Vector or pixels?
Vector artwork is made of shapes and curves, so it scales to any size cleanly. Pixel (raster) images, such as photos, PNGs and JPEGs, are made of a fixed grid of pixels. Logos and lettering should be vector. Photos are always pixels, and that's fine if there are enough of them.
The file extension doesn't tell you what's inside. An SVG, EPS, PDF or AI file can contain an embedded pixel image, and renaming a PNG as an SVG doesn't make it vector.
How many pixels is enough?
It depends on the final size and how far away people will be. As a rough guide from printer manufacturer HP: 50–100 pixels per inch for banners seen from 20 ft or more, 150–200 for exhibition graphics seen at 3–5 ft, and more for close viewing. What counts is the effective resolution after scaling: a 300 ppi image enlarged to four times its size is only 75 ppi.
Fonts
Please convert text to outlines (curves), or embed fonts in your PDF where your font licence allows it. Don't send font files unless your licence permits it. If we need to set text, we use fonts we're licensed for.
Bleed, safe areas and vehicle templates
Bleed is extra artwork beyond the cut edge, so nothing ends in a thin white line. Keep key text inside a safe area away from edges. On vehicles, templates are a starting point only. We measure and photograph the actual vehicle and keep text clear of door gaps, handles and recesses.
Checklist
- Vector logos and lettering
- Text outlined or fonts embedded (if licensed)
- Photos large enough at final size
- Bleed included, key text in the safe area
- Colour references noted
- Organiser or vehicle template attached