File types for cut vinyl decals & lettering.
Cut vinyl lettering requires a vector-based file to be cut-to-shape.
To be able to cut vinyl lettering to shape, specific vector-based files are required. Vector based files are usually created in Adobe Illustrator or InDesign and sometimes Corel Draw and carry the following file extensions: .EPS, .PDF,.AI, .INDD or .CDR. These particular files can be designed to include outlines (or outlines) that a printer or plotter can detect and determine what shape the printed filed needs to be cut too.
Vector files have been created in programs that are more mathematically based with points, lines, attributes and components that can be expanded or reduced without losing quality. Vector files are the only files that can be used for any vinyl lettering or vinyl decal orders that need to be cut to shape. Raster files, such as .JPG, .TIF, .PNG, .GIF or .PSD, can't be used because they are actually images with a dot pattern and no discernible cut lines for a computer to follow to cut to shape.
If you have a raster file only and would still like your vinyl lettering or vinyl decal to have a cut to shape look or design, we can offer you a few solutions:
- RE-DESIGN: Our talented design team can try and re-create your logo in a vector format, allowing the file to be cut to shape. This service does incur a fee based on the complexity of the work.
- CLOUD CUT: We can take your raster artwork and place a "cloud cut" around it, giving it a more customized look over printing on a square or rectangular piece of white or clear vinyl. (A cloud cut essentially cut to the outside shape of the file leaving a slight border around the letter or graphics, creating a semi-custom cut.)
- PRINT ON CLEAR: If your graphics (logo, text, images, etc.) can't be successfully recreated and a "cloud cut" won't work, the last option available is a direct print onto clear material. Clear vinyl is transparent and when applied to a surface will allow the substrate color to come through to have the appearance that the letters or graphics have been cut to shape and have no background.
Whether you provide vector files or raster files, we always do a print-quality check to make sure there are no issues with any files submitted. If we find an issue with your file, you will be contacted to discuss how to rectify the situation to effectively produce your vinyl lettering or vinyl decals.
For more information on how to prepare and submit your files for print production, please see our File Format Guide page or the File Preparation Checklist page.