Artwork Specifications and submissions guide
At Chord, we provide a complete in-house design service and can create fully production-ready artwork tailored to your project. Whether you need support with initial concepts, layout design, branding, or final print preparation, our team can handle the process from start to finish.
If you are supplying artwork from your own designer or studio, please review the following guidelines carefully to ensure files are suitable for production and to help avoid delays, amendments, or quality issues during print.
Artwork Submission
To keep projects running efficiently, all artwork should be submitted through the agreed channels provided by the Chord team.
Large & Ongoing Projects
For repeat campaigns and larger-scale projects, we recommend using cloud-based platforms such as Google Drive, Dropbox, SharePoint, or OneDrive. Files should be clearly organised using folder structures and item codes in line with the specification sheets supplied for your project.
One-Off Projects
For smaller projects, artwork can be submitted via WeTransfer or directly by email to your designated Chord account manager.
The Chord team will always confirm the preferred submission method before production begins.
File Preparation
Vector artwork is always preferred, as it provides the cleanest and highest quality print output across all applications. Where raster imagery is used, files should be supplied at a minimum resolution of 300dpi.
Supplying low-resolution artwork may result in reduced sharpness, pixelation, or visible quality loss on the finished product.
File Format Guide
Preferred file formats:
- EPS
- AI
Accepted file formats:
- SVG
- JPG
- TIFF
Fonts, Strokes & Graphics
To preserve the appearance of your artwork, all fonts should be converted to outlines before submission. Strokes and line work should also be expanded or outlined to ensure they scale correctly during production.
This prevents font replacement issues and maintains design consistency across all printed materials.
Alternatively, packaged artwork files containing all associated fonts and linked assets may also be supplied.
Image Requirements
All linked images should either be embedded directly into the artwork file or included as part of a packaged submission.
Missing or unlinked assets can lead to incorrect output, lower image quality, or delays during artwork processing.
Colour Setup
All artwork should be created using a CMYK colour profile. Pantone references can also be supplied where specific brand colour matching is required.
Files supplied in RGB will be converted to CMYK during production, which can cause noticeable colour variation between screen visuals and final printed output.
If colour consistency is critical to your project, please discuss this with the Chord team before approval.
Bleed Specifications
Bleed must be included on all supplied artwork to allow for accurate trimming and finishing. The amount required will depend on the material and production method being used.
Standard Bleed Allowances
- Cut Vinyl — 3mm
- Flat Vinyl & Boards — 20mm
- Flexible Finished Banners — 20mm
- Flexible Stretch Banners — 150mm
Artwork supplied without sufficient bleed may result in visible white edges once trimmed. Providing additional bleed is always recommended where possible.
Printer Marks
Please do not add crop marks, colour bars, registration marks, or other printer marks to artwork files.
Chord’s workflow automatically detects cut paths and bleed settings, and additional printer marks may interfere with production.
Proof Approval
Before approving any artwork proof, please carefully review all dimensions, positioning, spelling, content, bleed, layout, and material selections.
Printing a physical proof where possible is strongly recommended, as errors are often easier to identify off-screen.
Once artwork approval has been confirmed, Chord cannot be held responsible for errors contained within the approved files.
Artwork Amendments & Deadlines
All supplied artwork must comply with Chord’s artwork requirements.
Where amendments or corrections are required, additional studio time may be chargeable. Clients may alternatively choose to make revisions themselves and resubmit updated artwork; however, this may impact agreed production schedules.
Projects operating to fixed installation or delivery dates may also incur additional charges if artwork deadlines are missed, due to rescheduling, outsourced production, storage, or logistical costs.
