Last minute checks for digital artwork

Checklist for sending art for banners, decals & signs

All artwork files submitted to OCsigns.com will be checked for overall print compatibility. If there are any issues found, you will be notified by one of our trained graphic artist, to discuss all possible solutions to be able to complete your particular sign printing needs.

PHOTOSHOP - Raster file(s)

The following information is to help you prepare your file for print production, thus eliminating any extra pre-production time and/or costs.

SIZE: All files should be built to "Full Size" (the actual size that you need printed), or built to "Half Size" (proportionately half the size of the size you want your print to be.)
RESOLUTION: To print a nice clean high quality digital graphic you should always provide high resolution artwork. If your art is at "Full Size" the resolution needs to be between 100-150 DPI. If you are furnishing your artwork at "Half Size" please make sure that it is saved at 300 DPI.
COLOR PROFILE: Please check your color mode carefully. We print utilizing the CMYK color mode (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). If you submit an RBG file (Red, Green, Blue) it will automatically be converted to CMYK for print production, which can possibly cause drastic color shifts when printed.
BORDERS: If your artwork includes a border, and needs to be die-cut, please allow at least .25" all around. Our machines produce fairly accurate cuts, but there is always a slight cutting tolerance, which may cause uneven borders. And though we do not recommend using borders on artwork being cut to shape, sometimes they are necessary to give your artwork it's unique design. Please note that most sign shops, including ourselves, cannot guarantee a perfect computer cut when producing cut-so-shape signage.

Last minute tips:

All layers will need to be flattened to avoid any font issues.
To reduce the size of your overall file, please save as a .jpg or a .pdf.
Bleeds are not necessary in most cases, as we print all the way to the edge.
Please be advised that any lettering that is 8 pts. or smaller may not print well, especially against dark backgrounds. Also be aware of narrow fonts, as they tend to pose the same problem as small lettering.

ILLUSTRATOR - INDESIGN - CORELDRAW - Vector File(s):

SIZE: Since vector files can be resized without losing quality because vector files are resolution independent, please submit your files at the appropriate size withinin proportion to the print size you are requesting. If your artwork has a placed raster image, please see the information on resolution below.
RESOLUTION: When raster images are placed on a vector based file, please make sure the raster image is of a high resolution nature, preferably 300 dpi. Low resolution images placed on a vector file may not print well.
COLOR PROFILE: As stated above, we print using a CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) color mode. All files submitting in RGB (Red, Green, Blue) will be converted to CMYK. Also, if you are using a Pantone color, please use the corresponding CMYK color callout to assure a truer representation of the Pantone color when printed. We are not responsible for any color shifts that may occur when RGB or Pantone colors are submitted without first being adjusted to fit our CMYK color mode.
BORDERS: If your artwork includes a border, and needs to be die-cut, please allow at least .25" all around. Our machines produce fairly accurate cuts, but there is always a slight cutting tolerance, which may cause uneven borders. And though we do not recommend using borders on artwork being cut to shape, sometimes they are necessary to give your artwork it's unique design. Please note that most sign shops, including ourselves, cannot guarantee a perfect computer cut when producing cut-so-shape signage.

Last minute tips:

All type need to be outlined or converted to curves to avoid font issues.
Embed any and all Raster images.
Please do not include bleeds. We print to the edge of all materials.
Please be advised that any lettering that is 8 pts. or smaller may not print well, especially against dark backgrounds. Also be aware of narrow fonts, as they tend to pose the same problem as small lettering.

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