How To Supply Artwork For Custom Flags And Banners

Supplying good artwork is the single biggest factor in how professional your custom flags and banners will look. Even the best print equipment cannot rescue a tiny, low resolution logo dragged from an email footer.

This guide explains how to prepare and supply artwork so your flags and banners print cleanly, on time and without expensive redraws.

Use the best version of your logo

Always start from the master version of your logo or design, not whatever is easiest to find.

• Ask your designer or marketing department for the original files. 
  
• Look for vector formats such as PDF, AI or EPS wherever possible. 
  
• Avoid screenshots, images copied from websites and tiny JPEGs. 

Vector artwork can be scaled to any size without losing quality, which is perfect for large flags and banners.

Preferred file types

Most flag and banner printers are happiest with:

• Vector files: AI, EPS, PDF with fonts outlined. 
  
• High resolution raster files: TIFF, PNG or JPEG at 150 dpi or higher at final size. 

If you only have a raster logo, make sure it is as large and clean as possible. A logo that is 200 px wide on a website will not be acceptable for a 3 m banner.

Colour settings

For print, colour should be supplied in CMYK or as named spot colours with Pantone references.

• Convert RGB files to CMYK before sending, or supply Pantone references. 
  
• If your brand colours are critical, provide a brand guidelines document. 
  
• Bear in mind that colours on screen will never match printed fabric exactly. 

A good printer will aim to get as close as the print process and textile allow.

Using templates

Most custom flag and banner products have specific artwork templates showing safe areas, bleed and key dimensions.

• Always request the correct template for the product and size you are ordering. 
  
• Keep important logos and text within the safe area so they are not cropped. 
  
• Extend background colours and images to the bleed edge so you do not get white lines. 

If you are not comfortable working with templates, supply your design elements and a clear brief so the studio can lay it out properly for you.

Text and readability

Flags and banners are often viewed at a distance and on the move. That means:

• Use short, clear messages. 
  
• Avoid very thin typefaces or small text. 
  
• Make sure there is strong contrast between text and background. 

If people cannot read your message in a couple of seconds, it is too complicated.

Checking proofs

Before anything is printed you should receive a proof, usually as a PDF or image.

Check:

• Spelling, punctuation and phone numbers. 
  
• Logo placement, proportions and colours. 
  
• Overall layout and content. 

Treat the proof as if it were the finished item. If you approve it, that is what will be printed.

Common pitfalls

Some frequent problems that delay orders or cause disappointment:

• Supplying only low resolution web images. 
  
• Tiny text that will not be legible at viewing distance. 
  
• Important details placed right at the very edge, risking trimming. 
  
• Expecting exact colour matches with no reference or brand guide. 

Summary

To supply artwork for custom flags and banners that print well first time:

1. Use original, high quality vector or high resolution files. 
   
2. Work to the correct template and keep key elements inside safe areas. 
   
3. Provide clear colour information, ideally with Pantone references. 
   
4. Keep text simple and legible at a distance. 
   
5. Check proofs carefully before approval. 

Get these basics right and your custom flags and banners will look sharp, professional and true to your brand.