screen) Red, Green, Blue light
Submit print files in CMYK. RGB files print fine but colors may shift, especially neon greens, electric blues, hot pinks.

Color matching

If color accuracy matters (brand red, brand blue), tell us the Pantone (PMS) value in your order notes. We will match as closely as our process allows. CMYK output can hit ~85 to 90 percent of Pantone values within a small Delta E; very saturated brand colors may shift.

Using our downloadable templates

Every product on the site has free downloadable artwork templates. Templates already have the correct size, bleed, and safe zone built in, so you do not have to set them up.

  • On any product page, scroll to the Templates tab.
  • Download the template that matches the size you are ordering.
  • Open the file in Illustrator, Photoshop, or any tool that handles AI or PSD.
  • Place your art on the artwork layer. Keep text inside the safe zone.
  • Hide the guide layer before exporting your final file.
  • Export as PDF (preferred) or PNG at 150 DPI.
Template workflow: download, design, hide guides, export 1 Download 2 Design 3 Hide guides 4 Export PDF ✓
Four steps. Most designers finish a single-sided banner in 10 to 15 minutes.

Common artwork questions

My logo is JPG and looks fuzzy when I scale it up. Can I still use it?
JPGs do not scale up cleanly. Ask whoever made your logo for the vector version (AI, EPS, or PDF). If you cannot get it, we can sometimes vectorize a clean JPG in pre-press; just flag it on your order. Quote-form for complex re-creation work.
My file is in RGB. Will it print weird?
Probably not, but it may shift slightly. Convert to CMYK in Photoshop or Illustrator before exporting if you want to see how it will look. Brand red and brand blue are the most common shifters.
How do I know if my image is high-enough resolution?
In Photoshop, go to Image > Image Size and check the dimensions in inches at 150 DPI. If those inches match or exceed your print size, you are good. If the inches are smaller, the image will pixelate.
What if I use the wrong template size?
We will catch it on proof. We will not auto-stretch your art (that would distort it). You will get a proof email asking which way you want to go: resize, redesign, or pick the actual size the art fits.
Can you design something for me?
We do not offer full design services on the standard checkout. For design-assist, layout fixes, or full creative, use the bulk quote form and describe what you need. We will quote it.
Do you send a proof before printing?
Yes. Every order gets a digital proof emailed to the address on file. We do not start production until you approve it. Most proofs go out within 1 business day of order.

Need help with your artwork?

Use the quote form for design-assist requests. We reply within 4 hours.

Request design help →