By Ellie Johnson, Custom Graphics
File Formats To Provide Agencies To Ensure High-quality Printing
VECTOR (The Ideal Choice)
A vector file is an image file that’s made up of lines, shapes, and curves based on math formulas, instead of pixels.
Vector files won’t lose quality when scaled, which makes them ideal for large-format printing like wraps and signs. They retain clean lines, editable layers, and accurate colors.
Formats: Adobe Illustrator (AI), EPS, PDF, SVG
High-Res Raster (Works Great for Photos or Complex Art)
A raster file is an image made up of tiny squares called pixels. Each pixel holds a color, and together they form the full picture.
These are acceptable only if created at the correct size and resolution (usually 150–300 DPI at final size). Raster files can pixelate when enlarged.
Formats: Adobe Photoshop (PSD), TIFF, PNG, JPG
High-Res Flattened Files (Good but Less Editing Capabilities)
Formats: PDF, High-Res JPG
Low-res Raster Files (Not Recommended)
Formats: PG or PNG with a lower DPI than 300
Web Files (Worst Option, Not Recommended)
Formats: GIF, JPG, or PNG at a lower DPI than 300
What To Know
About Fonts
When selecting fonts for a vehicle wrap or sign, it’s important to think big picture—consider how the type will appear from a distance or at a quick glance.
What to Avoid, and Why
Script Fonts
Curvy and decorative strokes make the text hard to read quickly, especially at smaller sizes.
Thin or Light-Weight Fonts
Small strokes don’t hold up well when viewed at a distance or in poor lighting.
Grunge or Distressed Fonts
Texture or “worn” effects can lose legibility when scaled or viewed quickly.
What to Consider Instead
For vehicle wraps and sinage, the bolder and more readable the font, the better. Bold Sans-Serif Fonts are the best font types to use for these. Some exaples are Impact, Montserrat, Gotham, and Bebas Neue.
What To Know About Colors
When selecting a color scheme for your vehicle wrap and signs, it’s important to consider not only your brand colors but also to prioritize visibility and contrast.
What to Avoid, and Why
Ignoring the Vehicle or Surface Color
If your vehicle isn’t being fully wrapped, it’s important to consider the color of the vehicle itself. Make sure the existing base color complements your design rather than clashes with it.
For Example: a red truck with a yellow partial wrap would likely create a harsh contrast. Similarly, when designing a sign, take into account the existing building color, along with the trim and return colors that will best complement your design.
Using Low Contrast Colors
Using colors that are too similar in tone (ex. navy blue/black, white/gray, yellow/green) reduces contrast, which makes text and graphics difficult to read. This becomes especially problematic when the design is viewed from a distance or while in motion, as is common with vehicle wraps or outdoor signage.
Using Too Many Colors
Using more than 3-4 main colors can overwhelm the eye and take away from the message you are trying to send.
FAQ'S
Q: What are some tips you’d recommend before approving a sign or vehicle wrap design?
A: Test your design at scale. Things can tend to look slightly different on screen than they do blown up at full-size. What looks good on screen might not translate well in real-world size.
Also, make sure to double-check the content. Small errors become big (and expensive) problems once installed!
Q: What do I do if I have art to provide?
A: For this, you can either email your art files directly to a salesman, or—if the files are too large to attach—we’ll send you a SharePoint link where you can upload them to your designated project folder.
Q: How do I choose high-contrast color combinations for my vehicle wrap or signage?
A: Start by taking a color wheel and choosing colors that are opposite from one another. These are called complementary colors (like blue and orange), meaning they naturally create a strong contrast when placed together. Try experimenting with lighter and darker shades of these colors to further enhance compatibility and readability
Our in-house art department is equipped to deliver standout design support or full creative direction needed for a successful large-scale printing project!
Custom Graphics Inc.
Contact Us:
Customgraphicsinc.com
701-237-5685
Instagram | @Customgraphicsinc
Facebook |@Customgraphicsfargo
2501 3rd Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102
