Sticker & Decal Artwork File Setup Guide

We Want Your Custom Stickers to Look Amazing!

Preparing your artwork correctly ensures your custom stickers and decals print cleanly, cut accurately, and look professional. This guide covers file requirements, bleed setup, resolution, cut lines, and color settings for all of our sticker products.

Whether you're ordering die-cut stickers, sticker sheets, label rolls, bumper stickers, metallic stickers, or wall decals, these guidelines will help ensure smooth production and high-quality results.

Assorted custom printed stickers in various shapes and finishes

Accepted File Formats

  • PDF (preferred)
  • AI (Adobe Illustrator)
  • PNG or JPG (300 DPI at final size)

Vector artwork is strongly recommended for best results, especially for custom-shaped stickers and large-format wall decals.

Resolution Requirements

All raster artwork should be at least 300 DPI at final print size. For larger items like wall decals, the resolution should remain high at the final scaled size.

Low-resolution files may print blurry or pixelated. We will notify you if file quality needs adjustment before printing.

We can restore resolution using an AI Program. We ask for permission first.

Bleed and Safe Area

  • Add at least 0.125 inches of bleed beyond the final trim size.
  • Keep important text and design elements at least 0.125 inches inside the cut line.

Proper bleed prevents unintended white edges after trimming. If you prefer a visible border around your sticker, let us know. When clarification is needed, we will send a digital proof for approval.

Setting Up Cut Lines (For Custom Shapes)

For die-cut and custom-shaped stickers, include a clearly defined vector cut path if possible. If you’re unsure how to set one up, no worries — our team will handle the cut line during file review.

  • Create the cut line as a separate vector path.
  • Place it on its own layer.
  • Ensure it follows the contour of your artwork.

If no cut path is included, we will prepare it for you before production.

File Setup by Sticker Type

Die-Cut Stickers

Custom-shaped stickers cut to the exact contour of your design. You do not need to create a cut line — simply provide your artwork, and our team will prepare the contour path for production.

Kiss-Cut Sticker Sheets

Multiple designs arranged on a single sheet. Leave adequate spacing between designs, and feel free to use the surrounding sheet area creatively for branding or additional artwork. We handle the final cut setup.

Circle, Square, and Rectangle Stickers

Standard shape stickers do not require custom cut paths. Ensure your artwork is centered properly and includes bleed for clean trimming.

Sticker Label Rolls

Typically produced in consistent shapes and repeated layouts. Maintain even margins and spacing if submitting multiple labels in one file.

Bumper Stickers

Designed for visibility and outdoor durability. Use bold typography, strong contrast, and large elements so the design remains readable from a distance.

Metallic Stickers

Metallic material can influence how colors appear. Avoid extremely small details and understand that lighter or transparent areas may interact with the metallic finish.

Removable Wall Decals

Often printed at larger sizes. Maintain high resolution at full scale and avoid very thin borders near edges to ensure clean cutting and professional results.

Color Setup (CMYK vs RGB)

Files should be created in CMYK color mode for accurate print results. RGB files will be converted before printing, which may slightly shift certain colors. If color accuracy is critical, consider adding a digital proof to your order.

Proofing and File Review

All artwork is reviewed before production to ensure proper sizing, resolution, and cut alignment. If issues are detected, our team will contact you before printing.

Common Sticker File Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using low-resolution images (files pulled from social media often print blurry)
  • Skipping bleed, which can cause unwanted white edges after trimming
  • Placing text or important details too close to the edge
  • Designing ultra-thin borders near the cut edge, which can look uneven after cutting
  • Submitting RGB colors that appear brighter on screen than they will in print
  • Sending screenshots instead of original artwork files

Before You Upload: Quick Checklist

  • Your file is set to the final print size
  • Raster artwork is at least 300 DPI at final size
  • Bleed is included (at least 0.125 inches beyond the final cut)
  • Important text and details are kept inside the safe area
  • Your file is exported as a PDF when possible
  • Colors are set to CMYK for best print accuracy

Ready to Upload Your Sticker Artwork?

Once your file is set up, simply upload your artwork when placing your order. Every file is reviewed by our team to ensure proper sizing, resolution, and cut alignment before printing begins.

If anything needs adjustment, we’ll reach out before production. Our goal is to make the process smooth and stress-free so your stickers print exactly as expected.