Artwork Guidelines

We want to make ordering your printed signage as straightforward as possible. You do not need to add bleed or artwork guidelines to your file. Simply supply high-quality, print-ready artwork using the guidance below.

Artwork Requirements at a Glance

Preferred file format: PDF
Colour mode: CMYK
Resolution: High resolution – ideally 300dpi at the finished size
Artwork size: Set to the finished size you are ordering
Bleed: Not required
Guidelines: Not required
Fonts: Embed or convert to outlines where possible

 

1. Supply Your Artwork at the Correct Size

Where possible, create your artwork at the finished size you are ordering.

For example, if you are ordering an A1 sign, your artwork should be set up to the proportions and dimensions of A1.

Make sure the orientation of your artwork also matches your order, whether that is portrait or landscape.

For unusually large artwork or if you're unsure about the correct setup, contact us before ordering and we'll help point you in the right direction.

2. No Bleed or Guidelines Required

You do not need to add bleed, safe-area guides or template guidelines to your artwork.

Supply your artwork at the finished size and we'll take care of the print setup required at our end.

Keep important information such as:

  • Logos

  • Phone numbers

  • Website addresses

  • Prices

  • QR codes

  • Important text

Comfortably away from the very edge of your design wherever possible.

3. PDF Is Our Preferred File Format

For the most reliable results, we recommend supplying your finished artwork as a high-quality print PDF.

PDF files help preserve your:

  • Layout

  • Fonts

  • Images

  • Graphics

  • Artwork dimensions

Before uploading your PDF, open it and check that everything appears exactly as you expect.

If your artwork is currently in another file format and you're unsure whether it is suitable, contact us before placing your order.

4. Use High-Resolution Artwork

Low-resolution images can appear sharp on a phone or computer screen but become blurry or pixelated when printed at a larger size.

For the best results, aim for 300dpi at the finished print size where practical.

Large-format signage is often viewed from further away, so requirements can vary depending on the size and artwork. If you are unsure whether your file is high enough quality, contact us before ordering.

For logos and graphics

Vector artwork is best wherever available because it can be enlarged without losing quality.

Avoid using:

  • Screenshots

  • Images downloaded from social media

  • Small website images

  • Heavily compressed graphics

  • Logos copied from email signatures

These may not contain enough detail for high-quality printing.

5. Set Your Colours to CMYK

Artwork should be supplied in CMYK colour mode wherever possible.

CMYK is the colour system used for commercial printing, whereas RGB is primarily designed for screens.

Colours displayed on a monitor, phone or tablet can appear different when printed. Preparing your artwork in CMYK helps give you a more realistic representation of the finished print and reduces unexpected colour changes.

For particularly colour-sensitive branding, please contact us before ordering.

6. Embed or Outline Your Fonts

Fonts can sometimes change when artwork is opened on another system if the original font isn't available.

To prevent this, either:

  • Embed your fonts when exporting your PDF; or

  • Convert your text to outlines/curves before exporting.

This helps ensure your text prints exactly as designed.

7. Check Text, Contact Details and QR Codes

KAPS Trade Print is a print service, so your artwork should be fully designed and ready for print before it is submitted.

Before uploading, check:

  • Spelling and grammar

  • Phone numbers

  • Email addresses

  • Website URLs

  • Dates and times

  • Prices

  • Event details

  • Addresses

  • QR codes

  • Logo placement

  • Image quality

  • Artwork orientation

If your artwork contains a QR code, test it from the final artwork before submitting your order.

8. Check Your Artwork at 100%

Before uploading your finished file, open your PDF and review it carefully.

Viewing the artwork at 100% size can help you identify:

  • Blurry images

  • Pixelated logos

  • Missing fonts

  • Unexpected objects

  • Poor-quality graphics

Remember that increasing the DPI setting when exporting cannot restore detail that wasn't present in the original image.

 

Artwork Checklist

Before uploading, make sure:

  • My artwork is the correct size and orientation

  • My artwork is high resolution

  • I have supplied a PDF where possible

  • My artwork uses CMYK colour

  • Important text and logos aren't positioned too close to the edge

  • Fonts are embedded or outlined

  • Images and logos are clear and sharp

  • Phone numbers, URLs, dates and prices are correct

  • QR codes have been tested

  • I have checked the finished PDF

  • I have not added bleed or artwork guidelines

Need Help With Your Artwork?

Not sure whether your artwork is suitable for print?

Contact our team before ordering and we'll help you check whether your file is set up correctly.

Email: tradeprint@kapsfinishing.co.uk
Phone: 07800 550915

Please remember that artwork should be fully designed and print-ready before it is supplied.