Miscellaneous Design Service - Counters

Generally, 100 dpi is a good standard for images with the document size set at full size of the large format printed product. For example, if you want to order a 40"×60" print, the image size should be 4000 pixels (40 x 100) by 6000 pixels (60 x 100) at 100 dpi.

If any dimension of the product is greater than 5000mm, please produce the artwork to scale. For very large artwork such as hoarding walls, 10% scale can be utilised at 1000dpi for images, or use vectors as these will scale perfectly.

If you are creating set size artwork for hardware then please use the product template. If you have ordered a custom size product please ensure you include 5mm of bleed on your design.

You only need to add print bleed to your artwork if the design extends to the edge of the page. If all of your text and images are in the centre of the design and are surrounded by a plain white background, you won’t need to worry about print bleed as the edges will blend seamlessly into your overall design. If any element of the design goes right up to the edge of the page, a 5mm bleed on all sides is necessary.

Computer screens use RGB, while printers use CMYK. You may ask why this matters? Most colours created in RGB can be closely matched in CMYK but some cannot. If colours are critical we always suggest ordering a printed proof.

Other things you can do to check your colours:

For large format print, we recommend that the minimum font site is 8pt (point size).

Our preferred file format for print-ready artwork is a PDF, please make sure you embed any fonts for perfect results. With other file formats please ensure fonts used in your design are converted to outlines and include all fonts and images used when you send your files to us.

If you are providing print ready artwork, we do not provide a proof as standard, which enables us to get your print to you quicker. If you require a proof please get in touch with us to discuss. We do provide a free technical file check as standard, as outlined below.

We can provide a machine print proof for the extra cost of £25 plus delivery. This involves printing an A3 proof on the machine that will be used to produce your final print. This will give you an accurate representation of colour. If you are using our design service, we do send out a PDF proof, which is an accurate representation of content and positioning. It is not an exact indicator of the final colour due to the limitations of screens.

Quoted delivery dates for print are from approval of artwork, so please bear in mind that requesting a proof may delay the delivery date of your product.

After you have placed your order a provisional despatch and delivery date will be sent to you via email.

Our standard delivery time for printed products is 2-5 working days after artwork has been approved for print. If you have a specific deadline, please contact us to ensure we can meet this. Please check that your artwork meets the guidelines above to prevent any delays in approval.

Before we go to print, we will carry out a free technical check on your artwork. If there are any issues, we will contact you to let you know what needs to be changed.

Our printers and media are of the highest standard and are carefully calibrated to produce vibrant, full colour prints. The process involves CMYK printing and this means it is not always possible to match Pantone colours, but they will be converted to the nearest CMYK equivalent.

If exact colour matching is critical, please send us a physical copy of other printed material, such as a letterhead or brochure, and we will check your file prior to printing. If we cannot achieve a reasonable match we will call you to discuss.

Please send any physical examples to: Discount Displays, 31-35 Wortley Road, Croydon, Surrey, CRO 3EB.