🖨️ The Ultimate Print‑Ready Artwork Checklist: Get Perfect Results Every Time

Creating stunning large‑format prints starts long before your job reaches us. Whether you’re preparing banners, posters, signage, exhibition graphics, or vehicle wraps, the quality of your final product depends heavily on how well your artwork is set up.

To help you avoid delays, extra costs, or unexpected results, we’ve put together the ultimate print‑ready artwork checklist. Follow these steps and your files will glide through production smoothly – and look incredible once printed.

🎨 1. Use the Correct Colour Mode (CMYK, Not RGB)

Screens use RGB, but printers use CMYK. If your artwork is supplied in RGB, colours may shift when converted for print. Always design and export in CMYK to ensure accurate, predictable colour output.

📏 2. Set the Right Size & Scale

Large‑format graphics often require artwork at full size or a specific scale (e.g. 1:2 or 1:10). Feel free to check with your us if you’re unsure.

Confirm the final physical dimensions
Keep proportions consistent
Avoid stretching or distorting images
Include clear dimensions in the file name or notes

🖼️ 3. Ensure High‑Resolution Images

Pixelated graphics are every designer’s nightmare. For large‑format printing:

Aim for 150 to 300 dpi at final size
If scaling down, increase resolution accordingly
Avoid screenshots or low‑quality web images

Crisp images = crisp prints.

✂️ 4. Add Bleed & Safe Margins

Bleed prevents white edges after trimming. Safe margins protect important content.

Bleed: Usually 3-5 mm (or more for large pieces)
Safe area: Keep text/logos at least 10-20 mm from edges
Crop marks: Include if requested

We can confirm exact requirements.

🔒 5. Outline or Embed Your Fonts

Missing fonts can cause layout issues. To avoid surprises:

Outline fonts before exporting
Or embed fonts in your PDF
Check spelling, spacing and alignment

This ensures your text prints exactly as intended.

🧱 6. Check Your Layers & Transparency

Flattening layers helps avoid unexpected effects during printing.

Flatten transparencies
Remove hidden layers
Delete unused elements

A clean file is a reliable file.

📁 7. Use the Right File Format

For most large‑format jobs, our preferred formats are:

PDF
EPS
High‑resolution JPG

We will let you know if require any other format.

🎯 8. Double‑Check Your Artwork Before Sending

A quick pre‑flight check saves time and money.

Spelling and grammar
Correct logos and brand colours
Accurate measurements
No low‑resolution warnings
Correct bleed and crop marks

Think of this as your final quality‑control step.

🚀 Ready to Print?

Supplying print‑ready artwork ensures faster turnaround times, fewer revisions, and the best possible results. If you’re ever unsure, our team is always happy to review your files or offer guidance before production begins.