Artwork & Design Guidelines

File Format Requirements

Understanding the difference between file types and choosing the right format for your project is crucial for achieving professional results.

Vector vs Bitmap Graphics

Vector Graphics (Preferred): Vector files are created using mathematical formulas to define shapes, lines, and colours. This means they can be resized to any size without losing quality or becoming pixelated. Most corporate logos and text-based designs are created as vectors.

Advantages of Vector Files:

• Infinite scalability without quality loss
• Smaller file sizes for simple designs
• Easy colour modification and editing
• Crisp, sharp edges at any size
• Professional printing quality

Vector File Formats: AI (Adobe Illustrator), EPS (Encapsulated PostScript), PDF (Portable Document Format), CDR (CorelDRAW)

Bitmap Graphics: Bitmap files (also called raster images) are made up of individual pixels or dots. Photos are always bitmaps, and they have a fixed resolution that determines their quality and maximum usable size.

When Bitmaps Are Acceptable:

• Photographic images
• Complex illustrations with many colours
• Existing artwork that cannot be recreated as vectors

Bitmap File Formats: JPG, PNG, TIFF, PSD, BMP, GIF

Important Note: JPG, BMP, PNG, and GIF are all forms of bitmap and not vector. While we can often use bitmap files, please be aware that there may be limitations and additional charges. If supplying a bitmap, ensure it is at least 300 DPI at the final print size to avoid pixelation.

Preferred File Formats

PDF (Most Preferred): PDF files can contain both vector and bitmap elements, making them ideal for complex designs. They preserve fonts, colours, and layout while being universally compatible.

AI (Adobe Illustrator): Native Illustrator files provide maximum editing flexibility and are ideal for vector-based designs.

EPS (Encapsulated PostScript): Industry-standard vector format that works across different software platforms.

Accepted Additional Formats: PSD (Photoshop), TIFF, JPG (high resolution), Freehand, and several others.

Colour Requirements and Management

Proper colour management ensures that your printed materials match your expectations and maintain brand consistency.

CMYK vs RGB Colour

CMYK Printing Process: We print using a CMYK ink system (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). Unlike computer monitors that use RGB (Red, Green, Blue) light, printed materials use CMYK inks that absorb or reflect light to create colours.

Why CMYK Matters: The colour range (gamut) that can be displayed on a monitor is different from what can be printed with inks. Some bright RGB colours cannot be reproduced exactly in CMYK printing.

Colour Conversion: We will convert any RGB images sent to us to CMYK, but we recommend that you convert prior to submitting your artwork so you can see any colour differences for yourself.

How to Convert:

• Adobe Photoshop: Image > Mode > CMYK Color
• Adobe Illustrator: Edit > Select All, then Filter > Colors > Convert to CMYK

Pantone Colour Matching

Spot Colour Printing: For exact colour matching, we can print using specific Pantone colours. This is ideal for maintaining brand consistency and achieving colours that cannot be reproduced accurately in CMYK.

Pantone Requirements: Relevant PMS (Pantone Matching System) codes must be specified in your artwork file or provided via email/phone. We will match Pantone colours as closely as possible on solid, flat areas of colour.

Limitations: Some limitations apply to blended areas and gradients. Please enquire if you’re unsure about specific colour requirements.

Colour Proofing Recommendations

Digital Proofs: Standard PDF proofs show layout and approximate colours but may not accurately represent final printed colours due to monitor variations.

Printed Proofs: Recommended for critical colour matching. Printed proofs show actual ink colours on the intended substrate and are especially important when:

• Exact colour matching is critical
• You haven’t supplied CMYK artwork
• Converting from RGB to CMYK
• Using economy labels with limited colour options

Typography and Font Requirements

Proper font handling prevents printing problems and ensures your text appears exactly as intended.

Font Embedding and Outlining

The Font Problem: There are thousands of fonts available, and commercial printers cannot maintain libraries of every possible font. Missing fonts can cause text to display incorrectly or be substituted with different fonts.

Solutions:

1. Outline/Convert Fonts: Convert text to outline paths (shapes with fills)
2. Embed Fonts: Include font files with your artwork (where licensing permits)

How to Outline Fonts:

• Adobe Photoshop: Layer > Type > Convert to Shape
• Adobe Illustrator: Type > Create Outlines
• Adobe InDesign: Type > Create Outlines

Important: Always keep a copy of your original file with editable text in case changes are needed later.

Font Considerations

Minimum Font Sizes: Different printing processes have different minimum readable font sizes:

• Digital printing: 6pt minimum for most fonts
• Screen printing: 8pt minimum recommended
• Engraving: 10pt minimum for fine detail

Font Selection: Choose fonts appropriate for your printing method and viewing distance. Sans-serif fonts often work better for small text and technical applications.

Layout and Design Specifications

Proper layout preparation ensures professional results and prevents common printing problems.

Bleed and Margins

Bleed Definition: Bleed is the area of your design that extends beyond the final cut line. Due to variations in cutting (up to 1.5mm), bleed ensures that your printed image reaches the edge of the finished product.

Bleed Requirements: We prefer a standard bleed of at least 3mm beyond the cut line for all products that will be cut to size.

Margins (Safety Area): Keep important text and graphics at least 3mm inside the cut line to ensure they won’t be accidentally trimmed during cutting.

Why Bleed Matters: Without adequate bleed, you may see white edges where cutting variations occur, creating an unprofessional appearance.

Design Considerations by Product Type

Full Colour Labels:

• All fonts converted to outline paths
• All text at least 3mm from edge
• All images embedded (not linked)
• Minimum 3mm bleed
• Outline of cutting line for non-standard shapes
• Minimum resolution 300 DPI

Economy Labels:

• Designs with both image and text should be submitted as separate files
• Include names of all fonts used
• Include font files for non-standard fonts
• Minimum font size 5pt
• All print at least 3mm from edge
• Minimum image resolution 300 DPI

Engraving Projects:

• Black and white artwork preferred
• Vector format essential for best results
• Consider material characteristics in design
• Minimum line weights for chosen material

File Preparation Best Practices

Following these best practices ensures smooth production and optimal results.

Image Quality

Resolution Requirements: All images must be at least 300 DPI at final print size. Higher resolutions (up to 600 DPI) may be beneficial for fine detail work.

Image Embedding: All images must be embedded in the document, not linked. Linked images may not print correctly if the original files are not available.

Image Formats: Use high-quality formats like TIFF or high-quality JPG for bitmap images. Avoid low-quality JPG compression that can create artifacts.

Document Setup

Artboard Size: Set your artboard or document size to the final trim size plus bleed area.

Colour Mode: Set documents to CMYK colour mode from the start when possible.

Units: Use millimetres for measurements to match our production standards.

Layers: Organise complex documents using layers for easier editing and production.

Artwork Specifications by Service

Different services have specific requirements that optimise quality and cost-effectiveness.

Digital Printing

Advantages: Excellent for complex designs, unlimited colours, photo-quality results
File Requirements: PDF preferred, CMYK colour mode, 300 DPI minimum
Special Considerations: Variable data capabilities, short run efficiency

Screen Printing

Advantages: Vibrant colours, excellent durability, cost-effective for larger quantities
File Requirements: Spot colours preferred, simple designs work best
Special Considerations: Each colour requires separate screen setup

Engraving

Advantages: Permanent marking, works on various materials, professional appearance
File Requirements: Vector format essential, black and white artwork
Special Considerations: Material characteristics affect design possibilities

UV Printing

Advantages: Instant curing, substrate versatility, exceptional durability
File Requirements: High-resolution files, consideration for substrate characteristics
Special Considerations: Special effects possible with UV inks

Design Services and Support

Our experienced design team provides comprehensive support to ensure your projects achieve professional results.

Design Services Available

Artwork Creation: Complete design services from concept to finished artwork
Design Optimisation: Improving existing artwork for better printing results
File Conversion: Converting between different file formats and colour modes
Technical Preparation: Preparing artwork to meet specific printing requirements
Brand Compliance: Ensuring designs meet brand guidelines and standards

Design Consultation

Material Recommendations: Advice on material selection for specific applications
Process Selection: Guidance on choosing the best printing method for your needs
Cost Optimisation: Suggestions for reducing costs while maintaining quality
Timeline Planning: Realistic scheduling for design and production phases

Artwork Charges

No Setup Cost: Artwork meeting our specifications incurs no additional charges
Modification Charges: Artwork requiring changes is charged at $15 + GST per 15 minutes
Design Services: Custom design work is quoted based on project complexity

File Submission and Communication

Efficient file submission and clear communication ensure smooth project progression.

How to Submit Artwork

Email: Files under 10MB can be emailed directly File Sharing: Use services like Dropbox, WeTransfer, or Google Drive for larger files Physical Media: USB drives or CDs can be provided in person or by post Online Upload: Use our online file submission system when available

Information to Include

Project Details: Clear description of your requirements
Specifications: Quantities, sizes, materials, and timeline
Special Instructions: Any specific requirements or concerns
Contact Information: Ensure we can reach you for questions

Communication During Production

Proof Approval: We’ll provide proofs for your approval before production
Progress Updates: We’ll keep you informed of production progress
Quality Questions: We’ll contact you if any quality issues arise
Delivery Coordination: We’ll arrange delivery timing with you

Common Problems and Solutions

Understanding common artwork issues helps prevent delays and additional charges.

Frequent Issues

Low Resolution Images: Pixelated or blurry results from insufficient resolution
Missing Fonts: Text appearing different from intended design
Incorrect Colour Mode: Colour shifts when converting from RGB to CMYK
Insufficient Bleed: White edges appearing on cut products
Oversized Files: Files too large for efficient processing

Prevention Strategies

Resolution Check: Zoom into your images at 100% to check for pixelation
Font Management: Always outline fonts or include font files
Colour Proofing: Convert to CMYK early in the design process
Bleed Planning: Include bleed from the beginning of your design
File Optimisation: Balance quality with reasonable file sizes

When Problems Occur

Communication: We’ll contact you immediately if issues are discovered
Solutions: We’ll suggest the best approach to resolve problems
Approval: Any changes will be approved with you before proceeding
Timeline: We’ll advise of any impact on delivery schedules