Springfield Sign Artwork Guidelines

Below is a listing of our artwork transfer guidelines. When you would like Springfield Sign to assist you with the planning and design of your next sign project, call us and let us help you with your next job.
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Springfield Sign uses PC based stations for design and production. For best results in transferring artwork, please adhere to the following notices:

Preferred File Formats

We use vector art for production, therefore please use the following preferred formats:
  • .cdr — CorelDraw X9 (or earlier version) preferred
  • .ai — Adobe Illustrator CC (or earlier version)
  • .pdf — Acrobat (version 12 or earlier)
  • .eps —  Adobe Illustrator CC (or earlier version)
When vector art is not required, such as photographic images, Adobe Photoshop .tif files are preferred. See more below in  Image Resolution.

Image Resolution

Raster (bitmap) artwork is good for photographic images;
they must be *150dpi or above at full size:
  • .tif — Adobe Photoshop CC (or earlier version) preferred
  • .psd — Adobe Photoshop CC (or earlier version) preferred
  • .jpg — any
  • .png - any
​*300dpi preferred for prints. Large scale printing, such as billboards, should be 10dpi minimum at full size.
Images from websites, typically 72dpi,  are not acceptable for print production. We may be able to re-create them at an additional fee if no other format is available.

Color Matching System

We are able to match almost any color, but in order to do that we need some specific details from you:
  • We are able to match almost any color, but in order to do that we need some specific details from you:
  • CMYK - This process uses four standardized base colors all the time (cyan, magenta, yellow and black). When available, please provide the PMS color equivalent. This will help ensure that we are meeting the color specs required.
  • Pantone (PMS) number - The Pantone Matching System.
  • Note: Converting colors from RGB value may yeild unwanted results.

Vinyl Colors

3M* Colored Translucent Films
3M is a registered trademark of Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing

Outlining Fonts

Before sending files for print or production, the fonts must be outlined. If the fonts are not outlined, font substitutions may occur, thus resulting in a possible incorrectly produced sign or print. Sending fonts with the file is accepted, but not preferred as it may not be applied correctly as there are many variations of the same font, and the font can sometimes be interpreted differently between programs.

Banners

Weld or Hem Banner with Grommets
  • 1" welds or hems all 4 sides
  • Grommets in the corners and every 2 feet (can adjust as needed)
  • Text & logos should remain within the "safe area" indicated by the dashed line. Example: A 48" x 96" weld or hem banner will have a 46" x 94" "safe area". Non-essential design elements may go into weld or hem area.
  • Typical sizing for weld or hem banners range from 24" x 24" to 72" x 180"
  • Often utilized as temporary signage for new construction, sales, product announcements or special events.
Pocket Banner
  • 2" material wrapped around the sides, top or bottom of the banner.
  • Text & logos should remain within the "safe area" indicated by the dashed line. Example: A 48" x 96" pocket banner with pockets on all 4 sides will have a 44" x 92" "safe area".   Non-essential design elements may go into weld or hem area.
  • Pocket banners are typically used for large banner applications.
  • Pockets are finished at the size dimensions of the banner size selected - not in addition.
Pole Pocket Banner - Standard or with Wind Slits
  • 4" material wrapped around the top and bottom of the banner.
  • Text & logos should remain within the "safe area" indicated by the dashed line. Example: A 24" x 72" pocket banner will have a 24" x 64" "safe area".  Non-essential design elements may go into weld or hem area.
  • Pole pocket banners are typically are installed on pole applications attached with a bracket/frame system.
  • Wind slits can be added to help reduce the wind load. The more wind slits, the less the wind load, minimizing damage on the banner.
  • Wind slit banners can have uniform, or non-uniform wind slits. Uniform wind slits provide the banner a longer life span against the wind. Non-uniform wind slits are used to preserve the integrity of the banner design. 
  • Please note, when setting up the print file, place the wind slits on a separate layer in the artwork.

Cut Path

If your project is cut to shape, we ask that you supply us with a cut path. A cut path is a vector shape that allows our cutter to read and match up with registration marks. A simple one pixel stroke on the shape is needed, and preferably placed on a separate layer named “Cut Path”.

Letter Visibility Chart

LETTER HEIGHT ​(INCHES)
READABLE DISTANCE FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT (FEET)
MAXIMUM READABLE DISTANCE (FEET)
3
30
100
4
40
150
6
60
200
8
80
350
10
90
400
12
100
450
14
120
525
18
150
630
24
180
750
30
240
1000
36
300
1250
48
360
1500
60
480
2000
Letter Height Sizing
  • Typically, 1" of letter height provides 10' of readability.
  • Example: A 6" letter height is most effective within 60' distance or less, but can still be viewed from up to 200' away.

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