Requirements by Print Method
Screen or Flexo printed items
All jobs require vector artwork.
- Raster artwork is only acceptable for photographs and similar style artwork.
- If raster artwork is the only art available, contact customer service: +1 (607) 756-7411
Digital (full-color) items
All jobs require vector or raster artwork.
- Vector artwork is preferred.
- If raster artwork is the only art available, 600dpi is requested for best results.
Software and/or File Format
Preferred
- .ai Illustrator (vector artwork)
- .psd Photoshop (raster artwork)
- .indd InDesign
Supported
- .jpg (JPEG, Joint Photographic Experts Group)
- .png (PNG, Portable Network Graphics)
- .bmp (Bitmap)
- .gif (GIF, Graphic Interchange Format)
- .pdf (un-flattened and not rasterized, fonts must be converted)
- .tif (if raster is acceptable, see left)
Vector artwork is an image created of points and paths. This artwork is editable, scalable, and able to be separated for spot color reproduction.
Raster artwork is an image created of many pixels. This artwork is not editable, scalable, or able to be separated for spot color reproduction.
Submitting Artwork
Preferred Email and/or Website, CD-R/RW
- Include a jpeg or pdf for reference.
- Convert all fonts to paths/outlines.
- Include or embed all placed images.
- Submit artwork at actual size.
- Identify all spot colors.
- Allow for bleed if necessary.
- Submit the original file if possible.
- Never flatten/merge the layers of a .psd.
- Indicate the cut/die line clearly.
- Verify art meets all Artwork Guidelines.
Cut Margins, Bleeds, Fonts
Cut Margin is the minimum space required between elements of art and the finished edge of the product. Size and product are the two main factors that determine cut margin. Note that bleed borders must meet or exceed our minimum cut margin.
Bleed is the distance the ink extends past the finished edge of the product before final cutting. Standard minimum bleed is 1/8" (.125"). Raster files must allow for the required bleed when submitted because they are not editable like vector files.
Converted text is vector artwork and as such can no longer be spell-checked. However, it does not require fonts in order to be displayed or printed correctly.
Live text is still in a text format in the artwork's original program and can still be spell-checked and corrected. Live text requires the fonts used in order to be displayed and printed correctly.
Minimum Font Sizes: | Positive: | Reverse: |
---|---|---|
San Serif in All Caps | 4 pt. bold | 6 pt. bold |
Serif in All Caps | 6-8 pt. bold | 10-12 pt. bold |
*Excludeing Flat Bed UV Printer.
Letter Visibility Chart
Maximum Readable Distance | Readible Distance for Maximum Impact | Letter Height |
---|---|---|
100 feet | 30 feet | 3 inches |
150 feet | 40 feet | 4 inches |
200 feet | 60 feet | 6 inches |
350 feet | 80 feet | 8 inches |
400 feet | 90 feet | 9 inches |
450 feet | 100 feet | 10 inches |
525 feet | 120 feet | 12 inches |
630 feet | 150 feet | 15 inches |
750 feet | 180 feet | 18 inches |
1000 feet | 240 feet | 24 inches |
1250 feet | 300 feet | 30 inches |
1500 feet | 360 feet | 36 inches |
1750 feet | 420 feet | 42 inches |
2000 feet | 480 feet | 48 inches |
2250 feet | 540 feet | 54 inches |
2500 feet | 600 feet | 60 inches |
Opacity and Contrast when using White Ink on Clear Materials
Clear materials often require white to maintain color integrity. Three options are typically used depending on the art and text elements.

Flooding the background white
Flooding coats the entire decal with white and, except on rare occasions, it should be done with face application clear decals only.

Applying a white halo to the elements
Elements with a halo are backed for opacity and have white extending slightly beyond the art creating a "halo" effect. It is best used to increase contrast against dark backgrounds.

Backing up elements or text
If the text or elements are thick enough, the white can be printed behind the text or elements only. While adding opacity, white would be unseen from the front of the decal.
Alphanumeric Numbering, Variable Data, Barcodes
Alphanumeric Numbering is available with letters for use as prefixes and suffixes. Example: "A123", "123 RED LOT"
Variable Data is available for copy such as phone numbers and locations. Submit a spreadsheet containing the data.
Barcodes are available as constant, variable, or consecutive, in Code 39. Barcodes with variable numbers will require a spreadsheet. Chrome and reflective materials will interfere with code readers. White is required behind barcodes and QR type codes.