Exporting Files
Exporting Files for Customer Approval
When exporting layouts for customer approval, clarity is of utmost importance. Since most individuals are visual learners, presenting a clean, professional layout significantly aids in their decision-making process. It is essential that the layout displays only the most relevant information, minimizing any potential confusion. Some measurements are ok, but too many can make the layout convoluted and hard to decipher, remember less is more.
The layout should closely resemble the final product to provide an accurate representation. For example, if the sign is intended for a building wall, the layout should depict the sign on the building to scale as accurately as possible (see image below).
Similarly, if the sign is to be mounted on a pole, it should be shown in the layout positioned on a pole. If an existing pole is available, include the layout over a photo of it; (see above) if not, illustrate a pole with the appropriate dimensions to indicate the planned height. (see below)
Creating an accurate layout not only assists the customer in visualizing the final result but also serves as a crucial reference for the installation technicians, who will rely on these images to determine the precise location of the sign during installation.
Vehicle Decals & Wraps:
For vehicle layouts, it is essential that the design closely matches the final product. Accurate scaling is critical for providing an accurate quote. Additionally, ensure the vehicle image is properly rotated and leveled before beginning the layout process. Always level the image first, rather than adjusting your graphics to match the image. This will ensure that your straight lines remain true and do not require tilting for alignment. Once the vehicle image is leveled and correctly scaled, proceed with overlaying your logos, text, shapes, and other design elements onto the vehicle image.
For more info regarding how to setup a vehicle template or scale a vehicles image correctly click here. (insert link to Vehicle Decals & Wrap Layouts page)
What we don’t want:
Too many layouts in one image. Some customers may place orders for a variety of items simultaneously, such as yard signs, channel letters, truck decals, and business cards. If these are exported together, the individual details may become unclear. For instance, if a design for business cards and a truck wrap are exported together, the truck’s size may overshadow the business cards, making them difficult to view. You can, however, group smaller products in one image (Yard Signs, decals, etc.) Additionally, since most customers access emails on their mobile devices, it is important to consider the limited screen size they will be using when viewing these images and export accordingly. See Below:
Duplicate layouts. When exporting a design for channel letters on a building, only include the image with the sign on the building for the customer. We don’t need to send the close up with measurement details in the same image of the building. This adds too much for one image. Export the image with the dimensions as a separate image. Same with vehicle decals, only send one image with the decals on the vehicle. No need to include the decals on the side as well. See Below:
Wrong Format. We only send .jpg files to the customer and are limited to 4-6” in size (10” for Wraps) These will display on any device and will help prevent them from taking their business elsewhere. If they request a vector file (eps, pdf, ai) please ask why so we can make sure they get the right file they need.
Exceptions to the rule:
Yard Sign/Decals: If the customer has ordered several different yard signs, decals, or other small signage, please include these in the same layout so we don’t miss anything and we don’t have to send several different images that can become confusing. See below this image of yard signs for a local school. We included every name so the customer could check and approve the spelling of each name. One image in this case makes more sense than 40+ single images.
Please do include a separate image containing the measurements of all materials needed for vinyl decals. This includes vehicle decals, window decals, wall decals, etc. This image will be for internal reference only, enabling our estimators to accurately calculate the material usage and associated costs. See Below:
Dimensions do not need to be included on vehicle layouts, but are helpful for standalone signage such as pole signs, or wood and steel framed signage. See Below:
