File Types & Image Quality

So you decided you want a sign and you have your logo and some pictures that you would like on it, but just because they look good when you print them out on your desktop printer, doesn’t mean they will necessarily work for large-format printing.

First, it might be helpful to understand two different image types, raster and vector.

  • Zoomed in Raster ImageRaster Images – (top right image) A raster or bitmap image is the most common type of computer image. Common raster file types end in .jpg, .bmp, .tif, and .gif. When bitmap files are viewed up close or are enlarged the become blurred or have jagged edges which is also referred to as pixelation.
  • Vector Images – (bottom right image) Unlike Raster images, vector images consist of layers and paths that can be enlarged without risk of blurring or pixelating. FZoomed in Vector Imageor this reason, vectored images are the preferred choice for banners, digital printing and other services that Pinnacle Signs and Graphics provides. Typical vector file extensions include: .eps, .ai and .cdr.Programs such as Adobe Illustrator and CorelDraw produce vector images.PhotoShop, MS Paint, Microsoft Publisher and similar software do not produce vector images.

Now that we understand that, here are our preferred file types and how to prepare them and how to send them to us.

  • If you are sending vector images, please make sure that all of the text in you artwork has been converted to curves or outlines. Since there are billions of fonts out there (and new ones created everyday) we may not have the exact font that you use. Converting the fonts to outline or curves is the only way to insure that your text appears exactly as you want it. Please send us .pdf, .eps, .ai, or .cdr files.
  • If you are sending us pictures to be digitally printed we will need at least 150 dpi (dots per inch) raster image saved at the finished size. The best file extensions for this are .pdf, .jpg and .tif.
  • You can submit your files several ways.
    • Email (8 MB Maximum) (Preferred)
    • Upload your files through our FTP site. (Preferred)
    • Burned to a CD
    • Flash Drive

Comments are closed.