Frequently Asked Questions

Browse our frequently asked questions by clicking on the question to open/close the answer. If we don’t have an answer for you, please contact Houston Sign.

If you need help with our Proofing Portal, please visit our Proofing Portal FAQ.

General

Images should be 150ppi at actual size, or 300ppi if scaled down
Vector Files: .PDF, .EPS
Raster Files: .TIFF
Fonts should be outlined/converted to curves
All images should be embedded, not linked
If there are multiple artworks for an order, each artwork should be saved as its own file.
Remove any outside strokes around the artwork if they are not meant to be printed.

For questions regarding artwork. Please email: [email protected].

Your files should always be designed and saved in the CMYK color mode.
Hex and RGB colors are web/screen colors only. Files sent using those colors will be auto-converted to the closest CMYK values and may not print as expected.
For the color black, please use rich black (C: 100, M: 100, Y: 100, K: 100).
If you require a color match, please let your Account Manager know. We can color match coated Pantone colors and physical samples.

Yes! Houston Sign Company offers pick-up. Head to the third garage door with the sign labeled Will Call. Ring the bell and someone will be there to assist you!

No, crop marks are not needed.

A cut line (or die line) is a vector line around your artwork that shows us exactly where you want the graphic to be cut. Your cut line should be 100% magenta and should be on its own separate layer in your file.

To check the status of your order, you can log in to your customer portal to see if your order is ready and/or completed.

- In Progress – Your order is still in production
- Ready – Your order is ready to ship, install or be picked up
- Complete – Your order has been completed

You can also give us a call and ask! For expedited answers please have your order number ready.

- Order numbers start with ‘INV-’

Our turnaround time is typically 3-5 business days.
We can accommodate various needs. Please let us know what your deadline is, and we’ll let you know what we can do!

We recommend using services like Google Drive, Dropbox, We Transfer or One Drive to transfer files. You can send files directly to your Account Manager.

For image file types (JPG, PNG, or TIFF), the resolution should be 150ppi at full scale or 300ppi at half scale. However, vector files (AI or EPS) are highly recommended over image files when possible because they can be sized up or down without losing quality.

Rich black is a mix of all the CMYK inks (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) to create a darker, richer black than just using 100% black ink. When creating your file, make sure to change each of the CMYK values to 100% (C:100, M:100, Y:100, K:100).

Make sure to read any notes that the designer has written on your proof:

low-quality concerns
Dimensions
spelling concerns
missing files

die cut lines

It’s important to keep in mind that the proof is only a digital 2D representation of the final product.

Colors vary from screen to screen, and colors shown on screens are not accurate representations of the actual printed colors.

If you need a specific color printed, you will need to provide your account manager with:

Coated Pantone color

A physical sample to color match

Shipping

We offer shipping with FedEx and UPS. You can choose ground or expedited services.

All Freight shipping is done through FedEx.

Yes, you can use your own shipping account.

All we need is your shipper number.

We do offer kitting.

Please include this drop ship template for your kitting project: Drop Ship Spreadsheet.xlsx

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Shipping

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