688 E Gish Rd, #10

San Jose, CA 95112

(408) 778-3916

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The process of ordering signs

When ordering your custom signage, be sure to use this check list below to help in making the whole process quick and easy!

What we need to know:

  • • What is your budget?    This helps us determine the right process and material to use.

  • • What do you want it to say?   We can help you with that if needed.

  • • What colors do you want to use?    Pantone (PMS) colors are best or we can help pick colors for you.

  • • Where will the sign be installed?      

  • • Is this interior or exterior?

  • • What is the material that it will be installed on?

  • • Accessibility, how high up is it and are there any obstacles?

  • • What size sign did you want?

File Preference

VECTOR ART: 

(.ai, .eps, .cdr) is the preferred file type needed for your artwork. It is usually smaller in file size, and is easily editable and scalable without any loss of information.


  • • Please check that your file is the correct size.  If you are ordering a 4’x 8’ sign, make sure that your artwork is scaled up to that size.   
  • • Convert any and all text to outlines, and save the file in either .AI, .EPS (CS4 or below), or .CDR format. Including any font names would also be helpful if we have to make any changes to the text.
  • • Include any PANTONE (PMS) color designations within the file. If no PMS colors are called out we will print your file AS IS! If you would like us to color match your print with something other than PMS colors there will be additional fees applied.

    BITMAP ART: 

    (.jpg, .bmp, .tif, .psd, .png, etc.) is accepted if your file is to be used for printing purposes ONLY. Example: We will not be able to use this file type if you are purchasing vinyl cut letters or a flat cut out acrylic version of your logo or artwork.


    • • Please check to be sure your file is the correct size.  If you are ordering a 4’x 8’ sign, make sure that your artwork is scaled up to that size.
    • • Make sure that your file is at the proper resolution for which the graphics will be seen. If the graphics will be seen from a distance only (like a billboard) then 150 dpi at full size should be adequate. If the graphics will be seen up close then we require a resolution of 300 dpi at full size.
    • • Please note, these files will not be altered by New Directions in any way and will be printed as is. If at all possible, save the file as a .tif with LZW compression.
    • • There is a maximum size of 10 megabytes for a file to be sent via email.  Larger files should be sent to us via Dropbox.com, yousendit.com, or similar file sharing service.