Artwork Guidelines
Follow these guidelines to ensure your artwork prints correctly and avoid production delays. Properly prepared files help us deliver the best possible results.
Quick Reference
Preferred Format
Print-quality PDF (Press optimized)
Resolution
400 DPI at 1/4 scale, or 100 DPI at full scale
Color Mode
CMYK (4-color process) only
Accepted File Formats
Preferred Format: PDF
A print-quality PDF in CMYK color space is our preferred format. PDF files optimized for "Press" quality with 400 DPI images work best in our digital printing environment. This ensures the highest quality output with minimal production adjustments.
Second Preference: JPEG
High-quality JPEG files in CMYK color space at 400 DPI are our second preferred format. JPEGs naturally satisfy the font conversion requirement since text is already rasterized.
Other Accepted Formats
We can also print from AI, EPS, TIFF, BMP, PNG, PSD, and INDD files. However, these formats are outside our preferred workflow and are subject to a production setup fee. For the fastest turnaround and best results, we recommend converting to PDF or JPEG before submitting.
Resolution & Scale
Proper resolution ensures your print looks sharp and professional. You have two options for setting up your artwork:
Option 1: Quarter Scale
Design at 1/4 scale (25% of final size) with images at 400 DPI.
Example: A 4' x 8' banner would be set up as a 1' x 2' document at 400 DPI.
Option 2: Full Scale
Design at full size (100%) with images at 100 DPI.
Example: A 4' x 8' banner would be set up as a 4' x 8' document at 100 DPI.
Important: Art Board Size
Set your art board size to match the viewable (live) area only at the chosen scale. Do not add bleed or extra space around the artwork — we handle production margins on our end.
Color Mode
We print full color CMYK (4-color process). All files must be submitted in CMYK color mode. Files submitted in RGB will be converted to CMYK, which can cause undesirable color shifts — particularly in blues, greens, and vibrant colors.
Correct: CMYK
Submit all artwork in CMYK color mode for accurate color reproduction.
Avoid: RGB
RGB files will be auto-converted, which may result in unexpected color shifts.
Specific color matching: If your print requires exact color matching (e.g., brand colors, Pantone specifications), please note this at the time of order. Additional fees and time may be required for color proofing and adjustments.
Font Handling
All fonts must be converted to outlines (curves) before submitting your artwork. This is a critical step that prevents font substitution issues during production.
How to Convert Fonts to Outlines
This feature is available in all major design programs and changes fonts from editable text to vector line art:
- Adobe Illustrator: Select all text → Type → Create Outlines (Shift+Ctrl/Cmd+O)
- CorelDRAW: Select all text → Object → Convert to Curves (Ctrl+Q)
- Adobe InDesign: Select all text → Type → Create Outlines (Shift+Ctrl/Cmd+O)
- JPEG files: No action needed — text is already rasterized.
Flatten Your Artwork
Before submitting, flatten your artwork by combining all layers into a single layer. This:
- Reduces file size for faster upload and processing
- Removes hidden layers that could cause conflicts
- Prevents unexpected elements from appearing in the print
Transparency & Effects
In vector layouts, never use drop shadows, glows, or any other transparency effects on top of a color. If your design requires these features, you must rasterize the artwork before submitting. Unrasterized transparency effects can cause print artifacts.
Pre-Submission Checklist
- 1File is in PDF (preferred) or JPEG format
- 2Color mode is set to CMYK (not RGB)
- 3Resolution is 400 DPI at 1/4 scale or 100 DPI at full scale
- 4Art board matches the viewable area only (no extra bleed or margins)
- 5All fonts converted to outlines/curves
- 6All layers flattened into one layer
- 7Transparency effects (shadows, glows) rasterized if present
- 8Specific color matching noted at time of order (if required)
Artwork Templates
Download ready-to-use templates for all our product sizes. Templates are provided in CMYK color space and show the exact printable area for each product.
Need Help With Your Files?
Not sure if your artwork is print-ready? Select the "Professional Artwork Review" option during checkout. Our design team will review your files, check for potential issues, and ensure optimal print quality before production begins. A small review fee applies per item.
If you have questions about file preparation, contact us at info@casopromos.com and we'll be happy to help.