Artwork Guides
Unsure on how to setup your artwork so it’s print-ready?
Here you will find handy tips on how to get your artwork print ready.
Artworks for our many print services come in many different styles and sizes. We are always happy to advise you and ensure that you get the best results from the print process you require. Our artwork studio has many years of experience in creating artworks but are also available to you for double checking your own creations. The guides below will provide you with a basic starting point but please do not hesitate to contact us if your project is more complex or you are unsure on the best process.
Print Artworks
Brochures, Booklets, Stationery, Flyers.
We accept many file formats but we recommend submitting your artwork as print ready pdfs.
When creating your artwork for brochures, booklets, stationery and flyers it is worth keeping the following bullet points in mind.
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- Allow 3mm bleed around all sides of each page.
- When providing your pdf we recommend keeping your file as single pages.
- Please apply trims to your pages.
- For best colour results we recommend that all images and colours are converted to CMYK before creating your pdf..
- For best print quality we recommend that images are between 150dpi and 300dpi at print size. Images below 150dpi at print size could be detrimental to the quality of your print finish.
A good guide for this is to view your print ready pdf at 200%. If they still match your quality expectations they should print fine.
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- If your file contains a cutting file please create this on a separate layer and see our cut file guide for advice.
Contact us at hello@cactusgraphics.co.uk for more advice.
Display Artworks
Banners, large posters, Pull-ups, signage.
We acccept many file formats but we recommend submitting your artwork as print ready pdfs.
When creating your artwork for banners, Large posters, pull-ups & signage it is worth keeping the following bullet points in mind.
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- Allow 5mm bleed around all sides of each page.
- When providing your pdf we recommend keeping your file as single pages.
- Please apply trims to your pages.
- For best colour results we recommend that all images and colours are converted to CMYK before creating your pdf..
- For best print quality we recommend that images are between 72dpi and 150dpi at print size. Images below 72dpi at print size could be detrimental to the quality of your print finish.
- If your file contains a cutting file please create this on a separate layer and see our cut file guide for advice.
Contact us at hello@cactusgraphics.co.uk for more advice.
Cutting Files
We are able to cut everything from presentation folders to ACP panels here at Cactus.
If your project requires a bespoke shape or a unique finish we recommend you contact us for help on how to produce your cut files for the process required.
When cutting for displays we may need to use various blades or bits. Please contact us to ensure the width of the bit will not detract from your finished print.
This basic guide will get you started.
For Print
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- Always create your cutter on a separate layer to all artwork.
- Create your cutter with a spot colour and colour that is distinctive. i.e. magenta with a spot colour of CUTTER
- If your cut file has creases as well as cuts we recommend you use two separate spot colours i.e. CUTTER & CREASE
When submitting your pdfs we recommend that you submit a guide pdf with cutter and artwork. An artwork pdf with just the printable elements and a cut file pdf with just the cut file visible.
For Display
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- Create your cutter on a separate layer to all artwork.
- Create your cutter with a spot colour and colour that is distinctive. i.e. magenta with a spot colour name of CUTTER
- If your cut file has creases as well as cuts and drill holes please use separate spot colours for each element. In this example; CUTTER, CREASE & DRILL
- Ensure that all paths are closed where necessary.
Some materials such as ACP or wood may require a routing or milling drill to cut. The drill bit will leave a slight cornered edge please contact us for advice on this.
Contact us at hello@cactusgraphics.co.uk for more advice.
Contact us for more help
at hello@cactusgraphics.co.uk