Artwork Guides

How to Prepare Artwork for Large Format Print

Getting your artwork print-ready is critical to achieving the best result. Learn about resolution, colour profiles and bleed areas.

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Blestsigns Team

10 November 2024 · 5 min read

How to Prepare Artwork for Large Format Print

Resolution Requirements

For large format print, artwork should be supplied at a minimum of 100 DPI at final print size. For smaller items like A4 or A3, we recommend 300 DPI. Supplying low-resolution artwork is the most common cause of print quality issues.

Colour Profiles

All artwork should be supplied in CMYK colour mode, not RGB. RGB is designed for screens and the colours will shift during the CMYK conversion process. If you are working in Adobe software, set your colour profile to CMYK before you begin.

Bleed and Safe Zones

Always include at least 5mm of bleed on all sides of your artwork. Keep all critical content — logos, text, and key graphics — at least 5mm away from the trim edge. This prevents important content from being cut off during finishing.

Accepted File Formats

We accept PDF (preferred), AI, EPS, PSD, and TIFF files. Please flatten all layers and outline all fonts before supplying. Where possible, embed or include all linked assets.

Checking Your File

Before submitting, use a PDF preflight tool to check for missing fonts, RGB images, and insufficient resolution. Many PDF applications (Adobe Acrobat, Affinity Publisher) have built-in preflight features.

Written by Blestsigns Team

Practical guidance from the team behind Blestsigns. We publish material guides, artwork tips and case studies to help you order with confidence.

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