Avoid delays, ensure quality, and get the best results from your signage
If you’ve ever sent artwork for printing and been told it’s “not print ready”, you’re not alone. In fact, one of the most common delays we see in signage and large format print projects comes down to artwork files simply not being suitable for production. More often than not, they’ve been using AI tools or online software such as Canva.
Now, Canva is brilliant for social media graphics and quick designs, but when it comes to professional signage, vehicle graphics, or large format print, it often falls short.
So, what should you be sending instead?
Why “Print Ready” Actually Matters
Printing isn’t the same as viewing something on a screen. What looks sharp and crisp on your laptop or phone can quickly become blurry, pixelated, or distorted when scaled up onto shop signage, vehicle wraps, banners or exhibition displays.
That’s because most online design tools create raster-based files (made of pixels), whereas professional print requires vector-based artwork (made of scalable paths).
The difference? One stretches and breaks. The other scales perfectly, no matter the size.
The Problem with Canva (and Similar Tools)
Let’s be honest — Canva has made design more accessible, and that’s a good thing.
But from a print perspective, it introduces a few key issues:
- Low Resolution Outputs
Even when exported at “high quality”, Canva files often are not suitable for large format print.
- No True Vector Files
While Canva offers PDF downloads, these are rarely true vector files suitable for production.
- Font & Element Limitations
Many Canva elements are flattened, meaning we can’t adjust or refine them for print.
- Colour Inconsistencies
Screen colours (RGB) don’t always translate well into print (CMYK), leading to unexpected results.
What We Actually Need (The Ideal Files)
To produce high-quality signage and print, we always recommend supplying vector files wherever possible, such as EPS, AI, or SVG formats. These types of files allow us to scale your artwork to any size without any loss of quality, ensuring a crisp and professional finish whether it’s for a small label or a large-scale sign.
If vector files aren’t available, a high-resolution, print-ready PDF can sometimes be used as a secondary option. However, it’s important that the file is set up correctly. This means it should be created at the appropriate size (or be scalable without distortion), have a minimum resolution of 300 DPI for smaller print work, and include all fonts either outlined or embedded to avoid any issues.
Additionally, colours should be set correctly for print, typically in CMYK format, to ensure the final result matches expectations as closely as possible.
Logos (Very Important)
Your logo is often the biggest issue we encounter.
We ideally need:
- Original vector logo files (EPS/AI)
- Not screenshots, JPEGs, or images pulled from your website
- Print ready JPEG or PDF created full size at 300 dpi
If you’re unsure, send what you have, we’ll always advise.
What Happens If You Don’t Have the Right Files?
Don’t worry, this is very common. If your artwork isn’t print ready, we can step in to help by recreating your design in a professional vector format, adjusting layouts so they work perfectly for large format printing, and ensuring colours and proportions are accurate.
We’ll also optimise everything so it’s fully prepared for the final product. Think of it as an investment, better artwork leads to a far better end result, giving you signage that properly reflects the quality and professionalism of your brand.
A Quick Checklist Before You Send Artwork
Before emailing anything over, run through this:
- ✅ Is it a vector file (EPS, AI, SVG)?
- ✅ Are fonts outlined or included?
- ✅ Is the resolution high enough?
- ✅ Is the artwork sized correctly (or scalable)?
- ✅ Are colours suitable for print?
If you’re unsure on any of the above, just ask. That’s what we’re here for.
Good Artwork = Better Results
Your signage is often the very first impression customers have of your business, so it’s worth getting it right. Cutting corners on artwork might seem quicker or more cost-effective in the short term, but it often leads to poor-quality print, frustrating delays, and additional costs further down the line.
By ensuring your artwork is prepared properly from the start, you’ll benefit from sharper, more professional results, faster turnaround times, and a stronger, more consistent brand image, ultimately helping your business stand out for all the right reasons.