File Requirements
What is print-ready?
Our preferred print-ready file is a vector PDF or EPS, created to finished size, using CMYK or Pantone colors, with all fonts converted to paths.
We can often work with other file types or artwork that doesn't meet all of these requirements, but additional preparation may be necessary before production.
Have your design in Canva? You can send us a Canva share link instead. Our Canva Pro account allows us to access and download compatible file formats that may not be available with a free Canva account. As with any customer-supplied artwork, we'll review the file to make sure it's suitable for your particular project.
Preferred File Formats
For logos, lettering, signs, decals, and other vector artwork, we prefer:
PDF
EPS
AI (Adobe Illustrator-not artificial intelligence)
SVG
We may also be able to work with other vector file types. If you have a logo file that your computer won’t open, it’s probably a vector file.
For photos and images, we prefer .png or .jpg files that are approximately 150dpi(dots per inch)or larger, meaning if the final print size is to be 12 inches wide, the image should be 1800 pixels wide for best quality.
Vector vs. Raster Artwork
Vector artwork is made from paths rather than pixels, allowing it to be scaled to virtually any size without losing quality. Vector artwork is preferred—and often required—for logos, lettering, decals, and many sign applications.
Raster artwork is made from pixels, like photographs-JPG or PNG images. Enlarging a small raster image can cause it to become blurry or pixelated, making many raster images unsuitable for large-format printing. All photos are raster images, so if a photo is part of your artwork, make sure it is the highest quality(preferably 150dpi).
AI-Generated Artwork
AI-generated artwork can work for some projects such as small posters if they are the maximum resolution. AI images are raster-based and do not contain enough resolution for larger projects They can also contain misspelled text, incorrectly rendered lettering, inconsistent shapes, and other imperfections that become more noticeable when enlarged.
Have an AI-generated design you'd like to use? Send it to us. We'll evaluate it for your particular project and let you know if it's suitable as submitted or if it needs professional redesign.
If you choose to proceed with customer-supplied artwork after we've advised you of its limitations, you accept responsibility for the appearance and quality of that artwork in the finished product.
Copyright & Trademark Licensing
By submitting artwork, you confirm that you have the legal rights to use and reproduce it, and authorize Express Sign & Logo to use it for your project. Express Sign & Logo LLC is not responsible for copyright, trademark, licensing, or other intellectual-property issues associated with customer-supplied artwork.