ARTWORK SPECIFICATIONS & GUIDANCE
At Genie we provide a
free artwork checking service, where we will always make sure your files are suitable for print. However, it is helpful if you can supply your artwork ready for us to use, following the guidelines below. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you need any further information.
Screen proofs are sent for sign off on all jobs before production commences to ensure your order is as you expect.
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HOW WE MANAGE YOUR ORDER
When you place an order with Genie we manage your order in an efficient and organised manner. This chart demonstrates the process we use to do this.
For artwork specifications of any other sizes that may not be mentioned on this page please feel free to get in contact with us. This may include: merchandise, flags, beermats, signage, folded leaflets and more!
If you require assistance or are having any problems, our friendly team are more than happy to help - visit our contact page.
ARTWORK SIZES & FINISHED SIZES
This little guide will help you set up your artwork to the correct specifications for production.
As well as the standard A sizes listed here we can also produce bespoke sized products, tailor made to your requirements.
BUSINESS CARD
Artwork Size: 8.9cm x 5.9cm
Finished Size: 8.5cm x 5.5cm
COMPLIMENT SLIP
Artwork Size: 10.4cm x 21.6cm
Finished Size: 9.8cm x 21cm
LETTERHEAD
Artwork Size: 21.6cm x 30.3cm
Finished Size: 21cm x 29.7cm
A0
Artwork Size: 84.6cm x 119.4cm
Finished Size: 84cm x 118.8cm
A1
Artwork Size: 60cm x 84.6cm
Finished Size: 59.4cm x 84cm
A2
Artwork Size: 42.6cm x 60cm
Finished Size: 42cm x 59.4cm
A3
Artwork Size: 30.3cm x 42.6cm
Finished Size: 29.7cm x 42cm
A4
Artwork Size: 21.6cm x 30.3cm
Finished Size: 21cm x 29.7cm
A5
Artwork Size: 15.4cm x 21.6cm
Finished Size: 14.8cm x 21cm
A6
Artwork Size: 11.1cm x 15.4cm
Finished Size: 10.5cm x 14.8cm
A7
Artwork Size: 8.0cm x 11.1cm
Finished Size: 7.4cm x 10.5cm
A8
Artwork Size: 5.8cm x 8.0cm
Finished Size: 5.2cm x 7.4cm
DL
Artwork Size: 10.4cm x 21.6cm
Finished Size: 9.8cm x 21cm
SMALL SQUARE
Artwork Size: 10.4cm x 10.4cm
Finished Size: 9.8cm x 9.8cm
LARGE SQUARE
Artwork Size: 15.4cm x 15.4cm
Finished Size: 14.8cm x 14.8cm
PAPER SIZES
This graph illustrates the Industry standard "A" series paper sizes, showing the dimensions of each size and how they compare against each other. The most common paper size is A4, which you can see highlighted here.
Each numbered size is exactly half of the previous one - for example A5 is half of an A4 size piece of paper, so if you split a sheet of A4 in half (along its longest edge), you would end up with two pieces of A5.
You can download a high resolution version of the paper size graph here.
BLEED & SAFE ZONE
- Most products will have 3mm trimmed off each edge during the cutting process, therefore all artwork should be supplied with a 3mm margin around the edge. For example, artwork for an A6 flyer should be supplied to us as the size 11.1cm x 15.4cm, but the finished size will be 10.5cm x 14.8cm. All background images/colours should go right up to the edge of the bleed area, do not use a white or coloured border.
- Please ensure that any text that you want to appear is at least 6mm from the edge to avoid being lost or trimmed during the production process.
ARTWORK SUBMISSION
- You can upload your artwork online when you order, send your artwork via
email
or visit us in store. If your artwork is too large to email or upload you can use WeTransfer or Dropbox.
- Upon receipt of your artwork we will send a low resolution proof via email
for you to sign off
before production commences.
- For custom jobs or any products not listed on this guide please contact us for a template / guide to lay out your artwork correctly.
- We recommend that any written text within your artwork should be no smaller than 6pt to be clearly legible.
FILE FORMAT
- We can accept files in the following formats:
PDF, JPG, TIFF, PSD, AI, EPS
or
SVG (preferably PDF).
- Your artwork should always be saved at 300dpi, otherwise a loss of quality may result in the printed pieces.
- 72dpi is used for screen and is therefore not appropriate for print.
- All artwork should be flattened, and all text converted into paths* (*For Illustrator / Vector documents only).
- If artwork is saved in the incorrect format this may result in a delay to the print process, or faulty printing.
COLOUR
- Artwork should always be saved in
CMYK
format. If your artwork is sent to us in RGB, this may result in a colour change once your finished piece is printed.
- To ensure a deep black, please save black sections of your artwork as 100% Black (K), 50% Cyan (C) and 50% Magenta (M).
- Colour saturation should never exceed 240% in total otherwise faulty printing may result. This means that the percentage of each of the four colour values (E.g. Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black) should not add up to more than 240%.
PLEASE NOTE
- It is the Customers sole responsibility to check proofs carefully for all errors, including any typographical errors that may have been made by us misreading your instructions. Therefore, please check carefully. Genie cannot take any responsibility for mistakes once these proofs have been received and signed off.
- Genie will also not take any responsibily for printing errors that occur from artwork not meeting our specifications.
ROLL UP BANNER SETUP
- The printed area of a roll up exhibition banner is different to the visible area and the setup process is slightly different for this product.
- Download the templates below or create an artwork file according to the following sizes:
STANDARD ROLL UP • Artwork size 85cm x 215cm
XL ROLL UP • Artwork size 120cm x 215cm
A4 MICRO ROLL UP • Artwork size 21.6cm x 40.3cm
A3 MINI ROLL UP • Artwork size 30.3cm x 52.6cm

- When factoring in the area that will be printed, the bottom section will be rolled right into the cassette. So although it is not visible, if you do not extend your artwork into this area you may end up with unwanted white sections on the visible banner once standing.
TEARDROP & FEATHER FLAGS
- Please download the template required for your chosen flag and used the correct size page to create your artwork.
- Each downloadable template includes all of the options within the pdf for the sizes that we offer.
- Please keep at 100% scale.
EXHIBITION POP-UP STANDS
- Please download the template required for your chosen exhibition stand and podium graphic (if required).
- Please keep at 100% scale.
PRESENTATION FOLDERS
- Please download the template required for your chosen presentation folder.
- Each downloadable template includes all of the options within the pdf for the sizes that we offer.

- Please keep at 100% scale.
PVC OUTDOOR BANNERS
We can produce banners with three types of finishing:
- WITH SQUARE EDGES - trimmed neatly to size. No bleed is required if you are having a square edged banner.
- with hems and eyelets - which allows you to hang or secure neatly in place. Banners that are hemmed and eyeleted require 3mm bleed on each edge.
- with pole pockets - perfect for hanging on scaffolding or lamp posts. For banners with pole pockets, please provide your artwork to scale, with 3mm bleed all around.
- You can have the pockets on any edge - (for example top and bottom) - please confirm at the time of ordering.
- The pockets take up approx 180mm (wherever they are positioned) and although you can print a background colour or image on top of this area, please ensure important content is a minimum of 180mm away from the edge where the pocket is located. No need to add extra space on your artwork for pockets - Genie will manage that for you.
- We can also provide pockets for other sized poles - please ask if this is something you require.
- Once you have created your design, save it as a flattened pdf file at 300dpi. With larger sizes you may need to reduce the resolution to 150dpi. If this still won’t save then 300dpi but at 50% scale should suffice.
T-SHIRTS / GARMENTS &
CUSTOM CUT VINYL STICKERS
- Files need to be supplied in the same format for both vinyl stickers, garments, caps and tote bags.
- Artwork should be supplied as a vector pdf with all text converted to outlines.
1 - Please create your design at the correct size & 300dpi.
2 - Add a 0.25pt magenta stroke around the shape you would like your design to be. This will be your cutter guide.
3 - Create a bleed area that extends beyond the cutter guide that is the same colour as the artwork. (This allows for any movement during production).
4 - Save the file as a vector pdf.
- For T-Shirts & Garments the maximum print area we can provide is 25cm x 25cm for both the front and back design.
- If your design exceeds these limits we may still be able to
help - please ask us for a bespoke quote.
CAPS
- Please use the above guide to set up your files.
- Ensure your artwork is no larger than 9cm x 4cm due to machinery restrictions.
- We will advise if any areas need adjusting to work with our machinery.
TOTE BAGS
- Please use the above guide to set up your files.
- Ensure your artwork is no larger than 21cm x 21cm due to machinery restrictions.
- We will advise if any areas need adjusting to work with our machinery.
FOILING & SPOT UV
When creating artwork for foiling and spot UV finishes, multiple files must be supplied to ensure the machinery understands which elements are to be printed using each method.
- Create a background layer containing everything that will be CMYK printed
(Diagram 1).
- As a second layer, or separate file, create the areas to be Foiled or have spot UV applied in black (Diagram 2).
- Save your artwork as two separate print ready pdf files.
The foil or spot UV layer is applied on top of the CMYK print during the finishing stages of production to create the final product.
If you require assistance or are having any problems our friendly team are more than happy to help - visit our
contact page.
STAPLED BOOKLET SETUP
PRINTERS PAIRS
- Consisting of two pages per sheet, the running order works in an alternating pattern. The diagram below shows an example of an 8pp booklet however the same principle applies for both smaller and larger page counts. Pages 1 & 8 will always be your front and back covers, whilst pages 2 & 7 will be the inside cover pages.
- When setting up your pages, you will need to account for
7mm of bleed to each edge of the entire two page spread but ensure that there is no bleed on the spine otherwise content may end up being printed across the two pages. The only exception to this would be if you are creating a perfect bound booklet as the spine will need to be accounted for - contact us directly for the correct artwork specifications related to your page size and count.
- Once your artwork is setup in the correct order, save the file as a 300dpi pdf. Using our illustration here, you will now have a four page pdf file that is ready for printing.
PENS
- Please provide your artwork to fit within the print area of your chosen pen and supply at 100% scale.
- For a 'full colour print' option, supply your artwork in CMYK.
- If you are selecting a 'one colour print' option please supply your artwork in black. Genie will convert your design to your chosen colour during production. Select your desired print colour through the checkout process. All of the options are clearly visible.
- Ensure fonts are Outlined or Embedded and any fonts used are no smaller than
7pt.
ALADDIN BUDGET PEN
•
1 COLOUR PRINT
Print Area
•
40mm x 20mm
IAGO
COLOUR PEN •
1 COLOUR PRINT
Print Area
•
45mm x 20mm
JAFAR FROSTED PEN •
1 COLOUR PRINT
Print Area
•
45mm x 20mm
JASMIN
CURVY PEN
•
FULL COLOUR PRINT
Print Area
•
60mm x 8mm
ABU ECO PEN •
1 COLOUR PRINT
Print Area
• 50mm x 25mm
MERCHANDISE • BADGES, KEYRINGS, MAGNETS & MIRRORS
- The inner blue circle shows the finished item size.
- The outer pink circle shows the artwork size – this is the size your file should be supplied. Any background colours/designs should extend to the edge of this pink artwork circle, however keep any text and your main design or logo within the shaded grey “safe” area, to ensure no detail is lost when the product is produced.
LANYARDS
- Please download the template required to prepare your artwork file - it should be in CMYK and for best results saved as a Vector PDF.
- The outer pink line shows the artwork size – this is the size your file should be supplied. Any background colours/designs should extend to the edge of this pink artwork area, however keep any text and your main design or logo within the shaded grey “safe” area, to ensure no detail is lost when the product is produced. The blue dashed line shows the finished size.
- Ensure fonts are Outlined or Embedded. Our minimum recommend font size is 7pt and all lines should be no smaller than 0.5pt to print clearly.
ID CARDS
LANYARD ID CARDS • Punched & Ready to Hang
Artwork Size: 8cm x 11.6cm (Portrait), 11.6cm x 8cm (Landscape)
Finished Size: 7.4cm x 11cm (Portrait), 11cm x 7.4cm (Landscape)
CARDS TO FIT PLASTIC ID HOLDERS
Artwork Size: 8.9cm x 5.9cm
Finished Size: 8.5cm x 5.5cm
TABLE TALKERS
2 PANEL • A6
Artwork Size: 11.1cm x 30.2cm
Finished Size of Each Panel: 10.5cm x 14.8cm
3 PANEL • A6
Artwork Size: 32.1cm x 15.4cm
Finished Size of Each Panel: 10.5cm x 14.8cm
3 PANEL • DL
Artwork Size: 30.3cm x 21.6cm
Finished Size of Each Panel: 9.8cm x 21cm
CALENDARS
- Please download the template required for your chosen calendar.
- Our templates include the image location and also the monthly content. The blue dashed line indicates where the bind will be.
WIRE BOUND, THUMB PUNCHED WITH HANGER
WIRE BOUND & DRILLED
GIFT TAGS
- Please download the template required for your chosen tag.
- Please keep at 100% scale.
COASTERS & BEERMATS
SQUARE COASTER
Artwork Size: 10.2cm x 10.2cm
Finished Size: 9.6cm x 9.6cm
SQUARE BEERMAT
Artwork Size: 10cm x 10cm
Finished Size: 9.4cm x 9.4cm
CIRCULAR BEERMAT
Artwork Size: 10cm x 10cm
Finished Size: 9.4cm x 9.4cm
RECYCLED CARD BEERMAT
Artwork Size: 10.4cm x 10.4cm
Finished Size: 9.8cm x 9.8cm
MUGS
- Available as a WRAP design or a TWO-SIDED design.
- WRAP - One continuous image to wrap around the mug.
Artwork Size: 21cm x 8.5cm.
- TWO-SIDED - An image on the front and back of the mug, with a gap in between.
Artwork Size: 8cm x 8cm, please supply two files, one for each side.
WRISTBANDS
Artwork Size: 25.6cm x 1.8cm
- Printed with black ink only.
- Files supplied in colour will be converted to black before production.
- Tyvek wristbands are all supplied individually numbered with a detachable tab. Vinyl wristbands are supplied with a secure plastic clip.
Screen proofs are sent for sign off on all jobs before production commences to ensure your order is as you expect.
For artwork specifications of any other items that may not be mentioned on this page please feel free to get in contact with us. If you require assistance or are having any problems our friendly team are more than happy to help - visit our
contact page.
QUICK LINKS
