File Specifications

When supplying your artwork, please send us an email with 

• A description of your order, including
• Final sizes of the prints
• List of Pantone Colours
• Finishing instructions
• The artwork print file (or a download link or notification that you have sent the files by another method)
• It would also be helpful if you could include a visual, such as a JPEG or screenshot, so we can check that the files are not corrupted.
• If supplying artwork generated from Canva or AI-generated artwork, read the guide below

Supply as a Print-ready PDF file

A print-ready PDF is a high-quality file formatted to commercial print standards, ensuring accurate reproduction of your design. It should include all fonts converted to paths, embedded images, and correct colour profiles (CMYK). The PDF must be exported with high-resolution settings to avoid pixelation or errors during printing.

Specifications for supplying artwork

• Colour: CMYK or RGB 
• Bleed:
• A3 or smaller - 3mm Bleed
• Signboards/Flags - 25mm Bleed
• Billboards - 100mm bleed
• Format: Generally, a print-ready PDF file is preferred; however, there is no harm in including the original artwork files in case we need to make changes
• PDF (PDF X4 preset if ideal as it reserves transparency)
• Adobe Illustrator (ensure all fonts are pathed/outlined, expand all fills and strokes, images are embedded or provided with the file)
• InDesign (ensure all fonts are pathed/outlined, images are embedded or provided with the file)
• Image formats (PSD, JPEG, TIFF, PNG)
• Ensure that the resolution is high enough for the print size
• Spot Colours: Include Pantone colours in your artwork
• Colour Matching: (See section below)
• Marks: DO NOT ADD PRINT MARKS, CROP MARKS
• Tiling: Do not tile the artwork or provide in parts, provide the artwork as a single large print and we will tile the artwork. 
• Image Resolution Guide:
• 300dpi for A1 or smaller
• 100-150dpi for large prints seen from 1-3 meters away
• 50-100dpi for banners and billboards seen from 5+ meters away
• 20-30dpi would be sufficient for a large billboard seen from a car driving past
• 1dpi - Anything seen from an aircraft at 1000 feet or more.

When supplying scaled artwork

Important note when supplying artwork smaller then 100% size:  Whatever scale you use, the goal is for images to be at the correct size, so make sure your settings account for the difference in scale,  Make sure you change PDF settings to turn off PDF downsampling and change transparency flattener presets resolution, otherwise your images will be converted to 300dpi at 10%, which will be 30dpi at full size. 

Example, if you are aiming for 150dpi at the final size: 

• If your artwork is 10% size, Images need to be at 1500dpi. At this resolution, you will need to ensure your PDF settings are not downsampling the images
• If your artwork is 50% size, Images need to be at 300dpi 
• If your artwork is 100% size, Images need to be at 150dpi

How to send us your files

• Email to sales if files are under 10MB in size
• Send them using www.wetransfer.com, which is a free online service for sending large files. You upload your files to WeTransfer, and we will receive an email with a download link.
  Please send us a separate email confirming that you have sent the files via WeTransfer, along with your order details, so we can download your files before they expire.

Artwork Submission Guidelines for Canva and AI-Generated Files

There will be an additional charge for reworking files if you do not follow these guidelines to ensure your artwork meets print specifications. 

If you have any concerns, please send us your artwork as early as possible, and we can give you guidance and costs for preparing your artwork

Common Issues with Canva and AI-Generated Artwork:
Printers often encounter issues with files from Canva and AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT-integrated generators like DALL-E or Midjourney), as these platforms are primarily designed for digital use, rather than professional printing. Key issues include:

• Incorrect Dimensions and No Bleed: Files often lack the required bleed (extra image area beyond the trim line, typically 3mm - 20mm) or safe margins, leading to additional time for us to manually add bleeds.
• Low Resolution: AI outputs are typically 72 DPI (screen resolution), which can cause pixelation or blurriness when printed at larger sizes. Canva may use low-resolution images from its library.
• Colour Mode Mismatches: Exports in RGB (for screens) instead of CMYK (for print), resulting in dull or inaccurate colours; Canva defaults to RGB.
• Non-Editable Formats: Raster files (JPG/PNG) without vectors, making resizing or edits difficult; Canva's proprietary fonts complicate revisions.
• Lack of Print Essentials: No bleed, Pantone colours, low-resolution raster artwork, inconsistent branding, or failure to meet specifications, such as file type (e.g., PDF with embedded fonts).

Most AI image generators cannot produce artwork to exact print specifications and will require reworking, which may incur fees.

To-Do List for Customers Submitting Canva or AI Files:
To avoid delays and charges, follow these steps before submission:

• Verify Dimensions and Add Bleed: Set your design to the exact final size plus bleed (e.g., add 3mm on all sides). In Canva, enable bleed in the download settings.
• Ensure High Resolution: Upscale AI images to at least 150-300 DPI using tools like Photoshop or free online upscalers; check and replace low-res elements in Canva.
• Convert to CMYK: Ensure that Canva exports using CMYK
• Export Properly: Download as print-ready PDF with embedded fonts and bleed. For AI art, request vector formats if available or provide layered files.
• Review Against Specs: Double-check our guidelines and request a proof if unsure—we can guide you.

By preparing files this way, you'll help us produce high-quality prints efficiently. If reworking is required, an additional charge will be applied based on the complexity.

Colour Matching Guidelines

Accurate colour reproduction is essential, but colours can vary across devices, monitors, and printing processes. Customers providing RGB and CMYK values without context can lead to mismatches.

Device-independent colours, like Pantone or CIE Lab, are defined by universal standards or human perception, ensuring consistency across different devices and media.

Device-dependent colours,  such as RGB, CMYK, or HEX, rely on specific hardware or software (e.g., monitors or printers) and can vary significantly without an associated ICC profile, leading to potential colour mismatches in production.

To ensure the best results, follow these recommendations:

Preferred Methods for Critical Colours (Device-Independent):

• Pantone Colour Numbers: Specify official Pantone references (e.g., PMS 185 C). These are standardised and allow us to match exactly.
• Physical Colour Samples: Provide swatches, chips, or paint chart samples. We can match to these, though an additional charge may apply to cover test prints.
• CIE Lab Values: For digital precision, use Lab colour space (e.g., L50 a20 b*30), which is device-independent and represents colours as the human eye perceives them.

Using RGB, CMYK, or HEX (Device-Dependent):

These are helpful starting points but often inaccurate without additional details, as they depend on the specific device or software used.

• Always include an ICC Colour Profile: Specify the profile (e.g., sRGB for RGB, Adobe RGB, or Coated FOGRA39 for CMYK) to make your colours device-independent. Without it, colours may shift during conversion. Example: Instead of just HEX #A836FE, confirm "#A836FE in the sRGB profile".

Proofing and Verification Options:

• Digital Proofs: We can send soft proofs (PDFs with embedded profiles) for on-screen review using calibrated monitors.
• Physical Samples: Request a hard proof before full production to confirm colours. This is recommended for critical jobs and may incur a small fee.
• If you have concerns, contact us early—we're happy to guide you through the process or convert your supplied colours for optimal results.

By providing device-independent specs, you'll help us deliver consistent, high-quality outputs and minimise revisions.