Every file we receive runs through a preflight check before it goes to print. Files that don't meet specs cost you a day while we email back-and-forth fixing them. Set up files correctly the first time and your job runs same-day.

1. Build the file at 100% size

If you want a 48×96 banner, your art file should be 48×96 inches. Don't build at half-size and expect us to scale up — vector art handles it but raster art will look soft.

2. Add a 0.25" bleed

Anything you want to extend to the edge of the print needs to bleed past the trim line by at least 0.25 inches. The cutter has tolerance — without bleed, you risk a thin white edge on one side.

3. Stay 0.5" inside the safe zone

Anything important — text, logos, faces — needs to sit at least half an inch in from the trim. This protects content from being clipped by hem stitching, grommet placement, or the cutter.

4. DPI and color mode

Banners and signs: 100–150 DPI at final size is fine — viewing distance is several feet.
Postcards and apparel: 300 DPI minimum.
Color mode: CMYK for offset/digital print, RGB only for backlit and screen-bright applications.

Accepted file formats

PDF/X-1a is best — fonts embedded, color flattened, ready to print. We also take AI, EPS, PSD, JPEG (max quality), and TIFF. Avoid Word, PowerPoint, and PNG for production files.