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Art Submission Guidelines

Preparing your files correctly is the key to a flawless final product. Use these guidelines to make sure your artwork is print-ready, color-accurate, and optimized for our production process.

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Preferred File Format

Our preferred file format is a press-quality PDF at 100% size, including bleeds.
We also support:

  • Adobe Illustrator (.ai, .eps, .pdf)
  • InDesign (.indd, .idml, .pdf)
  • Photoshop (.psd, .psb, .jpg, .tif, .raw, .eps, .pdf)

Please contact your SuperGraphics representative for very large file deliveries.

 

general file preparation guidelines

  • Build art in 1:1 full scale when possible or 1:10th scale for very large graphics.
  • Ensure your files include 0.25″- 1.5″ inches of perimeter bleed (i.e. additional art extending beyond the finished print size). The larger the final graphic, the more bleed may be required. A large wall mural, for example, will need 1-1.5″ bleed.
  • Files should be supplied in CMYK, including both the links and the layout program.
  • Please indicate any specific Pantone (PMS) colors needed for color matching.
  • All Logos should be supplied as vector outlines (see Figure below) or at highest available resolution (raster).
  • Convert all text to outlines (curves or paths) where possible or include copies of all fonts used in the artwork.
  • All Images used in the graphic layout should be linked (not embedded) and provided in an “Assets” folder. InDesign and Illustrator will do this via the “Package” option.
  • Avoid image adjustments in a layout program. In-program image effects often print differently than they appear on screen.
  • All black should be built as Rich Black (C:30, M:20, Y:20, K:100) to ensure deep, solid, rich reproduction.
  • Single color (grayscale) blacks will not have the same density that Rich Black will provide.
  • Avoid the use of “Registration” black, “Paper” white and Overprint transparency fills. These are offset printing options that do not reproduce well in digital printing environments.

Resolution Suggestions:

  • Please note, the quality of the original photo is as important as the pixels per inch (ppi).
  • The recommended image resolution is dependent mostly on viewing distance. Higher image resolutions are better for close viewing distances. 
  • Here are suggested minimum image resolutions when designing large-format graphics at 1:1 scale:
    • Small format: At least 300 ppi
    • Viewing up close (viewing at 3-10 feet distance): At least 100-150 ppi
    • Mid-range (viewing at 10-25 feet distance): At least 50-100 ppi
    • Far away (viewing at 25 feet away or more): At least 25-50 ppi
  • Here are suggested minimum image resolutions when designing large-format graphics at 1:10 scale:
    • Small format: At least 3000 ppi
    • Viewing up close (viewing at 2-10 feet distance): At least 1000-1500 ppi
    • Mid-range (viewing at 10-25 feet distance): At least 500-1000 ppi
    • Far away (viewing at 25 feet away or more): At least 250-500 ppi

Need a Downloadable Version?

Download a copy of our Art Submission Guidelines (PDF) for quick reference or easy sharing.

Download PDF