It all starts with an idea. You want to put my idea on a flag or banner. Now you need a vector art file. What the heck is that? Let me explain the art requirements for a custom flag.
The preferred method for supplying art to scale is in an electronic vector art file.
Vector Art
Vector art files are created in the following computer programs: .ai – Adobe Illustrator (This is our preferred art program to use), .cdl – CorelDraw, .eps – Encapsulated Postscript and .plt – Plot File.
Vector art files are comprised of outlines and not pixels. Vector graphics use geometrical primitives such as points, lines, curves and shapes which are based on a mathematical expression to represent images in computer graphics. A vector art image is scalable and will print crisply even when re sized. Example: Vector art can be printed on a piece of copy paper then the same logo can be enlarged to print on a billboard with the same crisp quality.
All text must be converted to outlines (curves). This means the font or text is part of the vectored image. If the font is not outlined, please submit the font file with the art otherwise the computer automatically will substitute a font that could be similar or maybe completely different.
Raster Images
Raster images are made up of pixels which are considered low resolution and will become blurry when enlarged. Example: A business card in raster would pixelate excessively (or blur) if enlarged to enough to print on a standard 3’x5’ flag. An example of raster art is an image from digital cameras, scanned images and websites. These are all pixelated.
A photograph can be used on a flag or banner. In order to print a photo on a flag or banner, the photo must be a high resolution photo. A photo from cell phone would not be in a resolution high enough to enlarge for flag or banner. The photograph needs to be provided in the highest resolution available. At the very minimum, the file should be saved at least 300 dpi at 1:10 scale (1in = 10in). Photos should be saved with the following extensions: .tiff. .bmp, .psd, .gif. .jpeg is not the best format to save art in as it loses quality every time it is saved.
Please note: We can print licensed logos (NFL, MLB, NCAA, Motion Picture logos) with written permission from the team or movie studio.
If you would like us to look at your art to see if it is vector, simply click the link below and send over your art file. We can let you know if it is a good art file. If you art is not good, no worries, our in-house graphic art department can provide a quote to create or reformat your art to vector. We will always inform you on our art requirements for a custom flag.
