Vehicle Wrap File Setup Checklist for Wholesale Print Orders

Most wrap jobs that miss their ship date don't have a print problem. They have a file problem: missing bleed, low-resolution photos, fonts that didn't come through, or a panel that's wider than the printer. Run through this checklist before you order and your job goes straight to proof.

1. Format

• Print-ready PDF is preferred.
• AI or EPS work too, with fonts converted to outlines and images embedded.
• For raster art, send a layered PSD or a flattened TIFF.
• Using something else? Ask us before you send it.

2. Size and scale

• Build at full size, or to scale with the scale in the file name (1:10 is common). For example: smith-plumbing-driver-side-1to10.pdf.
• Send one file per side of the vehicle: driver, passenger, rear, hood, roof.
• Measure the real vehicle. Templates are a starting point, and trim levels, roof heights and wheelbases change the numbers.

3. Bleed

• Add at least 2 inches of bleed on every edge of vehicle artwork.
• Extend backgrounds into the bleed. Keep logos, phone numbers and text well inside it.
• Remember the bleed when you price the job: add 4" to each dimension in the calculator.

4. Resolution

• For vehicle graphics, aim for 100 to 150 ppi at full size. At 1:10 scale that means 1,000 to 1,500 ppi in the scaled file.
• Graphics people see up close, like storefront windows and interior walls, need more.
• Vector art (logos, type, shapes) prints sharp at any size, so keep it vector wherever you can.

5. Color

• Set documents to CMYK.
• If a brand color has to match, put the Pantone or brand color in your order notes and we'll flag it on your proof. Call us for critical color work.
• Remember that finish changes how color reads: matte and luster laminates look softer than gloss.

6. Paneling

• We print on 60" rolls with a 58" max print width (52" on wall film). Anything wider is paneled.
• Most shops let us panel: send the full side and we'll add overlap and show the layout on your proof.
• If you panel yourself, keep every panel, overlap included, at 58" or less, and tell us your overlap in the order notes.
• Paneling affects price too. See how wholesale wrap printing is measured.

7. Contour-cut graphics

• Supply vector artwork with the cut path on its own layer.
• Name the cut path spot color CutContour, set as a 100% magenta hairline stroke.
• Call us before ordering text under 2 inches tall or very fine detail.

8. Final check

• Fonts outlined, images embedded, no RGB or spot colors you didn't mean to use.
• File names say the customer, the side and the scale.
• Job name or PO on the order so your proof and invoice match your paperwork.

Sending large files

Upload files up to 5 GB each right on the product page. For bigger files, check "I'll send files after checkout" and send a download link with your order number. The upload page has the details.

Not sure a file is ready?

Send it anyway. A person on our prepress team checks every file and emails a proof before anything prints, and nothing prints until you approve it. Need help getting there? Our file setup service checks resolution and color, adds bleed, builds panels and outputs print-ready files for $199 per design. See the full file setup guide for specs.