Printworks / BUYING GUIDE
What artwork size should you send for large-format printing?
Send artwork that clearly matches the required finished width and height, with the units stated in both the file name and your order list. Tell the printer whether the file is full size or scaled, identify any finishing area, and separate confirmed measurements from estimates. Ask for the supplier's file specification before your designer exports the final artwork.
Write width, height and units every time
A dimension such as '10 by 3' is incomplete. It could mean feet, metres or another unit, and it does not show which number is the width. Write each item as finished width × finished height, followed by mm, cm, inches, feet or metres. Use the same order in your artwork name, quotation request and location list.
For example, an internal order reference might read 'Lobby wall graphic — 4200 mm W × 2400 mm H — quantity 1'. This is only a format example, not a recommended product size. Keep units visible even when your team believes everyone already understands them.
Distinguish finished size from artwork scale
Large-format artwork may be supplied at full size or at an agreed scale. Do not make the printer guess. State the final physical size and the scale used in the file, then confirm that the proportions match. If a file is prepared at a smaller scale, all relevant instructions should refer back to the intended finished dimensions.
Ask the printing supplier for its current artwork specification before final export. File setup requirements can depend on the product, software workflow and finishing method. PrintWorks produces from client-supplied artwork, so your designer or agency should prepare the approved production file to the confirmed specification.
Show which area must remain visible
The final visible area may not always be identical to the total printed area. A banner may need finishing around an edge, a sticker may extend beyond a trimmed boundary, and a display panel may sit behind a frame. Tell the supplier how the graphic will be finished or installed so the file can be checked against the intended use.
Keep logos, text and important product information away from any area that may be trimmed, folded, covered or fixed. Do not apply a universal allowance from an old job. Request the required setup for the actual banner, sticker, panel or wall graphic before your agency releases final artwork.
Label every outlet and version
A multi-outlet campaign can contain several similar files with different proportions. Give every location a unique reference and create a schedule showing site name, product, finished dimensions, quantity, artwork file and approval status. This helps prevent a correctly printed graphic from being assigned to the wrong window or wall.
For outlets in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor or elsewhere in Malaysia, do not rely on photographs alone for size. Mark measurements as confirmed, estimated or awaiting a site check. When the same visual has several language, price or promotion versions, include the version name in both the schedule and the file name.
Use file names that survive handovers
A name such as 'final-final-new.pdf' does not help the printer identify the job. A practical naming structure can include the campaign, location, product, finished size, version and approval date. Keep the wording short enough to read, but specific enough that two files cannot be confused.
Send a low-resolution preview together with the production file when it helps your team confirm content and orientation. The preview does not replace the production artwork. Identify the authorised file clearly and avoid sending several near-identical versions without explaining which one is approved.
Give the printer a matching order list
Before approving large-format printing, compare the artwork files with the quotation or purchase order line by line. Check product type, finished width, finished height, units, quantity, location and version. Resolve any mismatch in writing before production begins.
A useful enquiry could say: 'We need banners, window stickers and display panels for five outlets. Attached are our artwork previews and item schedule showing confirmed finished sizes, units, quantities and locations. Please provide your production-file requirements and quote the agreed print and installation scope.' Replace the example with your actual products and sites.