02.02.2022
Master the essentials for flawless large-scale print
With the right application and an eye-catching design, large format print can transform your space, build brand recognition and create memorable customer experiences. Designing creative for signage or large format print can be tricky to navigate, so let's have a look at some of the basic steps you can take when creating your design files.
1) File Formats for Signage

File format is the first and most important consideration for designing signage. PDF/X-4 is the ideal file format for large-scale graphics, although Adobe Creative Cloud files from InDesign (packaged), Illustrator (packaged), PhotoShop, high quality JPGs, and TIFFs are also acceptable.
2) Converting Text to Outlines for Signage

Because your files are being scaled from a small screen to a much larger finished product, it's critical to embed, package, or convert the fonts in your creative files. This will ensure your text can scale infinitely without losing quality or becoming pixelated.
To learn more about converting text to outlines in Illustrator, read this article from Adobe.
3) Using Vector or Raster Graphics
Computer graphics can be created as raster (i.e. JPEG) or vector files (i.e. EPS). A raster graphic is a pixelated image (tiny squares of colour info) and a vector graphic uses algorithms to create coordinates joined by lines and curves. Each have distinct uses, benefits and limitations.
Vector Graphics | Raster Graphics |
Pros
| Pros
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Cons
| Cons
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Based on this information, it is best to use vector graphics like EPS, AI and PDF when designing your large format signage.
4) Selecting Colours Models for Print
Whenever possible, set up your print files using the CMYK colour model. RGB and CMYK are colour models used in design, each with their own purpose. Compared to the CMYK colour model, RGB has a larger range of colours in its spectrum which is ideal for computer monitors, but does not render properly in print.
High-end digital processors will convert RGB colours to the most accurate CMYK representation of the colour, which may not be an exact match to what is seen on a monitor.
Pantone Colours

A Pantone Matching System converts pantone swatches to the closest CMYK colour possible when designing and outputting to digital print. Note that exact matches to every pantone colour cannot be guaranteed in digital print.
Transparency
When you combine transparencies from one colour space with those from another (for example, a CMYK drop-shadow over a Pantone colour), you'll get surprising results. If you want to print artwork with transparency, you'll need to go through a process called flattening, which divides transparent artwork into vector-based and rasterized sections.
Text Safe Zones

The text-safe area of a document should be equal to approximately 96% of the width/height, leaving a quiet space equal to 2% of the trim size on all four edges of a graphic.
For example, on a 96 x 48” board, the text-safe area is 94 x 46”. This ensures no text or logos are too close to the edge and offers a cleaner layout. In the case of banners, this ensures there is room for grommets around the edges.
Need some creative inspiration?
WCD Creative are experts in designing for large format print, and are here help—from providing beautiful designs set up for flawless execution to managing the print process through our strategic print and fulfillment partner, Cober Solutions. When you're ready to bring your biggest ideas to life, reach out to get started.
5) Bleed Guidelines for Signage
When a document has images or graphical elements that touch the edge of the page, you must include a “bleed” in the file setup. Bleed is created by extending the image or element beyond the edge of the document. Documents with bleed are printed on a larger sheet and trimmed down to size.

Including bleed prevents two common issues:
- White paper on the edge of a finished and trimmed product
- Graphics, text, images and logos being cut off
The amount of bleed required is based on the size of the sign or display.
6) Image Resolution for Large Format Print
Signage and display file sizes can get quite large, creating challenges when submitting files to print. To reduce file size, build a scaled file with the intention of enlarging.
Scaled files require adjustments to the resolution in relation to the scale and must include the actual scale in the file name. For example, if a file is built to half the size of the finished product, the resolution of images needs to be doubled to 600 DPI so the final size meets the minimum resolution of 300 DPI. Scaling of a document will always be done proportionately.

The recommended DPI (dots per square inch) for raster images is relative to the expected viewing distance of full size images.
7) Designing for Clear Adhesive Vinyl
White ink can be used when printing on clear media in one of three ways:
- Flood White - Where the entire area on the back of the graphic is coated with white ink to help give the CMYK print proper saturation and density.
- Spot White - Where white is used as a colour in a design and should appear as white against the clear background.
- Spot White Base - When white is printed behind the colours to achieve proper colour saturation and density of specific areas of a design.
Designs requiring white ink need a second layer in the file labeled ‘spot’ with only white areas as vector elements. 100% magenta works well.
Window Vinyl
When printing on clear adhesive vinyl that will be applied to a window, it’s important to note whether the image should be front-facing (from the non-adhesive side) or back-facing (from the adhesive side of the graphic) or in some cases, both.
8) Signs that Require Shape Cutting

If a project will be shape-cut, include the desired cut path as a separate layer in the file marked “cut-line”. Best practice is to use a one-point vector path in a contrasting colour from the design so your cut line clearly stands out.
For decals that require weeding (removal of the unneeded vinyl), supply a reference file to determine what elements are to be removed and what elements should remain in the final product.
