Artwork Guidelines

Give Your Artwork the Best Start.

Good artwork preparation helps create a smoother personalization and production process. Whether you're uploading your own design or working with our design service, these guidelines will help you prepare for a successful order.

Before You Submit

Start With the Details That Matter.

Personalized products are created around the artwork and information associated with your order. Small details such as a misspelled name, incorrect date or wrong image can make a significant difference to the finished product.

Before submitting artwork or personalization instructions, take a moment to make sure the information you provide is accurate and complete.

If Print Nexus is creating the artwork for you, the same principle applies to the instructions you provide. Clear information gives our design team a better understanding of what you want.

Providing Your Own Artwork

Preparing Artwork for Your Order

If you're supplying your own finished design, make sure the artwork is prepared with the selected product and its specifications in mind.

Use the Correct Size

Prepare your artwork according to the dimensions or specifications associated with the product you are ordering.

Use High-Quality Artwork

Start with the highest-quality version of your artwork available. Low-resolution images may not reproduce as expected when printed.

Keep Important Elements Safe

Avoid placing important text, names, logos or other critical elements too close to edges or areas that may be affected by trimming or finishing.

Check Your Text

Carefully review spelling, capitalization, punctuation, numbers, dates and other written information before submitting the file.

Check Your Images

Make sure photographs, logos and graphics are the intended files and are suitable for the product being ordered.

Follow Product Requirements

Individual products may have different artwork requirements. Always follow the specifications associated with the particular product you are ordering.

Artwork Quality

Quality Starts With the Original File.

The quality of the finished print can be affected by the quality of the artwork supplied for production.

Resolution

Use sufficiently high-resolution images and graphics whenever possible. Enlarging a small or low-resolution image can result in visible pixelation or softness.

Sharp Graphics

Logos, text and graphic elements should be clear and suitable for the intended print size.

Readable Text

Make sure important text is large and clear enough for the intended product and viewing distance.

Product-Specific Requirements

Not Every Product Uses the Same Artwork Specifications.

Artwork requirements can vary depending on the product, dimensions, printing process, material and finishing method.

For that reason, there is no single artwork specification that should automatically be applied to every product in the Print Nexus catalog.

Always use the artwork requirements provided for the specific product you are ordering. If you're unsure whether your artwork is suitable, contact us before production begins.

Personalized Information

Double-Check Every Personalized Detail.

Personalized information is one of the most important parts of your order. Please carefully verify all information before approving the final artwork.

Names and spelling
Dates and years
Numbers and quantities
Phone numbers or other numbers
Addresses or locations
Messages and quotations
Logos and brand names
Images and photographs
Colors and color preferences
Layout and positioning
Product size and options
Any other custom instructions

Using Our Design Service

You Don't Need to Have Finished Artwork.

If you don't have a completed design, you can provide your idea and personalization instructions for products that support Print Nexus's design service.

Helpful information can include the exact wording, names, dates, preferred colors, images, logos, style preferences, layout ideas and reference examples.

The clearer your instructions are, the easier it is for our design team to understand the intended result.

When Print Nexus creates your personalized artwork, up to three design versions or revision attempts are included for customer review.

Your Responsibility

Only Submit Artwork You Have the Right to Use.

When you provide artwork, images, logos, photographs, graphics, trademarks or other material, you are responsible for having the appropriate rights, permissions and authority to use that material for your order.

Don't submit artwork copied from someone else unless you have the necessary permission or license.
Make sure you have permission to use photographs or images you didn't create yourself.
Make sure you are authorized to use logos, trademarks and business branding.
Don't submit material that violates another person's intellectual property or other legal rights.

Print Nexus may decline artwork or personalization requests where there are legal, production, safety or other legitimate concerns.

Artwork Proof

Your Proof Is Your Opportunity to Check the Design.

For personalized orders requiring artwork approval, the proof gives you an opportunity to review the artwork before it moves into production.

Read Everything

Review all visible text carefully, including names, dates, numbers, addresses and other personalized information.

Look at the Whole Design

Review images, colors, layout, positioning and the overall appearance of the artwork.

Confirm Your Order

Make sure the artwork corresponds to the product, size, quantity and personalization you intended to purchase.

Important: Approval is confirmation of the artwork.

Once you approve the artwork, the order can move into production. Carefully review all details before providing your approval.

After artwork has been approved and production begins, changes, cancellations or redesigns may no longer be possible.

Order Hold

Need More Time? Your Order Can Stay on Hold.

If artwork approval is required, your order remains ON HOLD while we wait for your approval.

There is no automatic deadline that causes the order to enter production without the required approval. The order can remain on hold for an unlimited period until approval is received.

This also means that production and delivery estimates for the personalized order begin after the required artwork approval rather than simply from the original order date.

Common Artwork Issues

A Few Things to Watch For.

Low-Resolution Images

Small or low-quality images may become blurry or pixelated when reproduced at a larger size.

Incorrect Spelling

Names and personalized wording should always be checked carefully before approval.

Important Elements Too Close to Edges

Text, logos and other important design elements should be positioned appropriately for the product's production and finishing process.

Wrong Image or Version

Confirm that the artwork contains the exact image, logo or graphic you intend to use.

Missing Information

Incomplete personalization instructions can delay artwork preparation and may require additional clarification.

Unclear Instructions

Clear instructions and references help communicate the intended design direction more effectively.

Final Artwork Checklist

Before You Click Approve

I have checked every name and spelling.
I have verified every date and number.
I have reviewed all text and wording.
I have checked the images and graphics.
I have reviewed the colors and layout.
I have confirmed the product and personalization details.
The artwork represents what I want produced.

Once you're satisfied with the artwork, provide the required approval so your order can move forward to production.

Need Help?

Not Sure About Your Artwork?

If you have questions about artwork requirements, personalization or your order, we're here to help before your order moves into production.

Contact Print Nexus