How-To · FAQ · DIY Info

Preparing Files for PRINT

File Prep for Print
(& Print with Cut)

We work from PDF files.
Choose your art board dimensions: When creating your art work, choose the art board dimensions to match the dimensions you want the decal to be, include the desired white space. Ensure your design is properly placed on the art board.
Work at full scale: When possible, work at actual size. Otherwise, work at 50% or 25%. Include this information in the file, such as in the file name.
Outline fonts and create dielines: Embed/outline the fonts: When saving your file as a PDF, choose the option to embed the fonts. Even better send us a version of the file with all fonts outlined. If your print is cut to a custom shape you can create a dieline path in a seperate layer called "Cut".
Check the resolution of the images you use: Bitmap, jpg, tiff and other rasterized images have a fixed resolution. This means that the larger they are printed, the lower the quality of the final output. That does not mean you should not enlarge an image, but you must be careful not to breach certain thresholds. For the purposes of most signage, you want to ensure that images have a resolution of >150 ppi. For wall murals we often work with lower resolutions
Embed the images: During development of your art work, you can work with embedded or linked images. However, on the final copy you must “parse” or embed the images. Most software allows you to do this at the “Save as PDF” stage.
Work in CMYK: Working in the CMYK colour mode provides the most consistent colours.
Proof your art work in Adobe Reader: Proofing your files for resolution and image details is straightforward. After saving as PDF, open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader. Do not use your application as the final check; use Reader. If you have designed at full size, then set your zoom to 100%. Scroll around and proof for resolution and fine detail. Reduce your view to check larger items, and “view fit to page” to ensure you have left adequate white space.
Have your designer contact us with any questions about creating files.

Preparing Files for CUT VINYL Lettering and Graphics

File Prep for Cut Vinyl

For Cut Vinyl, we work from PDF or .Ai files. Create your artwork in its actual finished size.
All fonts must be outlined.
Lettering should be at least 3/8" (1cm) tall: For ALL CAPS, 3/8" is the cap height. For text that includes lower case, 3/8" is the minimum x-height. A 2mm minimum line thickness creates the best results.
The cutting path should be created as a continuous black stroke with no breaks or overlapping lines.
For multi-coloured designs: each colour should be on it’s own layer. Name your layers with appropriate descriptions, such as the colour of the art on that layer.
If possible, also provide an image of your finished design. This will illustrate your design intent and allow us to see what the final product should look like.

DIY Installation

How to Install Vinyl Graphics:

What you need:

: • Glass Cleaner or Rubbing Alcohol and Paper Towel or Lint Free Cloth; • Measuring Tape; • Spirit Level (optional?); • Masking Tape; • Scissors; • Plastic Card (Vinyl Squeegee or Credit Card) to smooth it down; • Temperature above 7 ℃ (45 ℉)

Cut Vinyl Graphics will come as a three layer “sandwich”. Your graphic is the middle layer, it is stuck to a smooth backing paper and has been covered with a layer of application tape. The application tape allows you to lift the graphic off of the backing and keeps all of the parts in place prior to application.

Two ways to install vinyl graphics:

: Butterfly Hinge Method is used when you have a long thin graphic such as a line of text.; Top Hinge Method is used when you have a graphic with a similar width and height.

Print Proof

If required, we provide a dimensioned digital proof of the final layout. Please review carefully before approval, as this represents a contract of what we will provide to you. Additional costs may apply.