How to Prepare Print-Ready Artwork for Roll-Up Bunting
Follow the correct document size, bleed, safe area, bottom mechanism allowance, colour mode, image resolution, font and PDF-export requirements before submitting your roll-up bunting artwork for printing.
What makes roll-up bunting artwork print-ready?
Print-ready roll-up bunting artwork should match the exact selected product size, use the correct portrait orientation, include the specified bleed, keep important information inside the safe area and leave the lower mechanism zone clear.
The file should normally use CMYK colour mode, suitable high-resolution images, outlined or embedded fonts and a print-ready PDF format. The exported PDF should be opened and checked before it is uploaded.
Always download the template for the exact roll-up stand. Standard, black-base, teardrop and premium roll-up systems may use different dimensions and installation allowances.
Standard Roll-Up Bunting Artwork Specification
The following specification is a practical reference for Image Magic’s current standard roll-up bunting. The downloadable template for the selected product remains the final guide.
Current Standard Artwork Requirements
Step 1: Choose the Correct Product and Artwork Template
Confirm the exact roll-up stand before designing
Select the product type, width, height and material before creating the final artwork. Do not prepare a general “roll-up size” file and assume it will fit every display system.
Image Magic’s current standard roll-up bunting range includes:
- 60 cm × 200 cm
- 80 cm × 200 cm
- 85 cm × 200 cm
- 90 cm × 200 cm
- 120 cm × 200 cm
- 150 cm × 200 cm
Why the exact template matters
The template shows the intended document size, visible area, bleed, safe area and lower mechanism allowance. It also helps prevent important content from being covered by the top rail or retractable base.
Do not rely on a template from another supplier
Roll-up stands that appear similar may use different cassette dimensions, graphic lengths and installation methods. Use the current template supplied for the Image Magic product being ordered.
Step 2: Create the Document at the Correct Size
Set up the artwork in portrait orientation
Create a vertical document using the exact finished width and height shown in the selected product guideline. Avoid stretching an existing layout to fit a different proportion.
Use a one-to-one document scale
Image Magic’s standard upload guidance requests artwork that matches the selected size at a 1:1 scale. This means an 80 cm × 200 cm roll-up bunting should be prepared at its actual intended dimensions, plus the required bleed.
Do not enlarge an A4 flyer
An A4 flyer has a different proportion and is designed for close reading. Simply enlarging it can produce oversized paragraphs, blurred images, awkward empty areas and an unsuitable visual hierarchy.
Do not distort the design
Stretching a layout horizontally or vertically can distort logos, photographs, faces, QR codes and text. Redesign the content to suit the selected roll-up proportion.
Step 3: Add the Correct Bleed
Add 3 mm bleed around the standard artwork
Extend background colours, photographs and full-bleed design elements beyond the finished edge. Do not leave the bleed area empty when the background is meant to reach the edge.
| Selected finished size | Finished size in millimetres | Artwork size with 3 mm bleed | Orientation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 × 200 cm | 600 × 2000 mm | 606 × 2006 mm | Portrait |
| 80 × 200 cm | 800 × 2000 mm | 806 × 2006 mm | Portrait |
| 85 × 200 cm | 850 × 2000 mm | 856 × 2006 mm | Portrait |
| 90 × 200 cm | 900 × 2000 mm | 906 × 2006 mm | Portrait |
| 120 × 200 cm | 1200 × 2000 mm | 1206 × 2006 mm | Portrait |
| 150 × 200 cm | 1500 × 2000 mm | 1506 × 2006 mm | Portrait |
The dimensions above assume 3 mm bleed on all four outer edges. The exact downloadable product template should take priority when it shows another document setup.
Bleed is not the same as a safe area
Bleed extends beyond the finished edge. The safe area is located inside the finished edge and protects important information from trimming, hardware and alignment variation.
Avoid thin borders near the edge
A narrow border can look uneven when minor production or installation variation occurs. Full backgrounds or generous edge spacing usually create a cleaner result.
Step 4: Protect the Safe Area and Bottom Mechanism Zone
Keep essential content away from edges and hardware
Logos, headlines, telephone numbers, website addresses, prices and QR codes should remain inside the visible safe area. The lower part of the graphic enters the retractable base and should not contain essential information.
Leave the lower 100 mm free from critical information
Image Magic’s current standard guideline advises leaving approximately 10 cm at the bottom for the rolling mechanism. Background colours or images may continue through this area, but important content should be positioned above it.
Keep content away from the top rail
The upper rail holds the graphic in position. Maintain comfortable spacing between the top edge and important logos or headlines.
Allow for real viewing conditions
The lower part of a roll-up bunting may be blocked by furniture, product counters, people or exhibition equipment. Place the most important information higher in the layout.
Step 5: Build a Clear Content Hierarchy
Design for quick viewing rather than close reading
A roll-up bunting is normally viewed while people walk through an event, wait at a counter or approach an exhibition booth. The main message should be understood within a few seconds.
Recommended content order
- Company logo or event identity
- Short headline or primary benefit
- One strong product or service image
- Two to five concise supporting points
- Clear call to action
- Website, contact number or QR code
Brand Recognition
Position the logo or campaign identity near the upper portion so it remains visible above people, counters and furniture.
Main Message
Use the largest visual area for the headline, product image and strongest reason for customers to stop or approach.
Call to Action
Add concise contact information or a QR code above the mechanism zone, where customers can see and scan it comfortably.
Keep the headline short
A concise headline can be printed larger and recognised from farther away. Avoid using a long sentence as the main heading.
Limit supporting text
Use short points instead of full paragraphs. Detailed product specifications can be provided through a brochure, salesperson, website or QR code.
Use strong contrast
Text should remain clearly separated from its background. Avoid placing small text directly over a busy photograph without a suitable contrast panel.
Step 6: Prepare Colours in CMYK
Set the artwork document to CMYK colour mode
Roll-up bunting is produced using a CMYK printing process. Artwork supplied in RGB or using unsupported spot colours may be converted automatically, which can change the finished appearance.
Why screen colours can appear different
Computer and mobile screens create colours using RGB light. Printed materials reflect light from CMYK inks. Very bright blues, greens, oranges and fluorescent screen colours may not reproduce with the same intensity in print.
Use consistent brand values
When brand guidelines provide CMYK values, use them consistently across the logo, background and supporting graphics. Do not sample corporate colours from a screenshot or compressed image.
Rich black and small black text
Large dark background areas may require a suitable rich-black combination, while small black text is normally safer as a simple black value. Excessive total ink can cause avoidable colour and drying issues, so use controlled values rather than adding every colour at maximum.
Colour matching expectations
Colours can vary between monitors, materials, machines, lighting conditions and production batches. Customers requiring strict corporate-colour control should discuss expectations before confirming the order.
Step 7: Check Images and Effective Resolution
Use original high-resolution images
Select the original photograph or graphic instead of a screenshot, social-media download, messaging-app copy or thumbnail from a website.
Check resolution at the final output size
An image may show 300 dpi while it is small, but its effective resolution decreases when enlarged. Review the effective resolution after the image has been placed at its final size inside the artwork.
Use 300 dpi where practical
Image Magic’s standard product guideline identifies 300 dpi as the preferred target. The current upload guidance accepts approximately 150–300 dpi at actual size because roll-up displays are normally viewed from farther away than brochures or cards.
Understand what can tolerate lower resolution
A large background photograph may remain acceptable at a lower effective resolution when viewed from several metres away. Small product details, text converted into images and fine logos require greater clarity.
Avoid artificial enlargement
Increasing the pixel dimensions of a poor image does not restore missing detail. It may create a larger file without producing a sharper print.
Step 8: Check Fonts, Logos and Fine Details
Outline or embed all fonts
Missing fonts may be replaced automatically when the artwork is opened on another computer. This can change the typeface, spacing, line breaks and alignment.
Use vector logos where possible
AI, EPS, SVG or vector-based PDF logos can be enlarged without becoming pixelated. A logo copied from a website may have insufficient resolution for a two-metre-high display.
Check the smallest text
Roll-up bunting should not depend on very small text. Increase the size of contact information, disclaimers and supporting points so they remain readable at the expected viewing distance.
Avoid overly thin lines
Very fine rules and lightweight type can become difficult to see from a distance or lose clarity against photographs and gradients.
Check transparency and effects
Inspect drop shadows, transparency, gradients, clipping masks and blending effects in the exported PDF. Flattening or compatibility settings can sometimes alter these elements.
Step 9: Prepare QR Codes and Contact Information
Test the final QR code before submission
Confirm that the code opens the correct live page, form, product, location or contact destination. Test it using more than one mobile device where possible.
Check every contact detail manually
Confirm the telephone number, email address, website URL, social-media handle, office location and promotional dates before exporting.
Avoid temporary or incomplete destinations
Do not print a QR code that links to an unfinished landing page, expired form or temporary file-sharing address.
Consider the display’s lifespan
For a reusable corporate roll-up bunting, link to a stable website page rather than a short-term campaign URL that may expire before the display is retired.
Step 10: Export and Inspect the Final Print-Ready PDF
Export the final file without changing its proportions
Use a high-quality or press-quality PDF setting that preserves the intended artwork size, images, vectors and fonts. Avoid export options that reduce the document to a small web PDF.
Include bleed in the export
Confirm that the exported PDF contains the specified 3 mm bleed and that background artwork extends into this area.
Do not add unnecessary printer marks
Crop marks, colour bars and registration marks should only be added when the product guideline requests them. Unnecessary marks can enlarge the file or interfere with automated processing.
Open the exported PDF
Do not assume the export is correct because the editable design file looked correct. Open the PDF separately and review every visible area.
Check the PDF properties
Confirm the page size, orientation, page count and file name. A single roll-up design should normally be supplied as one final artwork file for the relevant order item.
Use a clear file name
Include the customer, campaign, product size and design reference where useful. Avoid final file names such as “banner-final-final-new2.pdf”.
Suggested File-Naming Format
Example: ABC-Company_Roll-Up-Bunting_80x200cm_Design-01.pdf
Common Roll-Up Bunting Artwork Mistakes
1. Using the wrong product dimensions
Artwork created for an 80 cm stand cannot be stretched into a 90 cm, 120 cm or 150 cm format without reviewing the complete layout.
2. Supplying artwork without bleed
Backgrounds that stop exactly at the finished edge may produce unwanted unprinted lines after production or installation variation.
3. Placing important content inside the mechanism zone
Contact details, logos or QR codes near the lower edge may become hidden inside the cassette.
4. Enlarging a small flyer or social-media design
Small-format layouts often contain too much text and images that cannot support large-format enlargement.
5. Using screenshots and compressed images
Images copied from websites, messaging applications or presentation previews may become blurred or pixelated.
6. Leaving the document in RGB mode
Bright screen colours may shift when converted into CMYK for printing.
7. Forgetting to outline or embed fonts
Missing fonts can change the design when the file is opened for checking or production.
8. Using an untested QR code
The code may be too small, point to the wrong destination or fail because the page is no longer active.
9. Putting too much information on one display
A crowded design reduces the visibility of the headline, image and call to action.
10. Uploading the editable file without checking the PDF
Linked images, unsupported effects or missing fonts may cause unexpected changes. A reviewed print-ready PDF is normally safer.
11. Adding unnecessary crop marks
Printer marks should not be added unless the selected template or printer specifically requests them.
12. Approving only from a mobile-phone preview
A phone cannot accurately show the final physical scale, image resolution, small-text readability or mechanism area.
Final Roll-Up Bunting Artwork Preflight Checklist
- Confirm the exact roll-up bunting product
- Confirm the selected finished width and height
- Download the current product template
- Set the document to portrait orientation
- Prepare the file at the approved scale
- Add the required 3 mm bleed
- Extend all edge backgrounds through the bleed
- Keep text and logos away from outer edges
- Leave the required bottom mechanism area clear
- Keep important content away from the top rail
- Set the artwork to CMYK colour mode
- Check the effective resolution of every image
- Use original photographs instead of screenshots
- Use vector logos where possible
- Outline or embed all fonts
- Check spelling and punctuation
- Verify telephone numbers and email addresses
- Verify website addresses and promotional dates
- Test every QR code on several devices
- Confirm that the QR destination is active
- Check for missing linked images
- Check transparency, shadows and gradients
- Export a print-ready PDF
- Confirm bleed is included in the PDF
- Open and inspect the exported PDF
- Confirm the PDF page dimensions
- Confirm the PDF contains the correct design
- Use a clear final file name
- Upload one confirmed artwork for each order item
- Retain the editable master file separately
What Image Magic Recommends
Start with the correct product template
Do not begin the final design until the stand model and size are confirmed. Download the current template from the selected product page and use it as the final dimensional reference.
Prepare the file at the actual intended size
Use portrait orientation and match the selected roll-up bunting dimensions at a one-to-one scale unless another setup has been approved.
Use a simple visual hierarchy
Prioritise the logo, short headline, main image, concise supporting message and clear call to action. Avoid designing the roll-up bunting like a full product catalogue.
Protect the bottom mechanism area
Keep all essential information above the lower installation zone. Continue background colours or images through the area, but do not place the only contact details or QR code there.
Submit a checked PDF
Export the final design as a print-ready PDF, open it independently and check the page size, bleed, spelling, images, fonts, colours, QR codes and safe-area placement before uploading.
Image Magic performs a basic check on artwork size, margins and colour settings. This check does not replace the customer’s responsibility to confirm wording, contact details, QR destinations, image quality and final design content.
Important Artwork-Checking Note
Basic artwork checking is intended to identify common technical issues such as incorrect size, missing margins or unsuitable colour settings. It does not include a complete proofreading, redesign, content verification or guaranteed correction of every artwork problem.
Minor adjustments may be possible, but complex changes, missing bleed, low-resolution images, incorrect layouts and unsuitable source files may require an editable file or additional design work. Extra charges and additional production time may apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What file format is best for roll-up bunting artwork?
A print-ready PDF is normally preferred. AI, EPS and high-resolution JPEG files may also be accepted for selected products.
Should the artwork use CMYK or RGB?
Prepare the artwork in CMYK colour mode. RGB and Pantone colours may require conversion and can change in appearance when printed.
How much bleed is needed?
The current standard Image Magic roll-up bunting guideline requests 3 mm bleed. Check the exact template because premium or special stand models may use different requirements.
What image resolution should I use?
Use original high-resolution images. Approximately 150–300 dpi at the final size is the current practical guidance, with 300 dpi preferred where possible.
Why must the lower area be left clear?
Part of the graphic is attached to and enters the roll-up base. Important information placed too low may become hidden or difficult to see.
Should fonts be outlined?
Fonts should be outlined or embedded so they do not change when the artwork is opened on another computer.
Can I enlarge my A4 flyer into a roll-up bunting?
It should be redesigned rather than simply enlarged. The proportions, text quantity, image quality and viewing distance are different.
Should I test my QR code before printing?
Yes. Test the final code using several devices and from realistic distances. Confirm that the destination is correct and remains active.
Related Roll-Up Bunting and Artwork Guides
Ready to Print Your Roll-Up Bunting?
Select your preferred roll-up bunting size, download the correct template and upload your confirmed print-ready PDF. Image Magic can perform a basic file check before the order proceeds.