We regularly receive questions on how to set up art files for large format printing, from specifying colors to determining the required image sizes. Our designers have compiled a list of some of the more frequently asked questions to ensure your large format graphics are top-notch.
What is Pantone and why is it important?
Pantone is a color matching system that ensures colors look exactly the same across substrates. Providing Pantone values ensures that your brand colors remain consistent, whether they are cut from vinyl, printed on fabric, or used in any other design collateral.
Why Adobe Illustrator?
Adobe Illustrator is the industry standard for large format graphics. It allows you to design at large scale and easily link images, apply Pantone colors, and is an accepted file type for almost all of our different products. Although many designers may prefer other Adobe programs such as InDesign or Photoshop, building files in Adobe Illustrator will help avoid additional fees during preflighting and delays to your project.
What is packaging and why do I have to do it?
Packaging is a simple process that automatically gathers all files associated with your artwork. That means if you’ve placed any photographs or included any typefaces, they will all be accessible when we proof and print your design. In Adobe Illustrator, it’s as simple as saving your image and then selecting File > Package.
*Some typefaces will not be packaged if they are from a cloud source such as Adobe Fonts. If you do not anticipate any text changes, it’s best practice to outline your type.
*It is best practice to link and package files instead of embedding them in your file.
Do you provide templates?
STAR provides templates for Featherlite exhibits, as well as portable display products like banner stands, table throws, and tabletop displays. For custom projects STAR will provide a .pdf control drawing which can be opened in Adobe Illustrator and used to build the art file.
How do I check an image’s dpi?
In Adobe Photoshop go to Image > Image Size and look for Resolution (Pixels/Inch). When browsing images on a stock image site, this information is usually available in the image description. *Remember that if you change an image’s size, it will impact the dpi.
How big can I blow up an image?
It depends. Check your image size and resolution (dpi) in Adobe Photoshop or in the product description on a stock image site.
If you are planning on using your image for large format, you can open the image in Adobe Photoshop and change the dpi to 100 and unselect “resample.” This will resize your image to its largest possible size for most large format graphic applications.
If you are looking at an image on a stock site, look for the image size. Then, confirm that the resolution is 300 dpi, and multiply the image size by three. This will give you the rough large-scale dimensions.
The best way to be sure if an image will print clearly is to send it over to our design team. We’ll double check the image and let you know what its size restrictions are.
*With advancements in AI we can now enhance images more seamlessly than ever. If you need help upscaling an image our designers may be able to assist.
What’s the difference between vector and raster?
Vector files can be scaled infinitely without losing quality, while raster files have fixed dimensions and can become pixelated when scaled beyond their original size.
Logos are typically vector elements, common vector file types include .ai, .eps, .svg and sometimes .pdf.
Photographs are typically raster elements, common raster file types are .jpg, .png or .tiff.
What is preflighting and why is it required?
Preflighting is the process of a print professional reviewing files to ensure they are ready for large-scale production. Large format graphics are slightly different from most printing formats. You’d be surprised how much even the most seasoned designer can miss! STAR requires this step because we want to make to make sure your art is produced exactly the way you expect it.
Can you design my large format booth graphics?
Yes! We offer in house graphic design; our team specializes in large scale design. Contact your project manager or our sales department to get started.
Need more information?
Download STAR’s Art Guidelines.
