Prepress
To achieve the best possible result, we recommend you to follow the instructions below:
Files
ARTWORK:
- Please make sure that all text is converted to outlines, all linked artwork is embedded and that all layers are merged into one background layer.
- Always include a 5 cm bleed (2 inches).
- Save your PDF as Acrobat 1.7 (PDF 1.6) or in a more recent version.
- Please send us color proofs if you have any. Set flat color as PMS, NCS or CMYK colors.
- If the artwork contains a lot of black color, please make sure the black is built up from all four colors. Use the CMYK code 91/79/62/97.
- Please send us your artwork in a scale 1:1, alternatively if you have to scale down your
artwork, make it 10% of the original size (1:10).
ARTWORK ADHESIVE FOIL:
- 1 % bleed, or at least include 1 cm bleed on all sides.
- For contour cutting, please place crop marks and cutting lines in a separate layer and make sure to use a unique color (like 100% Magenta).
- Always provide the full image at final scale, even when the production requires paneling. Our prepress team will manage the panel division according to the production specifications.
FILE FORMAT:
We accept your artwork as a PDF. Artwork without vector content can also be saved as PSD, TIFF or JPEG. It is important that your artwork contains high resolution images and that any linked files are included. We recommend that you use the "ISO coated fogra39" CMYK color profile, as other color profiles may lead to color shifts.
FILE TRANSFER:
Your artwork can be delivered to us by email as an attachment (10 MB maximum), or through file
transfer services/cloud services like Dropbox, Sprend, WeTransfer, OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.
Resolution
The required resolution for each print file depends on the size of the final product. As a general rule, we do not recommend supplying print files below a minimum resolution of 30 PPI in final scale (1:1).* Below is an overview of our recommended resolution guidelines based on the printed area:
1 sqm – 120 PPI
2–10 sqm – 70 PPI
11–20 sqm – 40 PPI
Over 20 sqm – 30 PPI
Viewing distance also affects how sharp an image is perceived. Images intended for close viewing require higher resolution than those seen from a greater distance.
In addition to resolution, please ensure that the image has not been excessively interpolated and is still sharp. Increasing a low-quality image to 300 PPI will only enlarge the file size – it will not improve sharp-ness if the original material lacks detail.
*For exceptionally large productions with a very long viewing distance – such as large-scale façade banners – a lower resolution than 30 PPI may in some cases be sufficient. This is always assessed and agreed upon together with our prepress team based on the specific project.
We can help!
If you have any questions about your artwork, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’re happy to help. Our team can assist with converting open document formats to PDF, scanning originals, or retouching images. We can also review and optimize low-resolution artwork and provide guidance on how the material can best be improved for print. These services are available upon request and will be quoted separately.
If your artwork doesn’t include converted text to outlines, a 5 cm bleed, setting the artwork to scale, linked files or isn’t saved in correct PDF version, SEK 125 is charged per necessary correction. For a price estimate please contact order@bigimage.se or call +46 8 630 32 10.
Let’s make your idea real
From bold ideas to finished reality, we make the extraordinary possible.