How to prepare your artwork and approve your proof

Two ways to order

• Design it for me (free): Tell us what you need below. A designer makes it and sends you a proof. Tell us the wording, colors and any photos or logo you want, and the date you need it.
• I have my own artwork: Have artwork ready? Order now and upload it from the link you get right after checkout. Your order confirmation email, titled "Order Confirmed - Upload Your Artwork", has the same upload button.

Ordered on our Etsy shop instead? Upload your files on the artwork upload page with your Etsy order number.

Preparing a print-ready file

• File types: PDF, AI, EPS, SVG, JPG, PNG or GIF. A PDF at the full banner size is the safest choice.
• Size and shape: make the file the same proportions as the banner you ordered (for example 2:3 for a 2' x 3' banner), so nothing is cropped or stretched.
• Resolution: at least 150 DPI at the final printed size, 300 DPI if you can. Vector files (PDF, AI, EPS, SVG) stay sharp at any size.
• Margins: keep text and logos at least 1 inch from every edge, where the hem and grommets go.
• Color: CMYK files print closest to what you see; bright on-screen RGB colors can print slightly duller.
• Fonts and images: convert text to outlines and embed images, so nothing changes when we open the file.
• Photos: send the original photo, not a screenshot or a photo from a social media post, which are too small to print large.

Designing in Canva

Set the canvas to your banner's proportions first; the Canva size calculator gives the exact size. When it is done, download it as a print PDF and upload that file.

How the free proof works

1. We email you "Your Design Proof is Ready" with a link to your order page.
2. Check each banner: spelling, names and numbers, dates, photos, colors and the size.
3. Press Approve to send it to print, or Request changes and describe what to fix. We send an updated proof; the proof page shows how many free revisions you have left.
4. Your banner prints only after you approve it, so the delivery clock starts at approval.

After you approve

Approve by 9 PM ET on a business day and your banner ships the next business day by free overnight shipping, arriving 1-2 business days after it ships; most orders arrive 1-3 business days after approval. If you chose to send your file later, the timeline starts once we have your file and you approve the proof. See the shipping policy.

Check the proof carefully: because each banner is custom, it cannot be returned, and an order that matches the approved proof cannot be refunded. If it arrives damaged or defective, or does not match the proof, contact us within 7 days and we reprint it or refund you (refund policy).

Next: pick a size in the banner size guide.