File Setup & Technical Specifications
Print-ready requirements to ensure production accuracy and fast turnaround
1. Universal Requirements (All Products)
File Formats
Vector files (required for custom-shape cutting): .PDF, .AI (Adobe Illustrator), or .EPS.
Raster / image files (accepted only for banners, canvas, and rectangular/square prints): high-resolution .TIFF, .PNG, or .JPEG at 300 DPI.
⚠️ Strictly NOT accepted: Word documents (.docx), Excel sheets, PowerPoint slides, or raw Canva link exports.
Color Profile
Target profile: All files must be set up in CMYK (FOGRA39 standard).
RGB files: If you submit in RGB, we convert it to CMYK for you at an added cost.
⚠️ RGB conversion can shift bright, neon colors to flatter, print-safe tones. To avoid surprises, set your Document Color Mode to CMYK in Illustrator (File → Document Color Mode → CMYK) before exporting.
Resolution
Minimum resolution: 300 DPI at actual print size for all photo/raster content.
Vector logos/graphics: no DPI requirement (inherently scalable).
⚠️ Low-resolution images will print blurry. We do not issue refunds for resolution issues present in your original files.
2. Product-Specific Standards
Vinyl Stickers (Die-Cut & Kiss-Cut)
Bleed
3mm bleed on all sides of your design.
Bleed is the extra background color cut away by our machine — a safety margin that prevents white edges from physical paper-feed variance.
Example: a 100mm × 100mm finished sticker needs a canvas of exactly 106mm × 106mm (3mm added to each side).
Cut Lines (Die-Cut Stickers Only)
Create a dedicated layer named exactly CutContour.
Draw your cutting path on this layer as a stroke only (no fill).
Apply a custom Spot Color to the stroke named exactly CutContour, set to 100% Magenta (0% C, 100% M, 0% Y, 0% K).
Kiss-Cut Stickers (Sheet Stickers)
No custom cut lines are required in your file. Our system automatically positions your designs cleanly on standard, easy-peel backing sheets.
Large Format (Banners, Canvas, Sign Boards)
Bleed
10mm bleed on all sides.
File Organization
All layers must be flattened or merged before exporting.
Keep artboards within a 1:1 to 10:1 aspect ratio. Extremely narrow rectangles (e.g., 1000mm × 50mm) are prone to physical warping and stretching on the machine.
Wallpaper & Wall Murals
Submit your finished, net wall dimensions. Our team applies the necessary 100mm installer trim margin during production setup.
3. Pre-Press Troubleshooting & Fees
If your file does not match our specifications, our system flags it during the pre-flight check. To avoid project delays, you can choose to have us repair the file for an added cost.
R0 — Print-Ready File
Your files perfectly match all CMYK, resolution, bleed, and vector path specifications. Your job goes straight to the production line — no added cost.
Standard File Fix — Added Cost
Choose this at checkout if you cannot supply the exact technical specifications but have high-quality source files. This covers:
- Adding a custom vector circle/square cutting path around a high-res PNG or JPEG logo.
- Digitally extending or mirroring backgrounds to create the required 3mm or 10mm bleed margins.
- Converting RGB profiles to CMYK and generating a digital proof for your approval before printing.
Custom Layout Setup — Added Cost
Choose this if you do not have print-ready artwork. This covers:
- Constructing custom vector layouts from raw brand assets, logos, and text (e.g., a complex vehicle decal layout or sign board).
- Manually drawing complex, custom-shape CutContour lines around non-vector images.
- Includes up to two rounds of digital revisions before printing.
⚠️ We cannot recreate or design a brand-new logo from scratch under this option. You must provide clean logos and text.
4. Turnaround & Production
Standard Turnaround
7–10 working days estimated (production + nationwide courier delivery).
The clock starts the moment your digital proof is approved and payment is confirmed.
Optional Printed Proof
Recommended for color-critical corporate work. Adds +1 day to standard turnaround (added cost).
Rush Production
Priority queue placement (+30% fee). Cuts production times drastically. Not available for files with artwork 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. One-off retail customers can request a manual file pre-flight check for a flat added cost.
Any file fixes are applied at an added cost, shown at checkout before you pay.