Signage FAQs | If I’m providing artwork, what format should I provide?

When submitting artwork to a sign manufacturer, it’s best to check with your vendor in advance. The format may depend on the type of sign to be made.  Some general guidelines are included below as well as definitions that may help to determine the appropriate format for your next project.

Compressed Images

Most graphic manipulation software has the ability to save bitmap files in a compressed format called JPEG or JPG. Though this reduces the size of the file considerably, JPG compression can cause loss of image data and introduce artifacts that affect the image quality. If you must use JPG, choose the highest quality possible. If your software can save to TIFF, this is a better option since TIFF supports multiple compression methods, including LZW that does not adversely affect image quality.

Bitmap and Vector Defined

A bitmap can be thought of as a matrix of dots, where each dot can be a unique color. When dots are close enough to one another, they appear as a solid image to the naked eye. When magnified however, the individual dots can be seen. If you have a bitmap picture you’d like to have printed, scaling the image larger has the same affect as magnifying the image – the dots become clearly visible.

Vector images are made of geometrical primitives such as lines, curves and polygons. These mathematical entities can be scaled to any size with no loss of quality and no increase in file size.

Wide Format Digital Prints

Artwork in vector format is best for large digital prints. There are a number of software applications that can create vector files such as Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw. We can use a number of file types directly including .AI, EPS, .CDR, .PDF and others. Most vector drawing applications have the ability to save, or export to one of these formats.

If your art can not be submitted in vector format, bitmap images should be submitted in a relatively high resolution and as close to the desired printed size as possible.

Font Conversion

Most sign companies have a library of fonts, but there’s no guarantee they’ll have the fonts used in your artwork. To ensure that fonts won’t be substituted and that your text is rendered properly, fonts should be converted to outlines before your artwork files are submitted for production.

File Size

If your artwork files are large, it’s best to check with your sign company to determine the best method for submission. Generally, smaller files can be emailed. Your sign supplier may provide an upload facility, or access to an FTP site if the size or volume of files being submitted is significant.

For more information, contact:

Spectrum Signs
23382 Madero Suite L
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949) 297-3800

Spectrum Signs