Artwork Guidelines

To ensure the best print quality and fastest turnaround, please review the following artwork guidelines before submitting your files.

Properly prepared artwork helps prevent delays, color issues, unexpected cropping, and production errors.

If you have questions or need help setting up your file, our team is happy to assist you.

Quick File Checklist

Before uploading your artwork, please confirm:

✅ Text is clear, readable, and high quality
✅ Artwork dimensions match the ordered product size
✅ Important text and logos are safely inside the margins
✅ All images and graphics are properly embedded
✅ Colors are set to CMYK color mode
✅ Bleed has been added where required
✅ Files are saved in high-resolution PDF, JPG, PNG, AI, or EPS format

Bleed & Safe Margins

For designs that print to the edge of the product, please include:

• 1/8" bleed on all sides
• Keep important text and logos at least 1/4" from the edge

This helps prevent unwanted white borders or accidental trimming during production.

Example:

• Business card size: 3.5" × 2"
• File with bleed: 3.75" × 2.25"

Color Guidelines

All artwork should be created in CMYK color mode for the most accurate print results.

Please note:

• Colors displayed on screens may appear different when printed
• Monitor settings, brightness, and device calibration can affect appearance
• Pantone colors may shift slightly when converted to CMYK printing

Spot Color Printing

For projects using Pantone spot colors:

• Make sure colors are correctly defined as spot colors
• Verify separations before submission

If exact color matching is critical, we recommend requesting a printed proof.

Image Resolution Requirements

For sharp, professional-quality printing:

• Standard images/photos: 300 DPI
• Rasterized text/logos: 1200 DPI
• Low-resolution web images are not recommended

Uploading low-resolution artwork may result in blurry or pixelated prints.

Preferred File Formats

We recommend submitting artwork in:

• PDF (preferred)
• AI
• EPS
• PSD
• JPG or PNG (high resolution)

Adobe Photoshop Files

• Build artwork at full size whenever possible
• Use 300 DPI resolution
• Save with layers intact if edits may be needed

PDF Files

For best results:

• Embed all fonts
• Include bleed
• Flatten transparencies when possible

Digital Proofs

We provide digital PDF proofs for approval before production.

Please review your proof carefully for:

• spelling,
• layout,
• sizing,
• placement,
• and overall design accuracy.

Important:

Digital proofs are intended for layout approval only and may not perfectly represent final printed color.

If precise color accuracy is important, ask about a printed hard-copy proof.

Need Help?

Not sure if your file is print-ready?

Our team can review your artwork before production and help correct common issues whenever possible. Simply email us your artwork to info@sprintsigns.biz.

📍 Sprint Signs
Richmond, Virginia
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