Artwork & File Setup Guide

Welcome to the All Prints Inc. Artwork Setup Guide. To ensure your prints come off our machines vibrant, crisp, and true to size, follow the guidelines below before uploading your files.

1. General File Guidelines (All Products)

• Preferred File Formats: 
  • Vector (Best): .AI, .PDF, .EPS, .SVG (convert all fonts to outlines/curves).
    
  • Raster (High-Res): .PNG (transparent background), .PSD, .TIFF.
    
• Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI at 100% of final print size (e.g., if ordering a 4" × 4" print, the canvas should measure 4" × 4" at 300 DPI). Avoid taking low-res screenshots or pulling graphics directly from web previews (72 DPI).
  
• Color Mode: CMYK is standard for commercial printing. If files are submitted in RGB, they will be automatically converted to CMYK, which may cause slight shifts in ultra-bright or neon colors.
  
• Color Matching and Pantone: We calibrate our printers regularly. If you require critical brand color matching, provide specific Pantone Solid Coated (PMS) codes in your order notes, and our prepress team will aim to hit within 1–2 visual shades.

2. Product-Specific Setup Requirements

A. Direct-to-Film (DTF) Transfers & Apparel

• Backgrounds: Keep backgrounds 100% transparent. Any solid white box behind your graphic will print as solid white ink.
• Line Thickness & Halftones: Fine text and detail lines should be at least 0.02 inches (approx. 1.5–2 points / 0.5 mm) thick to guarantee proper white ink backing and adhesive powder adhesion during heat pressing.
• Gang Sheets:
  • Build your artboard to the exact width and height of the gang sheet ordered.
  • Leave at least 0.25" to 0.5" margin between individual logos/designs so they are easy to cut apart with scissors or a rotary blade.

B. Custom Stickers & Labels

• Bleed & Margins: Include a 0.125" (1/8") bleed beyond your cut line if your background color runs to the edge, and keep critical text/graphics 0.125" inside the trim line.
• Cut Lines: If you have custom contour shapes, provide a separate vector cutline layer labelled CutContour or ThruCut in your vector file (or let us generate one for your approval).
  
• Waterproof vs. Paper:
  
  • Vinyl Stickers: Printed on heavy-duty vinyl and laminated to resist rain, snow, UV rays, scratches, and everyday handling.
    
  • Paper Labels: Cost-effective, unlaminated, and best suited for dry indoor packaging, boxes, and short-term promotional labels

C. Large-Format Signs & Banners

• Safety Margins for Hems & Grommets: Keep all critical text, logos, and borders at least 1.5" to 2" away from the outer edge to ensure grommets and perimeter stitching do not puncture your graphics.
• Large Artboard Scaling: For oversized banners (e.g., 8 ft × 4 ft and larger), artwork can be built at half scale (50%) at 300 DPI or full scale at 150 DPI.

3. Ordering, Production & Turnaround

• How to Upload:
  
  • Online Orders: Upload your files directly on the product page or right after checkout.
    
  • Custom Invoiced Orders: Email high-resolution attachments or file-sharing links (Google Drive, Dropbox, WeTransfer) to our team with your order/quote number.
• Prepress Review & Proofing: We review your files before putting them on the print queue. If a file has low resolution, missing fonts, or layout issues, we reach out to help you fix it before we run the machines.
• Standard Production Time: Most custom jobs typically run 5–7 business days following artwork approval. Larger batch runs or custom fabrications may require 7–10 business days.
• Deadlines & Rush Requests: Working with a firm event or launch date? Let us know in advance, and we will confirm turnaround feasibility.
• Pickup & Delivery: Local pickup is available across Markham and the GTA, or select tracked shipping anywhere in Ontario at checkout.

Need Help With Your File?

Not sure if your file is print-ready? Send it over before placing your order, and our prepress team will gladly take a look!