Almost every print-ready file guide online was written for offset printing: 300 DPI, 3 mm bleed, CMYK. That advice is right for business cards and brochures — and mostly wrong for wide format. Trying to prepare a 10 m² banner at 300 DPI gives you a file that will not open and a wasted day.
Resolution: viewing distance decides, not a fixed rule
Wide format work is seen from a distance, and the detail the eye can resolve drops as distance grows. So the right question is not "how many DPI?" but "from how far away will this be seen?"
| Viewing distance | Typical job | Resolution at full size |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 - 1 m | Exhibition panel, window graphic | 100-150 DPI |
| 2 - 5 m | Signage, wayfinding, stands | 72-100 DPI |
| 10 m and beyond | Facade banner, scaffolding | 25-50 DPI |
These figures apply at full size. If you build the file at 1:10 scale, multiply the resolution by ten. Working to scale is the most practical way to keep large files manageable.
Vector always wins
Supply logos, type and flat colour areas as vector and the resolution debate disappears — edges stay sharp at any output size. Keep everything except photography in vector. Always convert type to outlines: font embedding is not always reliable, and a missing font means a wrongly printed job.
Cut paths: the most commonly skipped step
For contour cutting or dimensional letters, the cut path must be a separate layer in the file. What we expect:
- Cut path on its own layer, named "CUT".
- A closed vector path — open-ended lines cannot be cut.
- The cut line itself must not print; it should exist only as a path.
When a file arrives without a cut path we have to guess, and that usually means a revision. Prepare it up front when planning CNC cutting. For how thickness affects the cut result, see our foam PVC thickness guide.
Bleed works differently in wide format
The 3 mm bleed from offset is not enough here. It depends on the application:
- Straight trim: 5-10 mm is enough.
- Eyeleted banner: allow a hem; make sure nothing critical falls in the folded edge.
- SEG / tension frame: the frame swallows a significant margin — build to the frame maker's spec.
- Mounting to board: build 5 mm oversize and trim after mounting for a cleaner edge.
Colour: screen and print never match exactly
Sending CMYK is a good habit, but the real issue is managing expectations. Your screen emits light while print reflects it; bright orange, vivid green and deep blue always come out more muted in CMYK. If a brand colour is critical, give the Pantone reference and ask for a proof.
Material changes colour too: the same file looks different on banner vinyl than on matte vinyl. On clear and coloured substrates, white ink enters the picture.
Pre-flight checklist
- Full size or scaled? If scaled, is the ratio in the filename?
- Is type converted to outlines?
- Is the cut path on its own layer and closed?
- Is the bleed right for the application?
- Are Pantone references given for critical brand colours?
- If white ink is needed, is there a "WHITE" layer?
You can attach files to your order from the dealer panel; for large files a Drive or WeTransfer link is also accepted.
Frequently asked questions
Is 300 DPI really not needed?
Not in wide format. 300 DPI is a standard developed for pieces held in the hand and viewed closely. On a facade banner it only inflates the file.
Should I send PDF or TIFF?
PDF is preferred when the job contains vector elements. TIFF is fine for purely photographic work. Either way, type must be outlined.
What happens if I send RGB?
The file is not rejected; it gets converted. But the colour shift in conversion is then out of your control, so CMYK is safer for critical work.
Is there a file size limit?
You can upload up to 500 MB through the panel. For anything larger, add a Drive or WeTransfer link.
