File Setup & Technical Specifications
Print-ready requirements to ensure production accuracy and fast turnaround
Universal Requirements (All Products)
File Format
Accepted: .PDF, .AI (Illustrator), .EPS
NOT Accepted: JPEG, PNG, GIF, Word documents, Canva exports
⚠️ JPEGs will be rejected + charged R75 revision fee
Bleed Standards
All products: 3mm bleed on all sides
Bleed is the extra area we cut away. Prevents white edges from registration variance.
Example: If your design is 100mm × 100mm, file should be 106mm × 106mm (3mm extra on each side)
Color Profile
All files must be in CMYK (FOGRA39)
RGB files will be converted by us. This adds 24-48 hours + R50 fee.
In Illustrator: File → Document Color Mode → CMYK
Resolution
Minimum 300 DPI for all photo/image content
Vector logos: No DPI requirement (scalable)
Low-res images will appear blurry. No refunds for resolution issues.
Vinyl Stickers (Die-Cut & Kiss-Cut)
Bleed (Same as Universal)
3mm bleed on all sides of your die-cut design
Cut Lines (Die-Cut Only)
Create a new layer called "CutContour" with 100% Magenta spot color (no fill, stroke only)
In Illustrator: Window → Spot Color → Create New Spot Color → Magenta (100% M)
Draw the exact cut path on this layer. The cutter will follow this line precisely.
⚠️ If cut lines are missing or on wrong layer: File rejected + R75 revision fee
Kiss-Cut vs Die-Cut
Kiss-Cut
Cuts through vinyl, not backing. Customers peel it off a sheet. No cut lines needed in file.
Die-Cut
Custom shape. Individual stickers. Requires CutContour layer.
Finishing Options
- • None (Matte): Standard vinyl. Add nothing to file.
- • Lamination: Add UV protective layer. Specify in order, not in file.
- • Application Tape: For complex die-cuts. Order note, not in file.
Large Format (Banners, Vehicle Wraps, Canvas)
Bleed
10mm bleed on all sides (larger than stickers due to wider format)
File Organization
All layers must be merged/flattened before sending
Keep art boards within 1:1 to 10:1 aspect ratio (not extreme rectangles)
Example OK: 1000mm × 500mm. Example Bad: 1000mm × 50mm
Spot Colors & Separations
If you're submitting spot color separations, clearly label each layer. Otherwise, submit as composite CMYK file and we'll handle it.
Color Accuracy Note
Large format can have slight color variation across the print (±5% DELTA-E is acceptable). Order a test print (R30) if color accuracy is critical.
Common Mistakes & Costs
Submitting JPEG Instead of Vector
Cost: R75 revision fee + 24-48h delay
We'll need you to provide Illustrator or PDF file. JPEGs can't be resized without quality loss.
No Bleed / Bleed Only 1mm
Cost: R50 padding fee
We'll add padding, but cut quality may suffer. White edges possible.
RGB Instead of CMYK
Cost: R50 conversion fee + 24h delay
Colors may shift during conversion. We'll send proof for approval first.
Cut Lines on Wrong Layer or Missing
Cost: R75 revision fee + cannot print until fixed
We cannot guess your cut shape. Resubmit with CutContour layer properly defined.
Image Resolution Below 300 DPI
Cost: Cannot print. No refund for blurry output.
Resubmit with high-res images or order cancelled.
Pre-Press Turnaround
File Meets All Specs
Turnaround: 5 working days to print
Clock starts from artwork approval + payment. Working days Mon–Fri.
File Needs Revision
Turnaround: +1-2 days + R50-R150 fee
Depends on complexity of fix.
Proof (Optional)
Cost: R30 | Delay: +1 day
Recommended for color-critical work.
Rush Service
24h turnaround available
Contact us for +30% rush fee. Not guaranteed on errors.
Download File Templates
Vinyl Sticker Template (Illustrator)
Pre-built artboard with bleed, CMYK color mode, and CutContour layer
Large Format Banner Template (Illustrator)
10mm bleed, flattened layers, ready to export as PDF
Cut Line Example PDF
Reference file showing exactly how cut lines should look
Still Unsure About Your File?
Email your file to studio@inkandpixelstudios.co.za with your dimensions. We'll do a quick pre-flight check and let you know if anything needs fixing.
This is free for trade account holders. R30 for one-off customers.