Artwork Preparation for signs, banners, and decals

How to prepare artwork for a banner, decal, or sign

RASTER - Photoshop Files

All submitted artwork files will be checked for overall print compatibility and quality at no charge. The following tips will assist you in preparing your file for print purposes.

  1. Size: Files need to be built at full size or half size.
  2. Image Resolution: When submitting a file built at full size, the dpi should be between 100 - 150 dpi. If the file is built at half size, the file resolution should be 200 - 300 dpi. NOTE: Most all images obtained online have a very low resolution of 72 - 96 dpi. This small dpi affects the overall print quality of the image when enlarged, causing pixelation and/or blurriness.)
  3. Color Mode: All digital prints must be saved in CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color mode. If your artwork was originally built in RGB (Red, Blue, Green) color mode you will need to convert to CMYK and adjust your colors accordingly. All files submitted in RGB or Pantone colors will be printed in CMYK, which can cause a color shift.
  4. Artwork with Borders: Please allow a .25 margin for artwork with borders. There is a cutting tolerance of 1/16" which may cause uneven borders. However, if your artwork has a border, keep the minimum border thickness to make it possible for us to cut as evenly as possible. We do not guarantee perfect trimming.
Last-minute tips:
  • Please make sure to flatten all layers before sending your artwork to avoid any font issues.
  • Save your prepared document as either a .jpg or .pdf before sending the file to us.
  • Bleeds are not necessary for most instances.
  • Fonts smaller than 8 pts., or very narrow fonts, may not render well, especially against dark backgrounds.

VECTOR - Illustrator/ InDesign / Corel Draw Files:

  1.  Size: Files need to be built at full size or half size.
  2. Image Resolution: If raster images are to be incorporated into your design, please make sure your image is clean and clear at full size, before placing it in your Illustrator-generated file.
  3. Color Mode: All digital prints must be saved in CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color mode. If your artwork was originally built in RGB (Red, Blue, Green) color mode, you will need to convert to CMYK and adjust your colors accordingly. All files submitted in RGB or Pantone colors will be converted to CMYK, which can cause a color shift.
  4. Artwork with Borders: Please allow a .25 margin for artwork with borders. There is a cutting tolerance of 1/16" which may cause uneven borders. If your file has a border, keep the minimum border thickness to make it possible for us to cut as evenly as possible. We do not guarantee perfect trimming.
Last-minute tips:
  • Outline all fonts to avoid substitution issues.
  • Make sure to embed any images placed into the design.
  • Bleeds are not necessary for most instances.
  • Fonts smaller than 8 pts., or very narrow fonts, may not render well, especially against  dark backgrounds.

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Who are we? Orange County Signs, also known as Quick Signs

Quick Signs, also known as OrangeCountySigns.com,  has been a leader in the signs and graphics industry for over 20 years. We specialize in large format printing utilizing state-of-the-art digital printers. We service the signs and banner industry of Orange County, California and we produce and ship our sign products everywhere in the United States. The cities we service in Orange County are Tustin, Irvine, Newport Beach, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Beach, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Orange, Anaheim and many other surrounding communities including San Diego County, Los Angeles County and all of Southern California, and anywhere in the United States!  Local Service Areas

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