📍 Bloomington, IL 61701 (503) 461-4788 [email protected]
Artwork Guidelines

Artwork Guidelines for Custom Sticker Printing

Follow these guidelines to ensure your stickers print perfectly with sharp detail, accurate colors, and clean edges.

Accepted File Formats

We accept a variety of file formats. Vector files are strongly preferred for the sharpest results:

FormatTypeRecommendedNotes
AI (Adobe Illustrator)Vector✅ BestPreferred for all die cut work
EPSVector✅ BestUniversal vector format
PDFVector/Raster✅ BestSave with bleeds included
SVGVector✅ GoodWeb-standard vector format
PNGRaster⚠️ AcceptableMust be 300 DPI minimum at print size
JPG/JPEGRaster⚠️ Acceptable300 DPI, no compression artifacts

Resolution Requirements

  • Minimum resolution: 300 DPI (dots per inch) at final print size
  • Recommended resolution: 300–600 DPI for photos and gradients
  • Vector files: Resolution-independent — always print at maximum quality
  • Screen resolution (72–96 DPI) is NOT acceptable — do not use screenshots or web images

Color Mode

  • Use CMYK color mode for all print files (not RGB)
  • RGB colors will be converted to CMYK during production, which may cause color shifts
  • For precise Pantone color matching, specify the Pantone (PMS) color codes in your file notes
  • Black text should be set to 100% K only (not rich black) for crisp results
  • For large solid black areas, use rich black: C:60 M:40 Y:40 K:100

Bleed & Safe Zone

All artwork must include a bleed area to prevent white edges after cutting:

SettingRequirementWhy
Bleed0.125" (3mm) on all sidesPrevents white borders after cutting
Safe Zone0.125" inside the final edgeKeeps text/logos from being cut off
Cut LineProvide as a separate path or layerUsed for die cutting your shape

Die Cut Shape Requirements

  1. Provide your cut line as a separate spot color layer named "CutContour" or "Die Line"
  2. The cut line should be set to overprint and use a spot color (e.g., Pantone 032 C in Magenta)
  3. Add 0.125" offset from your design edge to ensure all artwork is visible after cutting
  4. Avoid extremely thin cuts (under 1/8") that may not cut cleanly
  5. For intricate shapes, keep all detail paths at minimum 2pt stroke width

Font Guidelines

  • Outline all fonts before sending — this prevents font substitution issues
  • In Illustrator: Select all text → Type → Create Outlines
  • Minimum readable text size: 6pt (8pt+ recommended)
  • Avoid very thin or hairline font weights for small sizes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ❌ Low-resolution images (under 300 DPI)
  • ❌ RGB color mode instead of CMYK
  • ❌ Missing bleeds and safe zones
  • ❌ Fonts not outlined (converted to paths)
  • ❌ Transparency effects not flattened in raster files
  • ❌ Die cut line not provided as a separate layer
  • ❌ Gradient mesh objects (convert to raster before submitting)

File Upload & Submission

You can submit your artwork in several ways:

  • Upload directly via the quote form on any product page
  • Email files to [email protected]
  • Share via a Dropbox, Google Drive, or WeTransfer link in your message

Our design team will review your artwork for free and contact you with any issues before printing begins.

Need Help with Your Artwork?

Our team can help with basic file preparation, color conversions, and file checks at no charge. For more complex design work, contact us to discuss options.

Submit Your Artwork → Ask a Question

Questions About Preparing Sticker Artwork

What resolution should raster sticker artwork be saved at?

Raster files need at least 300 DPI at the final print size, and 300 to 600 DPI is recommended for photos and gradients. Screen-resolution images of 72 to 96 DPI, including screenshots, are not acceptable.

Should sticker artwork files be set up in CMYK or RGB?

Set all print files up in CMYK. RGB colors are converted to CMYK during production, which can cause color shifts, so working in CMYK from the start gives you more predictable results.

How much bleed should I add to sticker artwork files?

Add 0.125 inch of bleed on all sides so no white edges appear after cutting, and keep text and logos at least 0.125 inch inside the edge, within the safe zone.

How should I name the die cut line layer in my file?

Put the cut line on a separate spot color layer named CutContour or Die Line, set to overprint. Offset it 0.125 inch from your design edge so all artwork stays visible after cutting.

Why should fonts be outlined before sending sticker artwork?

Outlining fonts converts text to paths, which prevents font substitution when we open your file. In Illustrator, select all text, then choose Type and Create Outlines before saving.

What is the smallest text size that prints clearly on stickers?

Keep text at 6pt or larger to stay readable, and use 8pt or more where you can. Avoid very thin or hairline font weights at small sizes, as they can break up in print.

How should black text and large black areas be set up?

Set black text to 100 K only rather than rich black for crisp edges. For large solid black areas, use rich black built from C60, M40, Y40 and K100 for a deeper result.

How thin can details be in die cut sticker shapes?

Avoid extremely thin cuts under 1/8 inch, since they may not cut cleanly, and keep detail paths in intricate shapes at a stroke width of at least 2pt. This matters most on custom die cut stickers.

How can I send large sticker artwork files to your team?

Upload your file directly through the quote form on any product page, or share it through a Dropbox, Google Drive or WeTransfer link in your message to our team.

Will your design team fix problems in my sticker artwork?

Our design team reviews artwork for free and contacts you about any issues before printing. Basic file preparation, color conversions and file checks cost nothing, and more complex design work can be discussed with the team.