Help & Guidelines

Expert advice on artwork setup, printing specifications and answers to frequently asked questions — everything you need for a smooth journey from design to delivery.

Need a custom quote?

Request Quote

Artwork Setup

Make sure your designs are print ready — formats, bleed, resolution and fonts for high quality prints.

Go to section

Bleed & Safe Margin

How to set up your designs to prevent cutting issues and keep your prints looking professional.

Learn more

Colour Differences

RGB, CMYK and Pantone — how colours may change when converted for print.

Find out more

FAQ's

From order processing to product specs — get the information you need swiftly.

Read FAQ's

Artwork Setup

Follow these guidelines to make sure your artwork is optimally prepared, guaranteeing the best possible print results. Every file gets a free basic check before production.

Rigid Signs Setup

Dibond, Foamex, Correx

FormatPDF or JPEG

ColourCMYK

Bleed5mm

Safe area10mm

Resolution300dpi

FontsOutlined or embedded

Large Format Setup

Hoarding & self-adhesive vinyl

FormatPDF or JPEG

ColourCMYK

Bleed10mm

Safe area10mm

Resolution150dpi

FontsOutlined or embedded

Banners & Mesh Setup

Outdoor PVC & mesh banners

FormatPDF or JPEG

ColourCMYK

Bleed40mm

Safe area40mm

Resolution150dpi

FontsOutlined or embedded

Artwork Guide PDF

Download our guide for extra tips on setting up artwork for flawless print results.

What is bleed?

Bleed is the extension of images or colour beyond the final trimmed edge. It compensates for small variations during cutting — without it, any slight shift can leave a thin white border on the edge of your sign.

Extend your background artwork to the bleed line shown in our templates, and your design will run seamlessly to the edge after trimming.

Correct bleed

Incorrect bleed

What is the safe area margin?

The safe margin is the recommended distance between important content — text, logos, contact details — and the trimmed edge. Keep essential content inside it so nothing is clipped during trimming or hidden by fixings.

Our large-format guideline is at least 10mm from the trim line (40mm for banners with hems and eyelets).

Correct margin

Incorrect margin

Colour, and its differences

Understand RGB, CMYK and Pantone so your printed colours match your expectations.

RGB

An additive colour model for screens. RGB has a wider gamut than print — vibrant on-screen colours may not be reproducible in CMYK.

CMYK

The standard colour model for print production. All artwork is printed in CMYK — supply files in CMYK for the most accurate result.

Pantone (PMS)

A standardised matching system. Pantone references are converted to their closest CMYK equivalent during printing.

Important: RGB and Pantone elements are converted to CMYK before printing — colours may appear less vibrant than on screen. Printing across different materials can also yield subtle variations. If you have specific colour requirements, contact us before ordering.

FAQ's

Ordering

How do I place an order?

Choose your product, configure your exact spec with instant pricing, and check out securely. You then upload artwork (or submit a design brief) from your online account — everything is managed there, including proof approval.

What are the cut off times?

Artwork received by 3pm is processed the same working day. Orders or artwork after 3pm, at weekends or bank holidays are processed the next business day.

Which payment methods do you accept?

All major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay via our secure checkout. Artwork quotations are paid from your account area.

Artwork

How do I send my artwork?

You don't need to email anything — upload files directly to your order from your account after checkout. PDF, AI, EPS & JPG accepted, up to 250MB per file.

Can you design my artwork for me?

Yes. Choose "I Need Design Assistance" when ordering, submit a brief from your account and we'll provide a fixed quote (from £25 +VAT) before any work begins. You approve the final proof online.

Can I make changes once artwork has been approved?

No — approving your proof moves the order into production immediately and changes are no longer possible. Please check proofs carefully before approving.

Do you check my files before printing?

Yes, every order includes a free basic artwork check covering size, resolution, bleed and format. We'll contact you if anything needs attention.

Delivery

How much is delivery?

Delivery starts at £9.95 +VAT and is free on orders over £150 +VAT. Once dispatched, delivery is usually next working day (allow up to 2). Monday–Friday only.

When will my order be dispatched?

Standard production dispatches within 5 working days of artwork approval; Express within 2–3. Your account shows a live estimated dispatch date for every order.

Our Products

Can you produce signs larger than 2440 × 1220mm?

Yes — larger signs are supplied in multiple panels. Contact us for a quotation.

Are your signs suitable for outdoor use?

Yes. Dibond and Foamex signs are printed with UV-stable inks and laminated as standard. Correx is ideal for short-term outdoor use.

Need help? Call our team on 01733 456 987 or email orders@signprintuk.co.uk