ARTWORK GUIDELINES

Streamline Your Order: Guidelines for Exceptional Prints

Custom Tents With Logo's guidelines are tailored to align with our large format digital printing process, which is distinct from traditional offset printing. Adhering to these guidelines will help prevent delays and ensure your artwork looks its best.

Preferred File Formats:

Adobe Illustrator (all versions): This vector-based software allows for precise scaling and high-quality output. Ensure text is converted to outlines and all linked images are included.
Adobe Photoshop (all versions): Ideal for detailed photo manipulation, Photoshop offers flexibility with layers, paths, and channels. Include all elements, linked images, and fonts.

Formats Requiring Additional Steps:

While we accept the following formats, extra preparation may be needed:

InDesign: Create a press-quality PDF, convert text to outlines, include linked images and fonts, and check for errors.
QuarkXPress: Save your project as an EPS file. We will open it in Illustrator, convert text to outlines, and include linked images.
CorelDraw: Similar to QuarkXPress, convert text to outlines, include linked images/fonts, and export as an EPS file.

Additional Notes:

We don’t print directly from PDFs due to potential formatting issues with fonts and images.
Contact us if you have any doubts about your file format.

Unsupported File Formats:

Microsoft Word
Microsoft Publisher
PowerPoint

Artwork Templates:

We provide artwork templates on each product order page to facilitate your design process. These templates are pre-scaled to ensure your artwork meets specific dimensions. For best results, open them in Adobe Illustrator and layer your artwork within them.

Proofs:

All orders go through a digital e-proofing process before production. These e-proofs confirm the accurate placement of graphics and the absence of grammatical errors. Note that e-proofs cannot definitively assess the final resolution or color output.

Resolution:

Given the large scale of our prints, maintaining manageable file sizes is crucial. Keep file sizes under 500 MB. For most design elements, use a vector-based program like Adobe Illustrator. Photographs should be no more than 125 dpi at their final printed size. Working at print size allows for accurate evaluation by viewing the file at 100% magnification. While our equipment uses a minimum resolution of 720 dpi, pixelated images will affect the final product. We may identify pixelation during proofing, but providing print-ready artwork is your responsibility. Reprints due to pixelation will not be authorized.

Color Accuracy:

Our printing uses the CMYK color mode. For best results, create your graphic files in CMYK from the start. RGB files can be converted, but slight color variations may occur. Monitor settings can also affect how colors appear on your screen compared to the final print. For critical color accuracy, order hard proofs to verify colors before bulk printing.

Color Matching Considerations:

File Compatibility: We can only match colors from vector-based files. Color matching is unavailable for Photoshop files or flattened images.
Color Accuracy: Perfect color matching is challenging due to variations in printers, inks, and materials. We recommend ordering printed proofs for the best outcome.
Specific Color Matching: For precise color matching, provide PMS solid coated color references. A fee may apply for PMS colors, and while we strive for accuracy, an exact match isn’t guaranteed.
Color Consistency: Achieving exact color matches on reprints can be difficult due to natural variations in digital printing. PMS color matching helps, but exact replication isn’t guaranteed.
Flattened Files: Printing from flattened files ensures graphic effects print correctly, but color accuracy might be compromised. Order hard proofs to meet color expectations.

Optimizing Your Artwork:

Maximize Vector Graphics: Vector formats like EPS and Illustrator (.ai) are ideal for file size management and precise color accuracy. They also allow easy color adjustments if needed.
Seamless Image Integration: Use Photoshop for image files and incorporate them into your vector artwork using the “place” function. Include original image files when submitting your project.
Specifying Critical Colors: Use the PMS solid coated color chart within your vector file to identify critical spot colors for accurate color representation.
Transparency Considerations: Transparencies may appear differently on screen than in print. Request hard proofs for accuracy when using transparencies. PMS color matching isn’t possible for transparencies.
Artwork Templates: Use our templates to ensure correct sizing and necessary bleeds, avoiding unwanted white edges during printing.
Large File Management: Simplify your design with vector elements if your file exceeds 200 MB. Contact us for assistance with alternative delivery methods.

Ensure Flawless Printing: Avoid These Common Issues:

Outline Fonts: Convert all fonts in your files to outlines to prevent font-related issues during printing.
Include Linked Files: Ensure all linked files are included with your main file to avoid missing elements in the final print.
Outline Fonts in Linked Files: Convert fonts in linked files to outlines to avoid font issues.
Use Art Templates: For perfect sizing and positioning, use our art templates to save time and ensure a polished product.
High-Resolution Images: Avoid low-resolution images as they can result in blurry or pixelated prints. Use high-resolution images for the best quality.