Sending a vector file to a printer or sign shop? A file that looks perfect on screen can still cause problems in production. Missing bleeds, wrong color mode, or live text can delay your order by days. Run through this checklist before you hit send.
1. Convert All Text to Outlines
If your file contains live text, the printer needs the exact same fonts installed — and they usually don't have them. Converting text to outlines (Type → Create Outlines in Illustrator) turns each character into vector paths. The text is no longer editable, but it will print exactly as designed on any machine.
2. Set the Correct Color Mode
Print files should be in CMYK color mode. If your file is in RGB (the default for screen work), colors will shift when printed — bright greens and blues are the worst offenders. Convert your document to CMYK (File → Document Color Mode → CMYK) and check that your brand colors still look right.
3. Add Bleeds
If any color or image extends to the edge of the printed piece, you need bleeds — typically 3mm (0.125") of artwork extending beyond the trim line. Without bleeds, you'll get thin white edges where the cutter didn't land perfectly.
4. Check Minimum Line Widths
Lines thinner than 0.25pt may not print at all, especially in screen printing or engraving. Hairlines that look fine at 100% zoom on screen can vanish in production. Set a minimum stroke width of 0.5pt for most print methods.
5. Embed or Outline All Images
If your vector file includes placed raster images, make sure they're embedded (not linked) so the printer receives them. Linked images that live in a separate folder often go missing in transit.
6. Flatten Transparency
Drop shadows, opacity effects, and blending modes can cause unexpected results on older RIP software. If the printer asks for a "flat" file, flatten transparency before saving (Object → Flatten Transparency in Illustrator).
7. Remove Hidden or Unused Elements
Hidden layers, objects outside the artboard, and unused swatches can confuse production. Clean up your file: delete hidden layers, crop to the artboard, and remove unused colors from the Swatches panel.
8. Save in the Right Format
Most printers accept EPS or PDF. When in doubt, save as PDF/X-1a — it embeds fonts, flattens transparency, and uses CMYK. If the vendor specifically requests AI or EPS, save in those formats alongside the PDF.
Not sure which file format to send? Read our guide on AI vs. EPS vs. SVG vs. PDF to choose the right format for your vendor. Or see how we prepare production-ready files in our Morris vehicle wrap case study.
We deliver print-ready files with outlined text, CMYK colors, and proper bleeds — every time.
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