SMALL DETAILS. A BIG DIFFERENCE.
Artwork Guidelines
Make your design look its best in print. Use this practical guide to prepare your file, avoid common setup problems and keep your order moving.
Start with your product page
Some products have specific artwork requirements, shown on the product page. Always follow those instructions and the current template for your exact product, size and finish. They take priority over this general guide. If anything is unclear, ask us before exporting.
Six essentials for print-ready artwork
A few checks now can help prevent avoidable changes later.
01 / SIZE
Get the proportions right
Match the ordered width, height and orientation. Work at full size unless the product template specifies a scale. For oversized graphics, agree the scale with us and state it clearly in the filename.
02 / FILE
Make PDF your starting point
A print-ready PDF is the preferred starting point for most products. Use the PDF preset specified on the product page. Export from your design software rather than sending a screenshot, editing link or native working file.
03 / COLOUR
Design for print
Use CMYK unless your product instructions say otherwise. Screens use RGB and can look brighter than print. For colour-critical work, speak to us before ordering to discuss what is achievable on the chosen material.
04 / IMAGES
Keep it sharp
Use original, high-quality images and vector logos where possible. Small-format print commonly needs 300ppi at finished size; large-format requirements vary with product and viewing distance. Enlarging a low-quality image will not restore detail.
05 / TEXT
Protect your typography
Outline fonts where required, or embed them if the product specification permits. Embed linked images. Check small text, fine lines and contrast at the final printed size, especially on mesh and textured materials.
06 / FINISH
Leave room for finishing
Keep important text and logos away from edges, folds, eyelets, seams and hardware. Bleed and safe areas are different. Use the product template to allow for pockets, concealed sections and other finishing.
Bleed, trim & safe area—made simple
Extend the background out. Keep the important details in.
Text · Logos · Contact details
Illustration only · not to scale
Bleed: background extending beyond the finished edge, helping avoid white slivers after trimming.
Trim: the intended finished edge of your print.
Safe area: space inside that edge where important content stays clear of cutting and finishing.
There is no single bleed value for every product. Paper print, PVC, fabric and double-sided graphics can need different allowances. Use your product page or template.
THE NUMBERS THAT MATTER
Bleed: practical starting points
All small-format print requires 3mm bleed on every edge. This includes flyers, business cards, business stationery, leaflets and brochures. For an A5 flyer (148 × 210mm finished size), the artwork including bleed is 154 × 216mm.
These are common specifications for the materials listed, measured on each edge at full finished size. They do not replace the instructions on your product page. Templates, double-sided printing and finishing may need a different allowance.
| Material / print type | Bleed per edge |
|---|---|
| All small-format print: flyers, business cards, business stationery, brochures and leaflets | 3mm |
| ACM, PVC foamboard, fluted board, self-adhesive vinyl and poster paper | 3mm |
| Standard / Premium PVC banners and wallpaper | 5mm |
| Double-sided block-out PVC banners | 10mm |
| AirMesh polyester and fabric mesh | 30mm |
| Flag, display/stretch and backlit polyester | 50mm |
Example: a 2,000 × 1,000mm PVC banner with 5mm bleed on every edge has a 2,010 × 1,010mm total image area including bleed. Its finished size stays 2,000 × 1,000mm. Extend the background into the bleed; do not stretch the whole design to create it.
BANNERS / KEEP CLEAR
Hems, eyelets & pockets
For hemmed and eyeletted banners, a 60mm internal clear margin is a useful starting point for key text and logos. This is inside the finished edge, not extra bleed. Pole pockets need their own allowance based on the pole and finish—check the product instructions before designing.
ROLLER BANNERS / HIDDEN AREA
Design for the visible display
Many standard roller-banner templates include a 150mm section concealed in the base. For example, a 2,000mm visible graphic may use a 2,150mm artwork height. Continue the background into it, but keep important content out. Your chosen model’s template decides the exact dimensions.
Export settings worth checking
PDF / FONTS / IMAGES
Send a complete file
Use PDF/X-1a:2001 where the product specifies it; some specialist products require a different PDF standard. For large-format artwork, outline text and embed images. Do not assume that a PDF automatically includes every font or linked image.
COLOUR / BLACK / OVERPRINT
Avoid unexpected changes
Use 100% black for small black text on conventional paper print where specified. Large solid blacks and specialist materials can require a different mix—ask rather than applying one recipe to everything. Check overprint preview, particularly for white objects, which can disappear if set to overprint.
A quick scale example
For a 4,000 × 1,000mm graphic at 25% scale, the finished-size canvas is 1,000 × 250mm. If the full-size bleed is 5mm, that becomes 1.25mm per edge in the quarter-size file.
At 25% scale, 600ppi in the supplied file becomes 150ppi at full size. State the scale clearly and avoid export downsampling that reduces the effective resolution below the product requirement.
Multiple designs, two sides or a special shape?
- Use separate files or PDF pages for each design, following the product’s required page order.
- Label front and back clearly and supply the correct orientation; avoid arranging several unrelated designs on one sheet.
- Include the quantity for each version, not just the total order quantity.
- For cut-to-shape work, supply vector cutting information exactly as instructed. Some products need a separate cut-path file; others need a named spot-colour layer in the print PDF.
- White ink, foil and other finishes may need named layers or spot colours. Use the product’s exact naming, overprint and layer instructions.
When the template really matters
BANNERS & DISPLAYS
Make room for the hardware
Hems, eyelets and pole pockets need clear space. Roller banners include a concealed section inside the base. Use the exact template; do not position logos or contact details in hidden areas.
FLAGS, FABRIC & SPECIAL FINISHES
Follow the product’s setup
Shaped flags, stretched fabric, cut-to-shape work, white ink, foil and clothing can need specific layers, paths or separate files. Do not reuse a different product’s bleed, cut-line or export settings.
Working at a smaller scale?
Resolution must be checked at the finished print size. For example, a 300ppi image in a quarter-size design becomes 75ppi when enlarged to full size. Keep the correct proportions and follow the template’s scale. Check export downsampling settings so you do not unintentionally lose detail.
ONE LAST LOOK
Before you send your file
- Open the exported PDF and check every page, not just your working design.
- Check spelling, prices, dates, phone numbers and web addresses. Test QR codes at their intended printed size.
- Confirm dimensions, orientation, scale, bleed and safe areas against the product instructions.
- Check fonts, embedded images, colour settings and any unintended overprint.
- Remove visible template guides, keylines and notes unless specifically required for production.
- Only add crop or printer marks when the product instructions require them; keep any marks outside the bleed.
- Separate designs into the required files or pages. Clearly identify front/back, versions and quantities.
- Remove password protection and send only the final files needed for the order.
Give your files a useful name
Example: Order123_2000x1000mm_Banner_1to1_Qty2.pdf
Using Canva or another design tool?
Set the correct document dimensions and export a print PDF using the product’s bleed and colour requirements. Reopen it to check the result. An editable link, web graphic or Office document is not the same as a print-ready file. If you only have a PNG, JPEG or another format, ask us whether it is suitable for your chosen product before submitting.
READY FOR THE NEXT STEP?
Send us your artwork
Submit your final files through our Banners&Boards artwork portal.
- Open the portal and drag in your files, or choose Select File.
- Select Continue and complete the information requested.
- Include your order number if you have one, plus the product, finished dimensions, scale and quantities for each design wherever the form allows.
- Complete the portal’s submission steps. If you are sending a replacement, clearly identify the new version and contact us if an earlier file may already be in production.
Submitting artwork does not place or pay for an order. Questions about file setup? Use the help details below before submitting.
LET’S GET THE DETAILS RIGHT
Not sure your artwork is ready?
Tell us the product, finished size, quantity and any special finish, plus what you need help with. If you have already ordered, include your order number. We’ll help you work out the next step.
Or call 01905 918 276
Artwork changes or missing approval can affect your production start date. See our turnaround and delivery guide when planning your order.