1. Accepted File Types
Signazon.com prints your print files at the highest resolutions possible, because of this, Vector Based .PDF design files are recommend. Most Major Design applications can generate a print ready PDF, by using the Save As Feature and selecting"Adobe PDF" in the Save Type. If you are unable to obtain PDF files for your design, the next best files are those in .EPS or .AI (in version 10 or higher) with all text converted to outlines. We can also print high resolution .TIF, and .JPG formats, but please be aware that using low resolution JPEG's could cause quality issues.
To be able to upload your file and view
the instant proof online, we highly recommend:
Vector Based Post Script .PDF, .PS, .PSD, or .EPS
Vector Based Adobe Illustrator .AI
PNG, TIF, BMP, GIF, or JPG
Word 97-2007.DOC, DOCX
Excel 97-2007 Workbook .XLS, . XLSX
2. Image Upload
When uploading an
image or photo, it is important to remember that the higher the quality of the image,
the better it is going to look when printed. Some images of low quality may look
blurry or pixilated, depending on the dimensions of your signage. When looking at
an image, and trying to decide if it is high resolution, zoom in to 100-200%. This
will give you an idea of what the image will look like when printed to fit your sign size.
3. Image Positioning
Please position all
images to your liking as we will print your design(s) as is.
4. Cropping Image/Altering
Background, Transparency
If your image needs
to be cropped or has a background that needs to be removed, please state this in
your Design Notes or Order Notes (on the payment page), and we will have a designer
send a proof. If part of your logo or image is transparent, please save the file
as one of the following vector formats before you upload to design system: EPS,
PDF, or AI, For other file types, like PNG, TIF or JPG, we can make the logo or
image transparent and send you a proof for an additional fee.
5. Bleed
All files need to
be built to the final trim size plus bleed. Your file should be 0.25" each side
larger than the product size that you are purchasing.
Example:
If your design dimensions
are 12”x24” for Magnetic or Yard Sign, your overall dimension with bleed should
be 12.5”x24.5”. For Banners, a 1.5” bleed should be added to each side for your
design. For instance, a 24”x48” design should amount to 27”x51” dimension with bleed.
6. Crop Marks
When generating the
file in the proper format, DO NOT use any crop or printer's marks; this will increase
the dimensions of the design file.
7. Fonts/Text
If working out of
vector based software such as Illustrator, InDesign, or Freehand, all text must
be converted to outlines before generating the final PDF file. If working out of
Photoshop, save out as a PDF, this will maintain all font data. Also, please make sure that you are not using a font size smaller than 7pt.
8. Resolution
We recommend that
all images used are at least 300dpi. Submitting files with a lower resolution than
300dpi can make the image appear pixilated and blurry, when looked at closely. It is acceptable to use lower resolution images on large signs as most will be viewed from a distance, just be aware that close up they will appear pixilated.
9. Color
We print in four color
CMYK. We recommend that all submitted files be saved in CMYK to ensure color accuracy.
ALL submitted RGB files will be converted to CMYK before printing. Please keep this
in mind when submitting files for print as color tone shifting may happen if
file is submitted in RGB.
CMYK Color
CMYK (short for cyan,
magenta, yellow, and black), Often referred to as process color or four
color. The CMYK color model is a subtractive model, mainly used in color printing, also used to describe the printing process itself. Though it varies by print house, press operator, press
manufacturer and press run, ink is typically applied in the order of the abbreviation.
RGB Color
The RGB color model
is an additive color model in which red, green, and blue light are added together
in various ways to reproduce a broad array of colors. The name of the model comes
from the initials of the three additive primary colors, red, green, and blue. Typical
RGB input devices are color TV and video cameras, image scanners, and digital cameras.
Therefore, when you view your proof on the monitor, please be aware of the final
print color will be slightly different.
Pantone Color
The Pantone Color
Matching System is largely a standardized color reproduction system. Pantone colors
are described by their allocated number (typically referred to as, for example,
'PMS 130'). There is a special subset of Pantone colors that can be reproduced using
CMYK. Those that are possible to simulate through the CMYK process are labeled as
such within the company's guidelines. Signazon does not print Pantone Spot colors.
All Pantone colors are converted to CMYK process by using the CMYK values embedded
in your design file. Pantone colors can have different CMYK values in various applications
and files so please check your CMYK values carefully if you are looking to have
your sign printed in specific color. As a general rule of thumb, do not use Pantone
colors. Convert all Pantones to CMYK to get the results you expect. Please click
the blue link for the Covert Pantone Color .
10. Safety Zone
When uploading an
image or photo, it is important to remember that the higher the quality of the image,
the better it is going to look when printed. Some images of low quality may look
blurry or pixilated, depending on the dimensions of your signage. When looking at
an image, and trying to decide if it is high resolution, zoom in to 100-200%. This
will give you an idea of what the image will look like when blown up.
11. File upload time
and size
Our online instant
proof takes up to 250MB size file. A Normal print file is between 2 - 35 MB, the bigger
of sign, the higher quality, the bigger file size will be. Defending on your internet
speed, it will usually take less than 2 minutes to see your proof online. If you have
file bigger than 250MB, or if you experience longer upload time, please contact
us.