Artwork Requirements

Artwork & File Requirements for Plaques, Crystals, Acrylic Awards, and Promo Items

To ensure the best quality imprint on your custom products, please follow these guidelines when submitting artwork. If your file doesn’t meet these specs, we can usually help—just note that extra design/setup time may result in additional charges.

 

 

1. Preferred File Types (Vector-Based)
Use these for the cleanest engraving and printing:

  • .AI (Adobe Illustrator)

  • .EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)

  • .PDF (Vector-based only – no scans or photos)

Requirements:

  • Convert all fonts to outlines

  • Supply fonts used in layout

  • Expand strokes and effects

  • Remove any low-resolution images or unnecessary layers

 

 

2. Acceptable Raster/Image File Types (for Print or Photo Engraving)

  • .TIF, .PNG, .JPG

  • Must be high resolution: 300 dpi minimum at final size

  • For laser engraving photos: 600–1200 dpi, black & white only

Avoid: Screenshots, web images, or Microsoft Office files (.doc, .ppt, .xls). These often lack the quality needed for engraving.

 

 

3. Product-Specific Guidelines

Plaques (Wood, Metal, Acrylic Plates):

  • Preferred: Vector art in black

  • Remove all fills unless you want them engraved

  • No gradients or shadows

Crystal & Glass Awards:

  • Sandblasting: Clean vector outlines in black

  • Subsurface/photo etch: Black-and-white bitmap image (600–1200 dpi)

Acrylic Awards:

  • Vector art or 600 dpi image

  • Black for laser engraving; CMYK if printed in color

Promotional Items:

  • Vector art with PMS or CMYK colors specified

  • Convert all text to outlines

  • Include PMS color numbers if applicable

 

 

4. General Artwork Tips

  • Keep lines and fonts bold enough to engrave cleanly (minimum 0.25 pt line weight)

  • For printed items, add 1/8" bleed and keep important elements 1/8" from the edge

  • Embed all linked images in your file before sending

  • Double-check all spelling, dates, and capitalization—approved proofs are final

 

 

Need Help?

Email your file to myhelpdesk@awards-engraving.com or call (281) 420-1299. We’re happy to review your artwork and help ensure a smooth, professional result.