Adobe Photoshop:
- Resolution must be created at a minimum of 100-150 dpi at full size.
- 20ft Templates are set to 1/2 the full size dimensions.
Make sure to create your PSD document at 200 dpi - 300 dpi or any templates sized at 1/2 the full size dimensions.
- You may save as a .psd, .pdf or .tif.

Adobe Illustrator:
- Convert all fonts to outlines and embed all images.
- Make sure overprint is turned off.  You may save as .ai, .eps, or .pdf.
-- Illustrator color tip: use for a Rich Black use these values: C:63, M:52, Y:51, K:100.  DO NOT use C:0, M:0, Y:0, K:100 as it will only produce a dark gray color.

Adobe InDesign:
- Convert all fonts to outlines and embed all images.
- Preferred method is to save as PDF at ‘High Quality Print’ setting, no compression.

PDF Adobe Acrobat:
- All PDF’s must be set to ‘High Quality Print’ setting, no compression.

Files NOT accepted: any low resolution files created for the website use, files created in Word processing programs, or any slide show programs. If you do not have the ability to provide your artwork up to our specifications please just ask how we can help.

Graphic Prep Tips: Please ensure you’ve used a template supplied by our company for the specific product being purchased.  If artwork is provided and our template was not used additional costs may apply to adjust your art file to fit appropriately.

Save your artwork file WITHOUT the following items:
- NO Template showing (turn off template layer and then save)
- NO register marks
- NO color bars

Please ensure you’ve used a template supplied by our company for the specific product being purchased. You may access all our product templates here. A ready-to-print file should consist of all images embedded, fonts converted to outlines, and be in CMYK color mode. If your artwork contains Pantone references, we will print to the closest possible match. If you are unable to provide a ready-to-print file, you may take advantage of our professional in-house graphic design team. See the Graphic Design Assistance tab below for details.

All files with photo images should be created at 100 - 150 dpi at full print size. Files submitted at lower than 100 dpi may produce lower quality output. If you are uncertain of the quality of your images, please call us at 800-723-2050 or email us at info@splashdisplays.com.

All files and colors must be created and saved in CMYK mode, as all of our products are printed in CMYK ONLY. If converted from RGB to CMYK, significant color changes may occur. We cannot print or match Metallic or Fluorescent colors. PMS colors are used to identify the CMYK formula that best approximates the requested PMS color. Pantone colors may be requested, but exact color matches are not always possible. If no Pantone references are supplied or a color-accurate proof is provided, we will print from your artwork and will not be held responsible for inaccurate color reproduction. We rely solely on your approval of the PDF proof as final verification and acceptance of the project.

You may request a PRINTED proof on the job material if you wish to review the ACTUAL output coloring and image quality of your artwork. The cost is approximately $45—175 (varies per item) and would be sent via FedEx Express Overnight service. An additional fee may apply for color matching. Please call us at 800-723-2050 or email us at info@splashdisplays.com to inquire about a Printed Proof for your order.

ALL printing projects are subject to color variation. We do not guarantee color matching or ink density on any PDF screen proofs. Because of differences in equipment, materials, inks, and other conditions between color proofing and production operations, a reasonable variation in color between color proofs and the completed job is to be expected. We cannot accept financial responsibility for items approved by you that may later be found in error.

Adobe Illustrator (.ai or .eps)

Illustrator works well for smaller files, but runs into trouble with larger files. Illustrator was not designed for large format graphics that contain large raster images. However, if a design is vector based it will work at any size without any problems.

Before sending us your files please check for the following:

• Document Color Mode: CMYK. Do not send in RGB mode.
• For a Rich Black color use these values: C:63, M:52, Y:51, K:100.
• Double check the file size and make it equals the final trim print plus bleeds.
• Convert all your fonts to outlines. Embed all images. Make sure overprint is turned off.
• Compress your files before sending them to assure a quick file transfer.
• You are now ready to send us your file: UPLOAD YOUR FILE

Adobe Photoshop (.psd)

Photoshop is not setup for handling bleeds so they must be included in the live image size. Photoshop is a useful tool when designing with photos, but it lacks some capabilities.

Before sending us your files please check for the following:

• Document Color Mode: CMYK. Do not send in RGB mode.
• Minimum of 100 DPI at final print size.
• For a Rich Black color use these values: C:63, M:52, Y:51, K:100.
• Double check the image size and make it equals the final trim print plus bleeds.
• Flatten your file before saving - do not send as a layered file.
• Compress your files before sending them to assure a quick file transfer.
• You are now ready to send us your file: UPLOAD YOUR FILE

IMAGE RESOLUTION QUALITY

Good Quality: High quality stock photography High resolution / high quality scanner
High resolution camera photo

Bad Quality: Screen capture of video frameLow quality stock photography Image saved off a web-page

FILE EXTENSION DESCRIPTIONS

.ai

Adobe Illustrator (vector file, that may also contain raster images)

.eps

Encapsulated PostScript (Often a vector file, but may also contain raster images)

.jpg or .jpeg

Joint Photographic Experts Group (raster file)

.pdf

Portable Document Format File (page layout file that can contain vector or raster images)

.psd

Adobe Photoshop file (raster file, with the ability to contain smart objects and text)

GRAPHIC DESIGN TERMS

Bleeds: The area extending past the final document size used in trimming.

CMYK: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black. The 4 color process used in printing.

Compression: Using various methods to reduce the file size. Often used to group several files together for ease and protection in uploading and downloading.

DPI: Dots per Inch. Also referred to as PPI (pixels per inch). This is the resolution of a raster image.

Rasterized (raster): These files have a set number of pixels and can not be increased without a reduction in image quality

RGB: Red, Green, Blue. The 3 color process used by monitors to display color.

Vector: These files are created by various programs such as Adobe Illustrator, or InDesign. They use a mathematical formula to create shapes that may be scaled to any size without any change in image quality. They do not have a set number of pixels unless you convert them to a raster file.

UPLOAD YOUR FILE

Before sending your completed files, please start by placing your order with us and obtaining an Order Number. View How to Order details now.

We have an online Artwork Upload FTP for submitting your artwork files for printing. Once your file has been successfully uploaded, you will receive a confirmation email to initiate the E-Proof process.

UPLOAD TIP:

To ensure your artwork file is recognized by our team, please name your file in the following format: YourCompanyName_YourOrderNumber_ItemNumber.file extension. Files named with generic names such as "banner.pdf" will not be downloaded as a precautionary safeguard for our computer systems.

Any and all artwork files submitted are physically checked by our knowledgeable graphics team. All files are rigorously reviewed for accuracy in dimensions, overall quality, and CMYK color mode. If any part of your art file could produce a questionable result, we will contact you before sending the final E-Proof. This gives you an opportunity to make any desired changes. Please note that we are not responsible for proofreading, image quality/resolution decisions, or correcting minor file errors.

We provide an online PDF E-Proof that MUST BE APPROVED to proceed with production. The E-Proof consists of a low-resolution copy of the file received. PDF screen proofs will indicate text accuracy, image proportion, and placement, but not color density or image resolution/quality. We rely solely on your approval of the PDF proof as final verification and acceptance of the project. If you wish to review the actual output coloring and image quality of your artwork, you may request a PRINTED proof on the job material. The cost is approximately $45—175 (varies per item).

All of our product templates are provided to ensure an accurate production outcome. Please ensure you use the template supplied by our company for the specific product being purchased. If artwork is provided without using our template, additional costs may apply to adjust your art file for proper fit.

Graphic Template Tip: Save your artwork file WITHOUT the following items:

• Template showing (turn off the template layer before saving)
• Register marks
• Color bars

Inspire. Design. Capture.

Inspiring designs capture audiences instantly. You have just 3 seconds to make your unique booth space the highlight of the show. That’s why we offer in-house graphic design services for all our customers who need assistance. With over 20 years of experience specifically designing Trade Show displays, our team is ready to bring your vision to life. Please visit our Graphic Design section for complete details on this in-house service.

How do I upload art?
After completing your purchase, you will be prompted to send us your files. Simply follow the provided steps and instructions to upload your artwork.

What art file formats do you accept?
We work with Adobe Suite programs (Photoshop & Illustrator) and accept the following file types for printing: .AI, .PSD, .PDF, .JPG, or .TIF.

What resolution does my art need to be at?
100-125 dpi at full print size.

What color mode do you print in?
CMYK only. Please ensure your art file is created in CMYK mode, not RGB.

Where can I find graphic templates?
You can find graphic templates for all of our products on our Templates page. Simply navigate to the tab for your specific display style.

Can your team help with the graphic design of my display?
Absolutely! We offer in-house graphic design services. Our team has over 20 years of experience specifically designing Trade Show displays. To learn more, please visit our Graphic Design page.

Here’s How You Can Begin:

1. Chat online, call 1-800-723-2050, or email info@splashdisplays.com.
2. Discuss your ideas and brainstorm with a representative.
3. Provide your logo file, photos, text, and any other relevant materials.
4. Review the initial design draft and request any necessary changes.
5. Approve the final design for production.

We work hard to ensure you are happy with the printed graphics you order from us. When submitting your own graphic files to AffordableDisplays.com, we take no responsibility in the quality of the artwork, only the workmanship. Graphic files are reviewed for accuracy in dimensions. We are not responsible for proofreading, image quality/resolution and/or correcting errors.  

**Custom printed items produced for your use only are non-returnable & non-refundable.

Any press/production time lost or alterations/corrections made because of the customer's delay or change of mind will be charged at the AffordableDisplays.com current rate.  If an imaging problem is detected or a change is requested after printing begins, you will be charged appropriately for products already produced.  

The standard graphic production is 3-7 business days (depending upon product ordered) from the time the proof is approved plus any necessary shipping transit time. Upgraded shipping and rush production options are available for a fee, you may learn more about shipping and rush orders here.