Cardboard signs

Submission specifications for Cardboard panels

Add 5 mm bleed.

To allow leeway for cutting differences in production, always add a bleed of 5 mm around all edges of your design. Make sure colours, background pictures and layouts extend into the bleed area so as to avoid leaving white lines as a result of cutting tolerances. You can submit your file with crop marks and printer's marks.

Keep 10 mm safety margin.

Keep all important text and images at least 10 mm away from the edge of the finished size.

Resolution of at least 150 dpi.

Make sure the resolution of the images and graphics in your artwork are at least 150 dpi.

Use CMYK as the colour mode.

Prepare your files using CMYK as the colour mode, not RGB. Use colourmode FOGRA39 (ISO Coated v2) for coated papertypes and colourmode FOGRA47 (PSO Uncoated ISO12647) for uncoated papertypes. If you are unsure of the colour mode of your file, don't worry we can always convert this for you. Keep in mind this can cause the colours to differ from the original file.

Save your files in uneditable, print-ready file formats.

Save your files in uneditable, print-ready file formats (PDF (1.4 or higher), TIFF, EPS, JPG). Deliver your files in one layer: the background layer.

Here you can find the customized submission specifications for contour cutting.

If you want your product to be cut to a custom shape, you will have to add it as a vector shape on top of your design. Make sure the width of the stroke is 1 pt, the colour is a 100% magenta spot and named "cutcontour". If you want us to adjust it for you, please send the custom shape on a separate page in the desired position. Please note that bleed is still needed for custom shaped designs, meaning your design must go at least 5 mm past the contour cut line.

Convert fonts to outlines or embed all the fonts.

Make sure you convert fonts to outlines or embed all the fonts when saving it to PDF.

Fonts should be at least 12 pt.

With a minimum font size of 20 pt (30 pt for white text) make sure your text is readable.

Check your artwork on overprint.

Make sure no elements in your artwork are set on overprint unless you want this effect in your design. You can read more about overprint in our Help Center.

Frequently Asked Questions for Cardboard panels

What is this product exactly? And what can I use it for?

• Panels are one of our most-sold products and are a very popular promotional material. A panel is a sign for advertisement of your own store or project with your own design on it.
• 
  This product is used:
• • Introduce people to your business
• • Promote discounts or events
• • Provide information
• • Promote at fairs and events
• • Represent your company's identity or brand

What is the fastest possible turnaround?

• The fastest possible turnaround for Cardboard panels is:
• Nextday
• NOTE: only applicable for products which require your design: To make sure that your order is delivered at the indicated time, it is important that we receive your file with your design for the product, on time (also called cut-off time). In this way the product can be moved into production on time. The deadline is always communicated in the final step when putting your product together and in the box on the right which details your entire order.
• The cut-off time for your printed item may vary. This depends on the combination you choose. This has to do with the manufacturing technique and / or the order quantities.
• NOTE: The product delivery shifts a day every time the deadline for submission has passed. This is also the case if the file is rejected by us and corrected artwork isn't supplied before the next cut off time.

Which production techniques do you use?

• For the production of your Cardboard panels we use the following production technique(s):
• UV-print: the printing is fulfilled with eco-friendly ink which is cured by means of UV light. This technique is also used by dentists for placing a filling. Curing ensures that the quality is clear and the colours are printed sharp.
• Latex-print: the film is printed with eco-friendly latex inks. These inks are water based and doesn't contain harmful substances. The latex film is very secure and sturdy, and will be placed on top of the material.

Which carriers are used for the delivery?

• Helloprint has organised agreements with multiple couriers to be able to deliver your orders in a fast and efficient manner. The delivery will be sent to your indicated address with DHL, UPS, or DPD and you’ll be able to follow the status of your delivery through your account. You will receive an email with a tracking link when your order is in transit, and your items will be packed and delivered according to the turnover you’ve chosen (provided there were no delays).
• Other carriers we use are DHL and even our own courier service. These carriers are used for certain products (depending on the size, the turnaround and the quantity).

I can't find the product I'm looking for. Can I request a quotation?

• The Cardboard panels that is chosen in most cases can be selected via our website.
• 
  If your material type, weight, quantity, size or other specification is not listed, you can request a quotation. We will send you our offer within 1 working day.

Are Cardboard panels fit for usage outside?

• All panels are made for inside use. For outside use, it is best to choose one of the following materials: Trespa, correx, painted or brushed aluminium.

Which materials can I choose from?

• Display cardboard (Indoor): Two sides of matt (ironed) white paper layed on sturdy gray cardboard. Used frequently as bar displays or ceiling hangers. Maximum surface 2m2 per panel.

What options are available for Cardboard panels?

• No extra options: A Clean Cut is the standard finish for your advertising panel. Your sign will be cut nicely to the exact size you requested.

Are all types of material being printed directly on the panel?

• All materials are printed directly onto the panel. Except for trespa, here a latex based foil gets printed on the panel.

Is this panel fire resistant?

• Our Foamex signs panels are B1 certified, which makes them fire retardant.