File Prep Guide

PREFLIGHT
CHECKER

Select your product type to see exact file requirements, specs, and common mistakes to avoid before uploading.

300 DPI minimum for all products
Select Your Product Type

DTF TRANSFERS — File Requirements

Required 📷

Resolution

300 DPI Minimum at final print size

Lower resolution will appear blurry or pixelated on the final transfer. 300 DPI is the minimum — 350–400 DPI preferred.

Required 🎨

Color Mode

CMYK or RGB Both accepted for DTF

DTF printers can handle RGB. However, colors may shift slightly. For exact color matching, provide CMYK values.

Required 🔲

Background

Transparent No white background

DTF transfers print the design only. File must have a transparent (checkered) background or we will print white around your design.

Important 📐

File Size

Actual Print Size We do not resize files

Your file must be set up at the exact size you want it printed. If you want a 12" design, your file must be 12" wide at 300 DPI.

Important 🔠

Fonts

Outline or Embed Convert all text to outlines

If submitting a vector file (AI, EPS, PDF), convert all text to outlines to prevent font substitution errors.

Pro Tip ✅

White Ink

Auto-Generated We handle white layer

We automatically generate the white under-base layer. Do NOT include a white background layer — it will print as white ink on your design.

ACCEPTED FILE FORMATS

PNGRasterBest
PDFVector/RasterBest
AIIllustratorOK
PSDPhotoshopOK
EPSVectorOK
JPGNo transp.Avoid
WEBPWeb formatNo
DOCXWord docNo

DO'S & DON'TS

✓ DO This

  • ✓Submit PNG with transparent background
  • ✓Set file at exact final print size
  • ✓Use 300 DPI or higher resolution
  • ✓Build a gang sheet to save money per sq ft
  • ✓Leave 0.25" space between designs on gang sheets
  • ✓Use vector art whenever possible for crisp edges

✗ DON'T Do This

  • ✗Submit screenshots or photos of designs
  • ✗Use white backgrounds (will print as white ink)
  • ✗Submit low-res logos or raster art
  • ✗Include crop marks or printer marks
  • ✗Submit Word docs, PowerPoint, or Canva exports
  • ✗Ask us to resize — we print what you send
⚠

We print it exactly as submitted. Double-check your file before uploading. Errors discovered after production cannot be refunded.

BANNERS & SIGNS — File Requirements

Required📷

Resolution

100–150 DPIAt final print size

Large format banners are viewed from a distance — 100–150 DPI at final size is sufficient. 300 DPI also accepted.

Required🎨

Color Mode

CMYKRGB will be converted

Submit files in CMYK for best color accuracy. RGB files will be converted during RIP processing and colors may shift.

Required📐

Bleed

0.5" – 1"On all 4 sides

Add 0.5" to 1" bleed on all sides. Background extends beyond cut edge. Grommets placed 1" from finished edge.

Important🔠

Safe Zone

1" from edgeKeep text/logos inside

Keep all important content at least 1" from the finished edge to avoid being cut off or hidden behind grommets.

Important📏

Exact Size

Full DimensionsSet up at final print size

Your file must be the exact finished dimensions + bleed. A 4×8 banner file should be 4.5"×8.5" with 0.25" bleed.

Pro Tip💡

Grommet Placement

Every 2 feetStandard spacing

Grommets are placed every 24" along the perimeter by default. Let us know if you need custom placement.

SPECS BY PRODUCT

ProductMin DPIBleedNotes
Vinyl Banner100 DPI0.5" all sidesViewed from distance — lower DPI OK. CMYK recommended.
Roll-Up Banner150 DPI0.25" top/sidesKeep bottom 4" clear for hardware. Safe zone: 1" all edges.
Step & Repeat100 DPI0.5" all sidesRepeating pattern — submit one tile or full layout.
Feather Flag150 DPI0.5" all sidesReverse side will be mirror image. Submit single side.

DO'S & DON'TS

✓ DO This

  • ✓Add bleed on all 4 sides
  • ✓Keep text 1" from finished edge
  • ✓Use CMYK color mode
  • ✓Submit PDF or AI for vector art
  • ✓Include dimensions in filename (e.g. banner_3x6.pdf)

✗ DON'T Do This

  • ✗Submit without bleed
  • ✗Place text right at the edge
  • ✗Submit RGB — colors will shift
  • ✗Submit small files and ask us to enlarge
  • ✗Include crop marks unless requested

FLYERS & CARDS — File Requirements

Required📷

Resolution

300 DPIAt final print size

Flyers and cards are held close and examined — 300 DPI minimum is required for sharp text and crisp images.

Required🎨

Color Mode

CMYKRequired — no RGB

Flyers are offset or digital printed in CMYK. RGB blues may print purple. Convert to CMYK before submitting.

Required📐

Bleed

0.125"On all 4 sides

Add 1/8" bleed on all sides. Extend background color or images to the bleed edge so there are no white borders after cutting.

Important🔠

Safe Zone

0.125" from edgeInside finished size

Keep all text and logos at least 0.125" inside the finished edge. Anything closer risks being cut off.

Important⚫

Rich Black

C60 M40 Y40 K100For large black areas

For large black backgrounds use rich black (C60 M40 Y40 K100). Pure K100 black can look gray in large areas.

Pro Tip💡

Business Cards

3.5" × 2"Standard US size

Standard size is 3.625"×2.125" with bleed. Keep text inside 3.375"×1.875" safe zone. Cutting tolerance is ±0.0625".

SPECS BY PRODUCT

ProductFinal SizeWith BleedNotes
Flyer 4×64" × 6"4.25" × 6.25"Most popular size. Double-sided: add back design.
Flyer 5.5×8.55.5" × 8.5"5.75" × 8.75"Half letter size. Good for menus and programs.
Business Card3.5" × 2"3.75" × 2.25"Safe zone: 3.375" × 1.875". Keep text inside!
Postcard 4×64" × 6"4.25" × 6.25"USPS mailing area must be clear on back side.
Door Hanger3.5" × 8.5"3.75" × 8.75"Keep hole punch area (top 1.5") free of important content.

✓ DO This

  • ✓Submit CMYK PDF with bleed marks
  • ✓Keep text inside the safe zone
  • ✓Embed all fonts or convert to outlines
  • ✓Use 300 DPI for all images
  • ✓Use rich black for large black areas

✗ DON'T Do This

  • ✗Submit in RGB — blues will print purple
  • ✗Place text within 0.125" of finished edge
  • ✗Use thin lines under 0.25pt — they may not print
  • ✗Submit without bleed if you have a colored background
  • ✗Submit JPG or PNG for multi-color flyers

STICKERS & LABELS — File Requirements

Required📷

Resolution

300 DPIMinimum at print size

Stickers are viewed up close — 300 DPI minimum. Vector art (AI, EPS, PDF) is preferred for die-cut stickers.

Required✂

Cut Line

0.125" OffsetFrom design edge

For die-cut stickers, include a cut line (vector path) offset 0.125" from design edge, on a separate layer named "CutLine".

Required📐

Bleed

0.125"Beyond cut line

Add 0.125" bleed outside the cut line. Background should extend to bleed so no white edge appears after cutting.

Important🎨

Color Mode

CMYKPreferred

CMYK preferred for most accurate colors. RGB is accepted but may shift slightly, especially bright greens and blues.

Important⚪

White Areas

Will Print WhiteOn clear stickers

On clear/transparent stickers, white areas in your design will print white. Contact us first for clear sticker orders.

Pro Tip💡

Kiss Cut Sheets

8.5" × 11"Sheet size

For kiss-cut sheets, arrange designs on an 8.5×11" template. Keep designs 0.25" from sheet edges and 0.125" apart.

✓ DO This

  • ✓Include a die cut line on a separate layer
  • ✓Add 0.125" bleed beyond cut line
  • ✓Use vector art for cleanest results
  • ✓Submit AI or PDF for die-cut stickers
  • ✓Specify finish: gloss, matte, or clear

✗ DON'T Do This

  • ✗Submit without a cut line for die-cut orders
  • ✗Use thin fine details smaller than 1pt
  • ✗Assume white background = no background
  • ✗Submit low-res raster logos
  • ✗Mix cut line color with design colors

YARD SIGNS — File Requirements

Required📷

Resolution

150–200 DPIAt 18"×24" final size

Yard signs are viewed from a distance. 150 DPI at final size is acceptable. 300 DPI always preferred.

Required📐

Standard Size

18" × 24"Most common yard sign

Standard yard sign is 18"×24". Add 0.25" bleed on all sides. File size should be 18.5"×24.5".

Required🎨

Color Mode

CMYKRequired

Submit in CMYK. Yard signs are UV printed directly onto coroplast. RGB colors will be converted and may shift.

Important🔠

Min Text Size

18pt MinimumFor readability

Minimum recommended text size for yard signs is 18pt. Signs are read quickly from a distance — use bold, high-contrast text.

Important↔

Double Sided

2 Files NeededFront & back

For double-sided yard signs submit two separate files — one for each side. Label them "front" and "back".

Pro Tip💡

H-Stake Area

Keep bottom clear3" from bottom edge

The H-stake covers the bottom of the sign. Keep important content at least 3" from the bottom edge.

APPAREL / SCREEN PRINT — File Requirements

Required🎨

Vector Art

AI / EPS / PDFRequired for screen print

Screen printing requires vector files with separated spot colors. Each color = one screen. Submit AI, EPS, or print-ready PDF.

Required🎨

Spot Colors

PMS ColorsEach color on separate layer

Specify Pantone (PMS) colors for each ink. Each color must be on its own layer. We print up to 6 colors standard.

Required📏

Print Size

Actual inchesSpecify exact placement

Specify exact width and height in inches. Also specify placement: left chest, full front, full back, sleeve, etc.

Important🔠

Min Line Width

1pt StrokeMinimum for clean print

Minimum stroke/line width for screen printing is 1pt. Thinner lines may not transfer cleanly to the screen.

Important🔲

Halftones

45–65 LPIFor gradients/shadows

Gradients and shadows require halftone separations. On dark garments use simulated process or discharge printing.

DTF Alternative⚡

Use DTF Instead

For full colorNo minimums

For full-color designs, photos, or small quantities — DTF transfers are easier. No screens needed, no minimums, any color.

CD / DVD — File Requirements

Required💿

Disc Template

4.724" diameterStandard CD/DVD size

CD/DVD face is 4.724" (120mm) outer diameter with a 1.5" center hub clear zone. Use our disc template for correct setup.

Required📷

Resolution

300 DPIAt circular template size

Submit at 300 DPI at the full template size. Disc printing is direct-to-disc — crisp images print exactly as submitted.

Required⚫

Clear Hub Zone

1.5" centerKeep clear

Keep the center 1.5" (hub area) completely clear — no art, text, or design. This area cannot be printed.

Important🎨

Color Mode

CMYKFor disc printing

Submit in CMYK. Direct-to-disc printing uses CMYK inks. Neon and metallic colors cannot be reproduced.

Important📀

Content Files

ISO or WAV/MP3For duplication

For audio CDs submit WAV masters. For data/video submit ISO image file. Do NOT submit artwork as content.

Pro Tip💡

Check Disc First

Send master copyWe'll duplicate from it

Send one physical master disc or a verified ISO image. We'll test the master before duplicating your full order.

⚠

Not sure if your file is ready? Call or email us before uploading and we'll check it for you at no charge. It's faster than fixing a bad print.

🔥 Ready to Upload Your File?

Your file is prepped and ready — upload on the product page to place your order.

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