File Preparation for Printing

To ensure optimal print quality and a smooth production process, please follow the guidelines below when preparing your files.

Accepted File Formats
  • PDF – preferred format
  • TIFF (LZW compression)
  • JPG
  • EPS
  • CDR – all fonts must be converted to curves

Whenever possible, we recommend supplying print-ready PDF files.

File Size and Scale
  • Files should preferably be prepared at 1:1 scale.
  • For very large formats, files may be prepared at a reduced scale, e.g. 1:10, provided that the scale is clearly indicated in the file name or order.
  • The proportions of the artwork must correspond exactly to the ordered print size.
  • Please do not add unnecessary white margins around the artwork.
Bleed and Safe Area
  • If the artwork requires trimming to the finished size, please include an appropriate bleed.
  • Important text, logos and other essential graphic elements should not be placed directly next to the cutting edge.
  • Unless otherwise agreed, please do not add crop marks, registration marks or other printer's marks.
Color Management
  • All color files should be saved in the CMYK color space.
  • For a deep black tone, we recommend CMYK: 50 / 50 / 50 / 100.
  • Black-and-white files should be saved in the GRAYSCALE color space.
  • RGB, Pantone and other spot colors may be converted during the RIP process and may therefore differ from the colors displayed on screen or from other printing technologies.
  • Final color separation and ink composition are determined by the RIP software, printer profile and selected printing technology.

Please note that colors displayed on a monitor cannot be considered an exact reference for the final printed result.

Spot Colors and Special Colors

If the file contains spot colors used for technical purposes, such as:

  • white ink,
  • cutting contours,
  • varnish,
  • special finishing,

they must be clearly defined and named according to the specifications agreed with XL MEDIA.

Please inform us when the file contains any special colors or technical layers.

Overprint

Please carefully check all overprint settings before submitting the file.

In particular:

  • white objects must not be set to overprint unless this is intentionally required,
  • incorrect overprint settings may cause objects, text or other elements to disappear or print differently than expected,
  • the final appearance should be checked using Overprint Preview in professional PDF software.

XL MEDIA is not responsible for printing errors resulting from incorrect overprint settings in the supplied artwork.

Resolution
  • The recommended resolution is at least 150 dpi at the actual print size.
  • For very large-format graphics viewed from a greater distance, a lower resolution may be acceptable.
  • If the artwork is prepared at 1:10 scale, the image resolution should be correspondingly higher.

Please make sure that placed images have sufficient effective resolution after scaling.

Fonts and Vector Elements
  • All fonts should be embedded in the PDF or converted to curves/outlines.
  • Fonts in CDR and EPS files must be converted to curves.
  • Please avoid extremely thin lines and very small graphic elements that may not reproduce correctly in large-format printing.
Layers, Paths and Transparency
  • Files should not contain unnecessary layers, hidden objects, clipping paths or unused elements.
  • Please remove unnecessary editing data to reduce file size and avoid processing problems.
  • Transparency, shadows and other effects should be checked carefully before exporting the final PDF.
File Naming

The file name should clearly correspond to the order and make it possible to identify the artwork without opening the file.

Whenever possible, please include the following information in the file name:

  • material type,
  • final dimensions,
  • finishing/configuration,
  • quantity,
  • artwork version or position, if several different files are included in one order.

Recommended example:

Frontlit_300x500cm_Hem_Eyelets50cm_2pcs.pdf

For multiple artworks:

Frontlit_300x500cm_Hem_Eyelets50cm_Layout01_2pcs.pdf

If a file is prepared at a scale other than 1:1, please also include the scale:

Mesh_1000x500cm_Scale1-10_50pcs.pdf

Please avoid unnecessarily long file names and information that is not relevant to production.

Generic file names such as:

  • banner.pdf
  • mesh.pdf
  • selfadhesive.pdf
  • print.pdf
  • final.pdf
  • artwork.pdf

should be avoided, as they do not clearly identify the corresponding order or production specification.

The information contained in the file name should be consistent with the information provided in the order.

File Upload

For orders placed through our online shop, files should be uploaded directly during the ordering process.

For orders placed by email, please upload the print files via WeTransfer using the following link:

xlmedia24.wetransfer.com

Please make sure that the uploaded file names clearly correspond to the submitted order.

Submitting Your Order

Orders placed outside our online shop should be sent to info@xlmedia24.de.

The email should include:

  • the names of the uploaded files,
  • material,
  • final dimensions,
  • quantity,
  • required finishing/configuration,
  • any additional production instructions.

The specifications stated in the order should correspond to the information contained in the file names.

File Verification and Responsibility

XL MEDIA performs a basic technical verification of submitted files before production. This may include checks such as file dimensions, resolution, file readability and obvious technical issues.

However, this verification does not constitute a complete proofreading or professional prepress inspection of the artwork.

Due to the complexity of print files, some errors may not be detected during our standard verification process.

The customer is responsible for the correct preparation and final content of the supplied files, including in particular:

  • dimensions and proportions,
  • resolution,
  • colors and color profiles,
  • overprint settings,
  • fonts,
  • spelling and content,
  • positioning of graphic elements,
  • transparency and effects,
  • cutting contours and special colors,
  • correct quantity and version of each artwork,
  • consistency between the uploaded files and the submitted order.

Unless a separate professional file-checking or artwork-preparation service has been agreed, XL MEDIA cannot accept responsibility for errors resulting from incorrectly prepared files supplied by the customer.

Files approved or supplied by the customer are considered ready for production.

If you have any questions or need assistance with file preparation, please contact us before submitting the final files.