Artwork preparation

Design review — uploads and quote submission are not enabled. Use this guide to prepare your own project notes. This guide has no form or file-upload control. Do not send artwork or customer details through this page.

A file is an input, not a production release.

You can start planning without a file. Record what the piece should do, its intended size and quantity, and what is still unknown. If the finished piece is not yet defined, start with Project types before preparing final artwork.

Prepare a useful artwork brief

1. Identify the design. Give each design a clear working name and revision. Label references, sketches and concepts separately from intended production artwork.
2. State the finished size and units. Note the visible area, any frame or holder, and the quantity for each design. Mark estimated measurements as estimates.
3. Explain the presentation. Record front and back, crop, panel sequence, placement and any mounting or cut details that affect the artwork.
4. List unresolved items. Identify missing images, uncertain dimensions, requested edits and color-critical requirements. An open question is not an approval.
5. Keep versions distinct. Identify the intended current revision and mark older versions as superseded in your own notes. If a proof is part of the agreed project, review the named revision and record requested changes clearly.

For several locations or related pieces, use For business to match each artwork revision to the correct item, location and quantity. Do not assume one file applies everywhere.

File settings depend on the product

Resolution, bleed, safe area, color settings, cut paths and accepted file formats depend on the final product and finish. This guide is not a universal production specification. Confirm the requirements for the specific project before preparing final files.

Keep the review steps separate

File receipt, file review, proof review and production release are different steps. A file being available does not mean it is suitable, approved or released for production. Required approvals and commercial arrangements remain project-specific.

Using artwork from an earlier job? Follow Reorder planning to identify what appears unchanged, what has been revised, and what still needs verification. A familiar filename does not establish the correct production version.

What to check in a production proof

• The exact revision. Match the proof name or version to the intended design. If several pieces are involved, check each piece separately.
• Content and function. Check spelling, names, phone numbers, web addresses and any QR-code destination. Test a QR code at its intended printed size; an on-screen scan alone does not establish print readability.
• Size and placement. Check finished dimensions, units, orientation, front/back layout, crop and panel order. Keep essential content clear of the agreed trim, seams, hems, grommets and mounting areas.
• Scope. Match the quantity, material, finishing and included hardware to the agreed specification. A proof image is not a substitute for that specification.
• Color expectations. A screen proof helps review layout and content; it is not an exact printed-color sample. Raise color-critical requirements before production and agree any physical proof separately.
• Changes or approval. Identify requested changes explicitly. When approving, name the exact proof revision and affected pieces rather than relying on a filename alone.

Before a future file handoff

• Identify who owns or has permission to use the artwork and included assets.
• Remove unrelated personal, confidential or customer material.
• Keep an original copy and a clearly identified current revision.
• Use only an approved submission route once one is provided; this review page has no upload facility.

Protect your originals and confidential information

Keep your own original artwork and approved versions. Do not treat a file-transfer link or an earlier order as a permanent backup or a guarantee that artwork will be available for a reorder.

Do not include passwords, payment-card details, identity documents, medical records or unrelated personal information in artwork or project notes. If a project includes confidential or restricted material, discuss an appropriate transfer method before sending it. Providing production artwork is not permission to publish it as a portfolio example.