Sending large files for print
Large format files are often far too big to attach to an email. Zip the job, share a link, and tell us what is in it.
Our route, in three steps.
- Put everything in one folder and zip it. Include the print files, any linked images and fonts if you are sending working files, and a note of what is what.
- Upload the zip to a transfer service. WeTransfer, Google Drive, Dropbox and similar services all work. Copy the link it gives you.
- Paste the link into our send artwork form, with your contact details and any notes on size, material, quantity and date.
A small file can go straight to sales@superchrome.co.uk as an attachment. Once the files arrive, we go through them and send a quote.
Picking a service.
| Route | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| WeTransfer or similar | One-off jobs, no account needed | Links expire, and size limits vary by plan |
| Google Drive | Teams already using it | Sharing must be set to anyone with the link |
| Dropbox | Files you update over time | Replacing a file can change what we download |
| Email attachment | Small files only | Big messages may bounce with no warning |
| Disk or drive by hand | Ask us first | Agree it before you set off |
Why links fail
Most trouble comes down to three small things. The link has expired, because the job was sent long before anyone needed it. The folder is private, so we are asked to request access. Or the upload never completed, because a laptop went to sleep. Open the link yourself in a private browser window before you send it. If it works there, it will work for us.
Names that do the explaining
Avoid "final", "final2" and "final-FINAL-use this". Put the job, the size and the version in the name. For example:
| Not helpful | Helpful |
|---|---|
| Banner new.pdf | SummerFair_Banner_3000x1000mm_v3.pdf |
| poster FINAL.pdf | OpenDay_Poster_A1_x20_v2.pdf |
| stand artwork.pdf | Stand_Panel-02of04_850x2000mm_v1.pdf |
If you have several files of different sizes, include a short list showing which is which and how many of each. A simple text file in the zip is enough.
Zipping: what it does and does not do
Zipping keeps a job together, and protects a folder of linked files from going astray. It will not shrink a JPEG or a PDF by much, because those formats are already compressed. Do not reduce image quality to make a file smaller, since a slow upload is a much smaller problem than a soft print. Avoid sending artwork through messaging apps, which can quietly compress it.
Confidential work
If the job is under embargo or covers sensitive material, talk to us first and we will agree a suitable way to transfer it. Before uploading, check the job against our artwork guide.
From your folder to the wall.
Your questions.
Is there an upload button on your website?
There is no direct file upload. Our send artwork form takes a link from a transfer service, or you can email a small file.
How big can my file be?
That depends on the service you use. Large format files of several hundred megabytes or more are normal, so do not worry about sending a big one.
Do I need to send fonts?
Not if your PDF has them embedded. If you are sending working files, include them where your licence allows, or outline the text.