Nova Help Center

How can we help you?

What are the Artwork & Graphics Requirements (Trade Printing)?

What file types do you accept?

  • PDF (single page only) — preferred
  • JPG/JPEG
     If your product is double-sided, please provide two files (Side A / Side B) or share a folder link.

What size should my artwork be?

  • Build your artwork at the exact ordered size (1:1).
     Example: If you order 24″ × 36″, your file should be 24″ × 36″.

If you upload artwork at a different size, it may be scaled to fit and could affect quality.


NOTE: SEG graphics: Provide the frame opening size, measured from outer edge to outer edge of the SEG slot. This measurement does not include the outer aluminum frame wall thickness.

What resolution do I need?

  • 150 ppi minimum at final print size (works well for large format, including backlit film and SEG graphics).
    Higher resolution is always fine.

Tip: If the graphic will be viewed very close (e.g., retail lightbox, menu board, small text), aim for 200–300 ppi when possible.

What color mode should I use?

  • CMYK only
  • No Pantone / Spot Colors (convert them to CMYK before exporting)

Should I include bleed or crop marks?

  • No.
  • Please do not include bleeds or crop marks unless we provide a specific template that asks for them.

What about fonts?

To avoid font substitution issues:

  • Convert fonts to outlines, or
  • Embed fonts properly in the PDF

Any special rules for PDF files?

For best results:

  • Export as a single-page, print-ready PDF
  • Flatten transparencies
  • Make sure images are embedded (not linked)

What is “Print As Is”?

If you select Print As Is, we will print exactly what you provide. You are responsible for:

  • spelling and content
  • layout and alignment
  • correct dimensions
  • image quality / resolution

What does “Need Help Upscaling” include?

If your file is not print-ready due to low resolution, you can choose:
Need Help Upscaling (+$25)

This service includes:

  • Upscaling low-resolution raster graphics to improve print clarity

It does not include:

  • redesign or layout changes
  • typesetting or reformatting
  • logo redraw/vector rebuild (we can quote separately if needed)

Uploading via Dropbox or Google Drive

You can paste a share link during checkout.

Make sure your link access is set to:
 ✅ Anyone with the link can view/download

If access is restricted, we may not be able to download your file, which can delay production.

Common issues that cause print problems

  • Artwork not built at 1:1
  • Resolution below 150 ppi
  • RGB files (washed out or color shift)
  • Spot colors / Pantone not converted to CMYK
  • Missing fonts (not outlined/embedded)
  • Multi-page PDFs (we accept single-page only)