What File Format Should You Use for Large Format Printing?
Submitting your artwork in the right file format ensures sharp, vibrant prints with no quality loss. At Xpress Printing Tanzania in Moshi, we accept all major file formats — but some produce better results than others.
Vector Files (Best Quality)
Vector files (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF) are the gold standard for large format printing. They scale to any size without losing quality. If your artwork contains logos, text, or simple graphics, always send vector files.
- AI (Adobe Illustrator) — Best for logos and designs
- EPS — Universal vector format, works across all print software
- PDF (print-ready) — Best for mixed content with images and text
- SVG — Good for web-to-print designs
Raster/Image Files (Photos)
For photographic content and images, raster files are necessary. The key requirement is resolution — at least 150 DPI at the final print size for large format, and 300 DPI for smaller prints.
- TIFF — Best quality, no compression loss
- PNG — Good for transparent backgrounds
- JPG — Acceptable at high resolution (300 DPI)
- PSD (Photoshop) — Editable layered files welcome
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sending low-resolution images (72 DPI web images will look blurry)
- Using RGB colour mode instead of CMYK for print
- Not including bleed (add 3–5mm bleed on all edges)
- Embedding fonts incorrectly — outline all text or embed fonts in PDF
No Design Files? We Can Help
If you do not have print-ready artwork, our design team at Xpress Printing Tanzania can create or adapt your files for large format printing.
