Artwork & Proof Setup Guide

Getting Your Files Print-Ready

If we’ve provided a template for your vehicle or signage layout, here’s how to set up your artwork correctly to avoid delays or surprises during print. Our templates are built in Adobe Illustrator, and we strongly recommend using Illustrator CS6 or newer for best compatibility.

Design in the Right Layer

Only place your artwork in the “DESIGN” layer. All other layers are locked intentionally—please do not unlock or modify them. This helps us preserve scale, orientation, and window treatments across vehicles.

Use CMYK, Not RGB

Your file must be in CMYK color mode, not RGB. RGB is great for screens, but it doesn’t translate reliably to print. What you see on your monitor might shift dramatically if submitted in RGB.

Accepted File Formats

We prefer files in AI (Adobe Illustrator) format, but also accept:

PDF (high-res, press-ready)
EPS
TIFF
PSD (layered or flattened)

We do not accept native InDesign files. If working in InDesign, please export your final layout to EPS before sending.

Window Graphics Note

All placed images must be embedded, not linked. To do this:

Go to Window > Links
Select all images in the panel
Open the menu (top-right corner of the panel) and choose “Embed Image(s)”

Linked images can cause missing files or resolution errors during output.

Convert All Text to Outlines

Before submitting, make sure all type is converted to outlines. This prevents font issues during print.

Select all objects (Ctrl-A on Windows / Cmd-A on Mac)
Then go to Type > Create Outlines
(Shortcut: Ctrl-Shift-O or Cmd-Shift-O)

Check Your Resolution

Large-format printing requires high-resolution art.

If your template is built at 1/10 scale, your raster images should be at least 750 DPI at that scale (which equals 75 DPI at full size). Anything lower may appear pixelated when printed.

Working with Spot Colors

If you're using Pantone colors, please select them from the Pantone+ Solid Coated library in Illustrator’s Swatches panel. Note: some spot colors can be simulated in CMYK, but others may not reproduce accurately due to print limitations.

Ask for Assistance

If you're unsure about any of these steps, we're happy to review your files or walk you through the setup process. Clean files = faster turnaround, fewer surprises, and better-looking results.

Need Design Help?

Our in-house team can help get your files production-ready.

Start Your Project