Artwork & File Preparation

Artwork & File Preparation

What to send so we can engrave, cut or print your artwork — and what to do if you don't have print-ready files yet.

Send the best file you have. We will tell you what it can become.

Good files make production faster, cleaner, and more predictable. If your artwork is not production-ready, send it anyway. We can review it, flag issues, redraw logos, build layouts, and prepare proofs when needed.

Best case

Vector artwork with final size, colours, quantities, and placement clearly provided.

Still useful

High-resolution images, PDFs, photos of existing pieces, sketches, or previous order references.

Needs review

Screenshots, web logos, tiny JPGs, unknown fonts, and files not built to scale.

We can help

Design, cleanup, redraw, layout, proofing, and production setup are available.

Before production

The file has to match the process.

Engraving and cutting
Clean vector paths, outlined fonts, and simple high-contrast artwork usually produce the best results.
Wide-format printing
Large prints need enough resolution at final size, correct proportions, and bleed where trimming is required.
Logos and brand work
Vector logos are best. Low-resolution logos may need redraw before they can be used cleanly.
Proofing
Proofs confirm layout, spelling, placement, scale, and colour direction before production starts.

File formats

What to send if you have it

Vector files

AI, EPS, PDF, or SVG files are preferred for engraving, cutting, decals, signs, and anything that needs crisp edges.

High-resolution images

PNG, JPG, or TIFF can work for print when supplied at final size and high enough resolution.

Office files and references

Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, screenshots, or photos can help us understand the request, but may need cleanup.

Artwork guidelines

The details that prevent production surprises

Vector vs. raster

Vector art scales cleanly. Raster images can become pixelated when enlarged or converted for engraving.

Fonts and outlines

Convert text to outlines or provide font files when the exact typeface matters.

Resolution

Raster files should usually be 300 DPI at final size for print work. Web images are often too small.

Colour

Provide brand colours, Pantone values, or previous samples when colour matching matters.

Size and scale

Tell us the final size, quantity, orientation, and whether the file is already built to scale.

Bleed and margins

Printed pieces that trim to the edge need bleed, and important content should stay away from cut lines.

From file to finished product

How artwork moves through the shop

1

Send files

Attach artwork, notes, dimensions, quantity, and any photos or previous examples.

2

Review and setup

We check resolution, scale, fonts, colours, cut paths, and production fit.

3

Proof when needed

For custom work, we confirm the layout before production.

4

Produce the order

What you approved on the proof is what goes to the engraver, cutter or printer.

Before you send the file

Artwork that arrives prepared keeps production moving.

Attach the best files you have with the dimensions, quantity, product, and any reference photos. We will review them before production.

Send Artwork with a Quote
Will I get a proof?
For custom, complex, or first-time work, yes. Repeat or standard production may move straight to production unless you request a proof.
Can you use a website logo?
Sometimes, but web logos are often too small. Send it and we will tell you whether it needs to be rebuilt.
Can you create artwork for me?
Yes. We can create layouts, redraw logos, clean up files, and prepare production-ready artwork.
How should I send large files?
Use the quote form when possible, or contact us if the files are too large and we can arrange another transfer method.