Large format inkjet printing - There are some known issues with PDF files and our RIP software packages, please avoid sending PDFs for large format printing. Apologies for the inconvenience. Further updates when these issues are patched by the RIP providers.
The typical workflow for lithographic offset printing is as follows:
We support all the industry standard page layout, illustration, and photographic manipulation packages. Pixel based arwork should be in CMYK mode at 300 dpi. All documents should bleed by 3mm and have all printers marks. Artwork can be submitted to us via FTP, CD or DVD. We appreciate a printed copy of your artowrk with instructions clearly marked. Special inks, finishes, die cuts require special attention and clear instructions from clients. Color swatches should be provided where possible.
We take great pride in our banner and poster designs. We appreciate that designing for large format output is a different discipline to designing for screen or page. The key is to remember that a poster is meant to grab the viewer's attention from a distance, and hold it long enough to draw them into to read the rest. Strong, simple compositions are often the most effective, especially as the larger a poster is, the further away it usually needs to be seen.
The best way to learn about poster design is to look at the best poster design work. We take inspiration from:
We can accept artwork in any* native software package on Mac or PC. We prefer to use Adobe Illustrator 10 (PC) and CS 1 or 2 (Mac OSX) for production of banner stands and roller banners, but that is just our personal preference based upon a liking for the vector based workflow for large format works.
We work in CMYK color mode, and all placed images are at least 150 dpi at 100 % scale. For very large banner stands or pop-up displays, placed bit mapped images may be 75 dpi. Send your artwork to us via email (~ 20 MB) or to our FTP site for the fastest turnaround time.
The accepted file type is press ready PDF x/1a files with a 3 mm bleed. There is no need to add any printers marks. We can give you detailed instructions depending on the application you are using.
Pop-up display design is similar to poster design, but the very large size of a pop-up display can present a real challenge to an artist if one gets bogged down in fine details. The pop-up must grab the attention of the visitor very quickly.
Technically we can accept artwork in any native software package on Mac or PC. However, due to current RIP incompatibilities we cannot accept PDF files.
Artwork for a 4x3 column pop-up should be 413 x 225 cm. Artwork for a 3 x 3 pop-up display should be 344 x 229 cm.
All placed/scanned images should be between 75 and 150 dpi for pop-up displays (100 dpi should suffice). CMYK color mode, leave pantone as spot colors and we will do our best to match them if you supply prints of previous works (if the color is important to your company logo for example).
Send your artwork to us via email (~ 20 MB) or to our FTP Site for the fastest turnaround time.