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Zilla / File guidelines

Exhibit & graphics
file guidelines.

Prepare your artwork for a clean handoff and a great finished result. Use the requirements below before sending files to our team.

View requirements View / download PDF ↗

Accepted formats: AI, PSD, PDF, TIFF, EPS, packaged INDD, and high-resolution JPG.

Not accepted: PNG, GIF, or CDR.

The PDF option opens the original guide in Adobe Acrobat, where you can download a copy.

PDF submission

Export as PDF/X-4 (2008 or 2010) to preserve transparency and object-level color management. Embed all fonts, with subsetting below 100%.

Output images at at least 150 ppi at 100% size.

Raster images

Images must be at least 150 ppi at final, 100% size. Enlarging an image reduces its effective resolution. Raster images may use RGB or CMYK color space.

Keep all text as vector artwork.

InDesign & linked files

Package INDD artwork as a complete file packet containing all fonts, linked images, and art. Verify that JPG submissions are high resolution.

  • Outline text, or package Windows-compatible fonts with your artwork.
  • Embed all images, or package linked images with the artwork.

Size, bleed & safe area

Check your artwork against the template’s sizing, bleed, and safe-area requirements.

Include 1/8 inch (.125 inch) bleed, with background artwork and images extending into the bleed area, unless the template specifies otherwise. This prevents white edges on the final printed product.

Color builds

  • Set up swatches or call out any Pantone colors or CMYK values.
  • Custom spot colors must contain ink-mixing information (L*a*b, CMYK, or RGB).
  • Name the white-ink spot color or alpha channel White_ink.
  • Name the dieline or routing line Thru_cut.
  • Set transparency to Multiply when overprinting is required.
  • Build rich black as RGB 0/0/0 or CMYK 60/40/40/100.

Color matching

  • Set up all artwork in CMYK color mode.
  • For accurate color matching, we use the Pantone Matching System. When an exact match is needed, use proper PMS swatches or suitable Pantone call-outs.
  • If PMS colors are not included or called out, we will print using CMYK values. A hard-copy printed proof can be provided for color matching; this adds production time and expense.

To reduce gradient banding in wide-format printing, create gradients in Photoshop and choose colors closer together on the spectrum to reduce visible color steps.

Final proofs. Your final check.

Zilla will provide final artwork proofs for review and verification before production. Please check color, spelling, sizing, and any other areas of concern carefully. If we notice errors in your artwork, we will bring them to your attention before or during the final proofing process.

Questions about your files? Contact our artwork team.

Upload your artwork