Print specifications
Artwork guidelines
Download a template
Each template is a scalable vector file at full size with the bleed, trim and safe-area guides on their own layer. Open it in Illustrator, Affinity, Inkscape or Canva, place your artwork, delete the guide layer, then export a PDF.
Document sizes
Build at full size with 0.125 in bleed on every edge, then keep all text and logos at least 0.5 in inside the trim line.
When you add a logo or photo in the design tool, we compare its pixels with the size it will print on your sign or banner and tell you whether it prints sharp, may print soft, or is too low to print clearly.
| Sign | Trim | With bleed | Safe area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12" x 18" | 12 x 18 in | 12.25 x 18.25 in | 11 x 17 in |
| 18" x 24" | 18 x 24 in | 18.25 x 24.25 in | 17 x 23 in |
| 24" x 36" | 24 x 36 in | 24.25 x 36.25 in | 23 x 35 in |
Vinyl banner artwork
Banners are built at full size with 0.25 in bleed on every edge. Keep all text and logos at least 1 in inside the trim line so nothing is lost in the hem. Grommets sit in the hem every 2 ft, so avoid placing small detail in the outer inch of any edge.
- 2 x 4 ft banner template:SVG(48 x 24 in trim, bleed and safe area marked)
- 2 x 6 ft banner template:SVG(72 x 24 in trim, bleed and safe area marked)
- 3 x 6 ft banner template:SVG(72 x 36 in trim, bleed and safe area marked)
- 3 x 8 ft banner template:SVG(96 x 36 in trim, bleed and safe area marked)
- 4 x 8 ft banner template:SVG(96 x 48 in trim, bleed and safe area marked)
- 4 x 10 ft banner template:SVG(120 x 48 in trim, bleed and safe area marked)
| Banner | Trim | With bleed | Safe area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 x 4 ft | 48 x 24 in | 48.5 x 24.5 in | 46 x 22 in |
| 2 x 6 ft | 72 x 24 in | 72.5 x 24.5 in | 70 x 22 in |
| 3 x 6 ft | 72 x 36 in | 72.5 x 36.5 in | 70 x 34 in |
| 3 x 8 ft | 96 x 36 in | 96.5 x 36.5 in | 94 x 34 in |
| 4 x 8 ft | 96 x 48 in | 96.5 x 48.5 in | 94 x 46 in |
| 4 x 10 ft | 120 x 48 in | 120.5 x 48.5 in | 118 x 46 in |
Pole pockets are sewn 2 in deep top and bottom when selected. Keep artwork you want visible at least 3 in inside the top and bottom trim on those orders.
File format and resolution
PDF is preferred, with PNG and JPG accepted. Raster art should be 100 DPI at final size. that is press-sharp at yard-sign viewing distance and keeps uploads manageable. Flatten transparency, embed or outline fonts, and export in CMYK where you can. RGB files are converted, which shifts saturated blues and greens slightly.
Double-sided setup
Double-sided orders need two files, or one multi-page PDF with the front on page 1 and the back on page 2. If both faces are identical, say so in the order notes and send one file. Signs are printed head-to-head so both faces read upright on the stake.
Color, ink and readability
We print with UV inks rated for outdoor exposure. High-contrast combinations read from the road: dark type on a light field, or white type on a saturated field. Avoid thin script faces under 2 in cap height, gradients behind small text, and pure black backgrounds, which show handling marks.
No print-ready art yet
We do not offer a design service. If you do not have print-ready art, start from one of our ready to edit templates and change the text, colors and fonts yourself. Either way there is no proof step, so your file prints exactly as submitted. Check spelling, phone numbers and dates before you order.
Political and campaign signs
Campaign artwork must carry your own disclaimer text. for example a paid-for-by line. as required by your jurisdiction. We print files as supplied and do not add or verify disclaimers.
Sending files
Upload during checkout, or email files to orders@bannerology.com with your order number. Use the same address for pre-order file questions.