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Introduction
If you're not a designer, this page will most likely be confusing. Don't worry about it! We've tried to simplify the information as much as we can and we are here to assist if you need it.
The following artwork specifications and guidelines are to help ensure that we receive the highest quality artwork for print production and, in turn, this enables us to achieve the best quality graphic output from our printers. Please read these specifications carefully and if you have any questions, do not hesitate to call or email us.
Phone: 888.777.0223 :: Email: Graphics@AceExhibits.com
Before You Start
- Read this page in full! This is most likely not a small expense for you or your company so understanding and knowing our process is paramount.
- Download the correct template(s). They can be found on this page or in the "Downloads" tab on that specific product's page. Your files must be submitted to the specifications of that template or you will be advised to resubmit.
- You must have an active order number for us to accept files or generate proofs. If files are submitted without an order number, they will be deleted without notice.
- Quotes are not considered "active" orders.
- Know your In Hand Date (IHD)! This is how we refer to the date internally that you have to have received your order by to allow for set up. This is not the day that your show or event begins!
- Production days are not shipping days! The formula for timeline success is Production Time + Transit Time. If you're unclear when you will be receiving your order, please do not hesitate to contact your sales representative or our customer service department. Our system during the approval process also advises you at the time of approval when you will receive your order and you can upgrade, if necessary, at that time.
- If you believe you've submitted your artwork to us but haven't heard from us in 24 hours, please call immediately! We receive a lot of artwork every day and some orders will sometimes be in a "Processing" status for several months before we receive artwork and, because of this, we are not reaching out on every order to confirm when artwork will be submitted.
- We do not accept artwork through email! Please utilize our Graphic Proofing System Uploader. But remember, order first!
Timeline & Proofs
Once your graphics have been received by our Graphics Department, we will start by reviewing your graphic file or files to ensure that your artwork has met the criteria outlined in these specifications to produce the best quality output graphics. If any modifications or changes to the artwork need to be made, you will be notified and you will have the opportunity to submit new artwork with the necessary changes. If new artwork is not submitted and you choose to have our Graphics Department make the modifications or changes, you will be instructed to pay for the predetermined number of hours required to create or make these changes. We bill at a rate of $80 per hour and it must be paid before work can begin.
After our Graphics Department has reviewed your artwork, you will receive proofs in one of two of the following ways: at least one email will be sent to the account holders primary email address with at least one jpeg (.jpg) attached that acts as your proof or you will be sent a notification sent via email from our system, prompting you to log into your account to approve your artwork through our Graphic Proofing System; we currently have two systems concurrently running regarding our proof approval process (we are phasing an older version out and moving soon fully to our Graphic Proofing System). You will receive these proofs within 24 hours of submitting artwork. For production to begin the following business day, you must respond through the method proofs were provided from by 5pm PST. The faster we get an approval, the faster we can begin the printing process.
Once your approval has been received, the printing process will take 2-15 days depending upon the item you purchased. Please refer to the item description for the actual lead time for the item you purchased. Please note that these production lead times are from the date of approval, not from the date that the artwork was received. If you have purchased graphics that include a rush charge, then the total production days will be less. Please factor in shipping time from when the graphics will be printed when trying to determine when you will receive the final graphics. If you need to rush an order that was not originally purchased with a rush fee, then please contact your sales representative or customer service immediately for assistance.
Supported File Types
We do not accept InDesign, Quark, CorelDraw, Publisher, PowerPoint or Word Documents as file types.
If you are using any software other than Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop to create your layout, and do not require color matching, please submit your artwork as one of the following file types: JPG, PDF or TIFF.
If you are using one of the below, here are the acceptable types:
Adobe Photoshop – Version 6 (CS6) or earlier (.psb, .psd, .tif, .eps, .pdf, .jpg or .png)
Adobe Illustrator – Version 6 (CS6) or earlier (.ai, .eps or .pdf)
File Preparation Instructions
All final print ready graphic files must be flattened (single layer) built at 150 DPI (Dots Per Inch) in CMYK mode with all guidelines and template layers removed.
All final print files should be created in CMYK mode for best results. If you would like a specific color matched, the elements in your file must be created in that Pantone and you need to provide that Pantone color(s) during the approval process or we cannot guarantee color matching. We limit color matching to two (2) callouts.
Pantone Color Matching Rules
If you have properly built your artwork with Pantone colors (in the areas you wish to match), can we perform a color match. We only match 100% solid Pantone colors from the Pantone FORMULA GUIDE Solid Coated or Uncoated Libraries (see below for specifics).
We do not match any type of gradient, images (example: photograph of a person) or a percentage of a Pantone color.
Should you request a Pantone match with your artwork not being built with them, we will respectfully either ask that you waive matching or request that you resubmit artwork that's been corrected with them now in the file(s).
PMS Color Matching: SoFlat Vinyl Printing
Display Type(s): Banner Stands
If you require color matching for this type of product, the file(s) must be submitted as either an EPS or AI (Adobe Illustrator) file type with selectable color areas.
We only match 100% Pantone colors from the FORMULA GUIDE Solid Coated (C) Library for these products and Pantones have to be built into the artwork for a proper match.
PMS Color Matching: Dye Sub Fabric Printing
isplay Type(s): Banner Stands
If you require color matching for this type of product, the file(s) must be submitted as either an EPS or AI (Adobe Illustrator) file type with selectable color areas.
We only match 100% Pantone colors from the FORMULA GUIDE Solid Coated (C) Library for these products and Pantones have to be built into the artwork for a proper match.
PMS Color Matching: Laminated Pop-Up Displays
Display Type(s): Aspens or E Series
If you require color matching for this type of product, the file(s) must be submitted as a layered TIFF with the areas that are to be matched as separate layers.
We only match 100% Pantone colors from the FORMULA GUIDE Solid Coated (C) Library for these products and Pantones have to be built into the artwork for a proper match.
PMS Color Matching: Dye Sub Fabric Displays & Other Products
Display Type: Event Tents, Stretch Fabric, Hybrids, Hanging Signs or Table Throws
If you require color matching for this type of product, the file(s) must be submitted as either an EPS or AI (Adobe Illustrator) file type with selectable color areas.
We only match 100% Pantone colors from the FORMULA GUIDE Solid Coated (C) Library for these products and Pantones have to be built into the artwork for a proper match.
Products of Interest
Here's a small list of products that have interesting facts about them that clients often aren't aware of. If you are purchasing any of these, please take note of the below!
Event Tents
We have a few different types of Event Tent options you can choose from. Some require Vector based artwork (Adobe Illustrator File(s)). Please refer to the correct way to submit artwork for the specific type of tent item you have purchased:
Full Color Imprint (Heat Press) – Vector Files ONLY
There are very specific areas as to where you can place your graphics for these types of outdoor tents. All files must be in vector format (.EPS, .AI file types). For outdoor tents, you will need to specify which locations on the tent you would like the graphics to be placed. Each location is an additional cost, so please only choose the amount of print locations ordered.
Dye Sub Imprint – All Acceptable File Types
Please be aware that the material is initially white in color only. If you want a background color (black, blue, red, etc.) please create your file with that color preset in the graphic.
You can be as creative as you would like with the design of your dye sub tent. You can print anywhere on the template, so feel free to use image, textures, or whatever else might suit you needs. We do however suggest keeping the main text and logos in the safe viewable areas.
Table Throws
If you have purchased a Dye Sublimation Printed table throw, please be aware that the fabric is initially white in color. If you want a background color (black, blue, red, etc.) please create your file with that color preset in the graphic.
Also, be aware that you can be as creative as you would like with the design of your table throw. You can print anywhere on the template, so feel free to use image, textures, or whatever else might suit your design needs. We do, however suggest keeping the main text and logos in the safe viewable areas.
Serpentine Displays
If ordering graphics for a serpentine display, please specify if you want the concave side on the left or right side of the display. Should this not be indicated during approval, we will by default print with the concave side on the left and the convex on the right.
Additional Tips:
- It is best to embed all images and outline all text to ensure that nothing will drop out or change during file transfer.
- Our preferred file type to receive is an 8-bit flattened TIFF file at 150 DPI in CMYK mode, built to the dimensions of the product's respective template.
- Aspen, E Series & Pearl Displays: when submitting the files for one consistent layout over two or more panels, be sure to create the file as one image. Please do not separate each panel into its own separate file.
- Do not include any bleeds in your layout. This particularly applies to graphics designed in Adobe Illustrator.
- Design your artwork to the "Overall Graphic Layout Size" of the template, while keeping the important text and logos in the safe viewable areas. We generate proofs from the artwork submitted and don't necessarily know "That wasn't supposed to wrap around to the back!"
- The proofs we send for your review are in two parts. The "Overall" shows the final print file, so you can verify placement and "OverallWGuide" or "OverallWCrop" show the guidelines where the safe viewable area is. The "Close-ups", show a 100% actual size cut of the final print graphic to check resolution.
Graphic Templates
Graphic Displays
Hybrid Displays
Banner Stands
Hanging Signs
Podiums & Counters
| Aspen | E Series | Tru-Fit |
| PA-801G-Z - Aspen Podium Graphic | PE-801G-Z - E Series Podium Graphic | FTF-100-2 - Tru-Fit Counter |
| FTF-110G - Tru-Fit Podium Graphic | ||
| FTF-120 - Tru-Fit Stacker | ||