What do you think is the most important aspect for sticker printing? Its file format. File format will get you exact and vibrant results for sticker printing. While wrong format can get you blurred and de-colored prints which will ruin the whole vibe of the sticker. Shaheen advertising will help you understand about different file types for sticker printing.
The best file type for sticker:
Vector file (AI, PDF, EPS, CDR):
These types of files work well; your design requires sharp edges, and scalability. The quality of the vector file does not reduce, no matter the size. Designs which are text heavy, icons and logos are mainly designed in vector file. So in short if you need to print stickers for logo and icon, prepare a Vector design file as the vector file uses mathematical equations and in result more print compatibles. Specifically for sticker printing vector format files like AI and EPS are recommended.
Raster file (TIFF, PSD, PNG, JPG)
A raster file is mainly used when some image or photo has to be printed. Normally a raster file doesn’t work well if the size of image has to be increased because it will surely mess with pixels of image and printed stickers will lose their vibrancy and quality.
When to use PDF/AI/EPS vs PNG/JPG
PDF, AI, EPS, CDR file formats are ideal for printing. PDF file is the most commonly used and easy to maintain as it keeps the design intact for vector graphics. Secondly PDF files can be viewed, shared and printed on any software. That is why in sticker printing the PDF file is considered as a standard file in sticker printing.
Whereas, AI files are used to create high quality scalable images but it might face compatibility issues while opening in different software and systems so in the end AI files are converted to PDF file format to combat this issue. EPS file formats are versatile in nature; they keep the vector design intact and can open via different systems, but EPS files are also converted to PDF file format to easily open and edit. Eventually AI, EPS and INDD files are converted to PDF for file to be compatible universally for sticker printing
JPG file type is used for photos and maximum quality should be 300 DPI only, otherwise it won’t work well.
PNG file type is best if you have transparent design and background like die cut sticker or and a high resolution design is essential requirement of this file type.
File Prep checklist
To make your file ready for printing and have exact outcome in size, colours; there are few points that one must keep before sending the file to get printed.
CMYK color mode:
As printers use CMYK ink so you must convert your RGB file to CMYK. The reason is that RGB files are used for screen so colors will come out different after printing.
300 DPI resolution:
For stickers printing a higher resolution of 300 DPI is recommended otherwise stickers will come out printed blurred.
Convert fonts to outline:
If your file includes fonts then before sending your file to the printer you must convert the font to outlines or curves because maybe the printer does not have a font which you used in your design and print will come out different.
3 to 5 mm extra space:
There should be extra space or bleed in base color around your design past the cutline because it will help to prevent thin white borders or misalignment.
File should be in PDF/AI/EPS OR CDR:
This type of file format is recommended for any file design because it uses a vector path and it keeps the design sharp and crisp. JPG/PNG is only recommended in case of transparent design or photos.
Best file type by sticker type:
Large format (wall or floor sticker)
Large format means that the size of the file will be enlarged in size to print so to combat issues like broken pixels and blurred image, prepare your design in vector (PDF/EPS). In case of full color photos murals use JPG (PDF). While for logos, patterns prepare vector files.
Photo sticker
Use JPG with 300 DPI. Don’t use screenshots or pictures downloaded rather use original high resolution pictures because normally the picture downloaded from social media has low resolution and print will be blurry.
Clear stickers:
PNG file is used for transparent background as it blends with surface. While PDF file is used when you want certain parts of the sticker to remain opaque and a plain white ink layer is needed for example text, and logos where you don’t want a see through.
Die-cut Sticker:
As printers need vector cut lines for die cut stickers for example you have cut around your logo, vector supporting file like PDF, EPS, AI is recommended.
Dubai-Specific Tips That Save Reprints:
While printing in Dubai comes with its own challenges and points to keep in consideration. As Dubai weather and language is different, there can be small mistake which can mess up whole batch of prints. So here are some Dubai-specific tips which should be always checked before sending file for final prints:
- Double check the Arabic spellings along with English spellings.
- Outline Arabic font to avoid the issue of missing font at printer software.
- CMYK ink is commonly used at Dubai printers and RGB is not used here so before giving final order to print stickers, ask for a sample to check if it matches color used in the design.
- As Dubai has heat most of the year so use heat resistant files for example UV resistant files which have spot color. This helps better print outcomes for stickers that can last longer in outdoor and summer.
Example Export Setting:
If the file export setting is wrong, the whole print batch can get ruined. Bleed issues, lower resolution and color mode are the most common mistakes while preparing a file for a Dubai print shop. So here are Export setting for some of popular designing tools which are commonly used in Dubai:
CoralDRAW (PDF/CDR):
Make sure to:
- Save file as CDR or export as PDF for universal use.
- Always converts fonts to curves.
- Color mode should be CMYK.
- Make an additional vector path for the Die-cut sticker.
- Add 3to 5mm bleed/space of background beside trim line.
Adobe Illustrator (AI/PDF):
Make sure to:
- Save file as PDF for universal compatibility.
- Turn off illustrator editing to avoid any accidental mistakes at the printer.
- Convert fonts to curves (important for Arabic text).
- Include 3 to 5 mm space/bleed in background color to avoid white edges after cutting.
- Color mode should be CMYK to avoid different colors as most printers have CMYK ink and your color might be RGB.
Adobe Photoshop (JPG/TIFF):
- Make sure to save files as TIFF or high quality JPG to avoid any loss at compression. Tiff is recommended because this file type ensures the smallest detail and print quality is better.
- As JPG and TIFF file used when designing photo stickers and images which have details, so keep at resolution 300 DPI.
- Expand image background to 3 to 5 mm to avoid issues like white edges at trimming.
- Choose CMYK color mode other than RGB.
Canva (PDF):
- Download as PDF for universal compatibility.
- Turn on the extra bleed option in canvas.
- Reopen the file in illustrator to outline the font.
FAQ
Does Shaheen Printer accept CorelDRAW (CDR)?
Yes we do accept CorelDRAW (CDR) files. However there are few instructions you must have to make sure before sending the file for printing. Color mode in the file is CMYK not RGB as RGB is screen color mode and after printing the color will come out different. Secondly, 3 to 5 mm bleed is a must, add this much space on all sides of design so that there is enough space for cutting. Lastly, if your design contains any text either English or Arabic, make sure to convert text to outlines so that when a file is received for printing the fonts don’t get messed up and ruin the whole design or logo.
Is PNG good for sticker printing?
Normally, PNG is not recommended for sticker printing because it is not vector friendly and uses RGB color mode and most printing presses use CMYK ink so color will come out different after print. PNG is only used in the case of transparent stickers.
What is the best file type for sticker printing?
The best and recommended files for sticker printing are PDF, AI, EPS, CDR. Because these files are compatible with print machines. PNG/TIFF are recommended for transparent stickers, but make sure to save your file in 300 DPI resolution before sending it to the printing shop. Otherwise prints will come out blurred.
What color mode should my sticker file use?
Sticker files should have CMYK color mode. As most of the print shops in Dubai and all across UAE CMYK ink in printers.This color scheme is important to keep in mind because some can use use RGB color mode and this is screen color so, RGB color comes out different after printed and CMYK ink is most commonly used for printers all across UAE.
Do you accept Arabic text?
Yes we accept Arabic and bilingual design. However, before sending a file to print make sure to convert the text into outlines by using illustrators. The reason to do that is we might not have your font installed in our software so converting font to outline will make sure that your design is not messed up during printing and remains the same.
Can I send a canva design?
Yes you can send a canva design But make sure to turn on the bleed option and download the file in high quality in pdf. Canva designs are only used for small start up not used professionally in the market so it is better to make a file illustrator and photoshop.
