Economic Roll-Up (Roller Banners & Flags)

Yes. Assembly is simple and can be done by anyone by following the provided instructions or available demo videos. In the case of the XXL model, due to its size, at least two people are required for assembly — this model is always shipped pre-assembled.

No. Frames or individual parts are not sold separately. We only provide complete roll-ups with personalized printing included.

You will receive the printed banner using the file you uploaded, in the exact size that matches your existing frame (please make sure the size is correct). If your roll-up requires adhesive tape for installation, a new tape will be needed, as it is not included in the shipment. Replacing only the graphic is a quick and affordable way to refresh your display.

For use in fully outdoor environments, we recommend our Outdoor banners and posters with bases that can be filled with water or sand to ensure stability in windy or rainy conditions. The other models are designed for indoor use but can be temporarily used outdoors as long as they are placed in sheltered areas and taken down after use.

Yes. We offer printing on PVC-free materials, specifically PET banners. These materials are marked with a green leaf symbol and represent a more sustainable choice.

The frames are made primarily of aluminum, with some plastic components.

No need to worry about that. The hidden areas (top and bottom) are already included in the templates available at step 3 of the order and in the Online Editor. You should only avoid placing important graphic elements in these areas, as they will not be visible after assembly.

PVC-free polyester is a more eco-friendly option, free from the toxins found in other materials. It offers high-quality and durable printing, making it ideal for those looking for a sustainable alternative without compromising visual impact.

Yes. All roll-up models come with a durable carrying case, perfect for easy storage and transportation between events.

Na Ask-to-Print, a verificação do ficheiro depende da opção selecionada no momento da encomenda. Pode escolher entre três níveis de validação, consoante o tipo de apoio que pretende antes de avançar para impressão.

Não Verificar Ficheiro

Ao selecionar esta opção, confirma que o ficheiro enviado está correto, finalizado e pronto para impressão. Neste caso, o ficheiro segue diretamente para produção, sem qualquer verificação técnica prévia. Esta opção não tem custos adicionais.

Verificar Ficheiro

Ao selecionar esta opção, o seu ficheiro será analisado por um profissional antes de seguir para impressão. Se forem identificados erros ou inconformidades, será contactado antes de avançarmos com a produção. Esta opção tem um custo associado.

Verificar e Corrigir

Ao selecionar esta opção, o seu ficheiro será analisado por um profissional antes da impressão. Se forem detetados erros ou inconformidades passíveis de correção técnica, estes serão ajustados antes de o ficheiro seguir para produção. Esta opção tem um custo associado.

Que tipos de erros podem ser verificados?

A verificação pode abranger, entre outros aspetos técnicos, situações como:

• resolução insuficiente de imagens;
• dimensões incorretas do ficheiro;
• ausência de margens de segurança;
• falta de sangramento, bleed ou margem de corte;
• textos ou elementos demasiado próximos da linha de corte;
• utilização de modo de cor incorreto;
• fontes não convertidas em contornos ou não incorporadas;
• elementos em falta ou mal posicionados;
• páginas trocadas ou orientação incorreta;
• linhas de corte, marcas ou outros elementos técnicos indevidos na arte-final.

A análise incide sobretudo sobre a preparação técnica do ficheiro para impressão. Sempre que necessário, e de acordo com a opção escolhida, o cliente será informado ou o ficheiro será corrigido antes da produção.

Importa ainda referir que o serviço de correção não deve ser entendido como um serviço de design gráfico, reformulação criativa ou reconstrução de elementos da arte-final.

At Ask-to-Print, we accept various file formats to ensure the best customization and production experience. However, not all formats offer the same features in the design checking and adjustment process.

See below for file type details:

Files with Preview and Editable Options (recommended and preferred)

• .pdf (Adobe Acrobat)
• .png (PNG Image)
• .jpeg / .jpg (JPEG Image)
• .tiff (TIFF Image)
• .svg (Vector Graphic)

Files with Preview, No Editing Options

• .ai (Adobe Illustrator)
• .eps (PostScript)
• .gif (GIF Image)

Accepted Files, No Preview or Editing Options

• .psd (Adobe Photoshop)
• .cdr (CorelDRAW)

Files Not Accepted by the Platform

• .ppt (Microsoft PowerPoint)
• .doc (Microsoft Word)
• .bmp (Bitmap Image)

Still have questions?
If you're unsure about the correct format or are having trouble uploading your file, our Customer Support team is here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us — we’ll be happy to assist and ensure your order runs smoothly.
To contact us click here!

When preparing a file for printing, it's essential to understand the difference between the two main colour models used in graphic design: CMYK and RGB. Although both allow for attractive visuals, they serve different purposes and produce different results — especially in print processes.

What are CMYK and RGB colours, and which should I use for printing?

CMYK – The colour model for printing

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. It is the colour model used in all professional printing processes. Colours are created by overlaying percentages of these four inks in layers on the printed surface.

• Used in offset and digital printing.
• Based on subtractive colour from reflected light — unlike screen-emitted light.
• Reproduces a more limited colour gamut, but one suited to the physical printing process.

RGB – Colour model for screens

RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue. It’s a light-emitting colour model used for displaying colours on digital screens such as monitors, tablets, or smartphones. This model can produce much more vibrant and saturated colours than CMYK.

• Ideal for digital images, videos, and websites.
• Offers a wider colour gamut — meaning it covers more possible colours.
• Colours may appear more intense on screen than what can be printed.

What is colour gamut?

The gamut is the range of colours that a given colour model or device can reproduce. The RGB model has a wider gamut than CMYK, meaning it can display colours that simply cannot be printed with standard inks.

When a file created in RGB is automatically converted to CMYK, colours outside the CMYK gamut are adjusted to approximate values. This can result in noticeable visual differences between what is seen on screen and what gets printed — especially with certain RGB-exclusive or highly vibrant tones.

Which should I use when preparing files for print?

You should always work in CMYK colour mode when creating files intended for print. This ensures that what you see during design stays closer to what can realistically be printed.

If you're using design programs such as Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, or Photoshop, set the colour space to CMYK from the start. On Canva, choose CMYK export (available on the Pro version). This practice prevents colour fidelity loss.

On the Ask-to-Print Online Editor, there’s no need to worry: all files are automatically generated in CMYK with optimised colour management.

Useful tip for professionals and beginners

Even when working in CMYK, differences between screen and print may persist. We recommend using a physical CMYK colour guide to visualise true tonal values before finalising your design. This is especially helpful for branding or colour-critical materials.

Yes. The PDF/X-1a format is accepted by Ask-to-Print and is one of the most recommended options for finalised files. This format ensures that your design is reproduced accurately, preserving embedded fonts, CMYK colours and removing transparencies that may cause printing issues. If your file is production-ready, PDF/X-1a is an excellent choice.

Does Ask-to-Print recommend the PDF/X-1a format?

We strongly recommend using PDF/X-1a whenever uploading a finalised file, especially for technically demanding products such as business cards, flyers or catalogues. This format offers greater compatibility with our production systems and reduces the chance of errors related to fonts, colours or bleed margins.

When should I use the PDF/X-1a format?

PDF/X-1a is ideal for files that require no further editing and are ready for print. If you created your design in software like Adobe Illustrator, InDesign or CorelDRAW and want to preserve the exact layout, this is the safest format. It's especially useful for designs with pure CMYK colours, high-resolution images and where final alignment is crucial.

Does PDF/X-1a guarantee better print quality?

More than quality, PDF/X-1a guarantees consistency and reliability. It prevents issues like font substitution, incorrect colour profiles or unhandled transparencies. The visual quality also depends on resolution and layout, but this format ensures what you see on screen is what gets printed — no surprises.

How can I generate a PDF/X-1a file?

You can generate a PDF/X-1a from programs like Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop or CorelDRAW. Just select “Save as PDF” and choose the PDF/X-1a:2001 preset. Make sure to use CMYK colour mode, include 3 mm bleed and convert text to outlines. You can also download our pre-configured templates to simplify the process.

What are the advantages of sending a file in PDF/X-1a?

Better print safety; Preserves fonts, images and colours; Reduces technical error risks; Compatible with prepress systems; Prevents layout surprises. By choosing this format, you're ensuring your file meets best practices in the graphic arts industry.

Yes, you can view a proof before printing.
If you use our online editor, you’ll get instant access to a real-time preview of your design, accurately simulating the final result.

If you choose to upload your design or final artwork, you will also be able to preview the job before production — as long as the file is in one of the following formats compatible with digital proofing:

• PDF: Standard format for design previews.
• JPEG and JPG: Image format
• PNG
• GIF: Supported in the proofing process, allowing visual validation before printing.
• Tiff
• AI
• SVG

We accept many other formats, but only these allow automatic job preview generation.

The final artwork is the final file prepared for production; the editable file is the working document that may still contain layers, fonts, linked images and elements that can be modified.

• Send the final artwork once the design is complete and reviewed.
• Always keep an editable copy for future changes.
• Send the editable file only when requested or when technical support is needed to prepare the artwork.

A low-resolution file may result in pixelation, lack of sharpness, irregular edges and loss of detail in the final product.

Resolution should always be assessed at the actual production size. Artificially enlarging a small image does not restore the original detail and may further reduce image quality.

Whenever possible, use high-resolution images or vector graphics. Take particular care with images downloaded from the Internet, as they are often optimised for screens and may not have sufficient resolution for graphic production.

When creating a design using very specific fonts or fonts that may not be available in our system, those fonts may be automatically replaced with standard fonts, which can significantly alter the appearance of your printed material.

How does this happen?

If the font used in your design is not embedded in the file or is not a common font recognized by our system, the print software will attempt to replace it with a similar one. However, this substitution may cause your design to lose its original appearance, affecting spacing, formatting and layout.

How to avoid this issue?

To ensure your design prints exactly as intended, follow these steps:

1. Embed fonts in the final file: Make sure all fonts used in your project are properly embedded in the design file. This can be done when exporting the file from your design software (such as Illustrator, InDesign, Corel Draw, or others).
2. Convert text to outlines: If you can’t embed the fonts, an alternative is to convert the text to outlines (or paths). This transforms the text into vector shapes, eliminating the need for external fonts. Note: This option is not recommended for products like Books, Magazines or Catalogues, as outlined text cannot be edited later.
3. Check fonts and images in your file: Graphic design software such as Illustrator offers tools to ensure everything is correct before sending your file to print. One way to do this is to generate a final report that lists all fonts used and includes details about images, such as whether they are in CMYK or RGB mode (remember that for printing, images must be in CMYK).
   • To generate the report in Illustrator:
     • Go to the “File” menu >“Package”.
     • In the Package options panel, check the boxes to include fonts and images.
     • Illustrator will create a folder with all your project files, including embedded fonts, images (with CMYK or RGB info), and other essential details.
4. Use the Illustrator Package feature: This is ideal to ensure that all resources required for your project are properly delivered. The Package generates a folder containing all design elements (fonts, images, colours, and more), making it easier to review everything.

Summary

To avoid font issues and ensure your design prints exactly as intended, embed fonts or convert them to outlines.

Embedding fonts in a PDF is essential to ensure the file is viewed and printed correctly on devices that may not have the same fonts installed. This practice is especially important in web-to-print environments, where files are prepared by end users and sent directly to print production.

What does embedding fonts mean?

When you embed fonts in a PDF file, the font data is included directly within the document. This preserves the text’s appearance, even if the PDF is opened on different computers, using different systems or without the original fonts installed.

How to embed fonts – General Steps

Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop

• Go to File > Export and choose the Adobe PDF format.
• Access the Advanced tab.
• Enable the option Embed All Fonts or Subset fonts below 100%.
• Select a profile like PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4, suitable for professional printing.

CorelDRAW

• Go to File > Export > PDF.
• In the Advanced tab, select Embed All Fonts.

Other programs (Affinity Designer, Canva, Inkscape, GIMP, etc.)

• Most export to PDF with fonts embedded by default.
• Always check export options for terms like "embed fonts" or "PDF/X compliance".

Best Practices for Web-to-Print

• Converting text to outlines is a safe option if the file doesn’t need further editing.
• Only use licensed fonts to avoid embedding restrictions.
• Avoid online fonts from cloud editors that don’t allow embedding.

What is rich black and when should it be used?

In graphic design for print, there are two main ways to apply black: plain black (100% K) and rich black. While both may look the same on screen, the printed result can differ significantly depending on the method used.

Plain black (100% K)

Plain black uses only black ink (K = 100%) in the CMYK model. It is ideal for text and fine elements, ensuring clarity, readability and no registration issues. However, when used in large solid areas (e.g., backgrounds), it may appear dull or greyish, as it relies on a single layer of ink.

Rich black – Greater intensity and depth

Rich black is created by combining black ink with controlled amounts of cyan, magenta and yellow (CMY). This blend enhances visual density and results in a deeper, more even black. It is especially effective for dark backgrounds, large blocks or visually impactful elements.

A safe and commonly used rich black formula is:

• C: 60%
• M: 40%
• Y: 40%
• K: 100%

These percentages may vary slightly depending on the paper type and print profile, but total ink coverage must always be respected.

Best practices when using rich black

• Use plain black (100% K) for text, fine lines and small elements — avoids registration issues.
• Use rich black for large areas, dark backgrounds or impactful visuals.
• Avoid using 100% for all colours (C+M+Y+K), as it may cause ink overload and drying issues — use our recommended formula instead.

To ensure a professional result in Large Format Printing, the file must be prepared according to the final size, viewing distance, selected material and finishing options. Production is carried out through digital printing and may involve cutting, bleed, hems, eyelets, pockets, mounting systems or splitting the artwork into multiple panels. Below is a complete guide to correctly prepare your artwork file.

1. Start with the correct final format and scale

Prepare the document at a 1:1 scale whenever possible, meaning the actual production size. Working at the final size allows you to correctly evaluate image resolution, text size, margins and the positioning of all elements.

• 1:1 scale: a file for an 80 × 200 cm support should be created at 80 × 200 cm.
• Reduced scale: if the software does not allow working at the final size, you can use a proportional scale, such as 1:10. The scale must be clearly identified and applied consistently throughout the document.
• Resolution at scale: in a 1:10 document, images must have ten times the resolution required at the final size. For example, 150 dpi at final size corresponds to 1500 dpi in a 1:10 file.

Important: never simply increase the document size during export. Changing the scale may affect effective resolution, margins, line thicknesses and element positioning.

2. Respect bleed, margins and finishing requirements

Technical requirements vary depending on the product and finishing options. Always use the provided design template and confirm the specific instructions before starting the artwork.

• Bleed: extend backgrounds and images beyond the final format according to the measurement indicated for the product or design guide (template).
• Safety area: keep text, logos and important information away from edges and finishing areas.
• Hems, eyelets and pockets: do not place important elements in areas reserved for reinforcement, stitching, eyelets, rods or structures.
• Custom cutting: when a custom shape is required, follow the cutting line and the technical clearances indicated.
• Panel splitting: for very large projects, such as XL posters, billboards or large banners, production may require several panels. In these cases, artwork continuity must be ensured and overlap areas between panels must be considered. Submit the design at the correct size and format; panel division and overlap margins will be defined by Ask-to-Print production.

3. Design: readability, hierarchy and viewing distance

Large Format work is usually viewed from a greater distance than flyers or business cards. Organise information by importance and ensure the main message can be understood quickly.

• Use titles, images and text sizes suitable for the viewing distance.
• Avoid excessive text and elements placed too close together.
• Ensure sufficient contrast between text, images and background.
• Evaluate the design at scale and, whenever possible, review it from the intended viewing distance.

4. Keep text, logos and shapes as vectors

Whenever possible, keep logos, text, icons, lines and geometric shapes in vector format. Vector elements can be enlarged without losing definition and create lighter files than large raster images.

• Avoid rasterising text and logos unnecessarily.
• Use line thicknesses and font sizes suitable for the final size.
• Convert all text into vectors, outlines or paths before exporting.

Important: keep an editable copy before converting text. After conversion, the content can no longer be edited as text.

5. Use the correct resolution at final size

In Large Format Printing, 300 dpi is not required for every project. Files larger than A2 can generally be prepared, as a reference, between 150 and 180 dpi at final size. This balances quality, file size and digital printing efficiency.

• Up to A2 or close viewing distance: preferably use 300 dpi, especially for photographs, small text or fine details.
• Above A2: normally use between 150 and 180 dpi at final size.
• Very large formats viewed from a distance: may allow lower resolutions if indicated for the product or previously validated.

Essential rule: resolution must always be evaluated at the final print size. The value shown by the software is only valid when it corresponds to the actual pixel information of the image at the size it will be printed.

6. Do not confuse effective resolution with interpolation

Changing an image from 72 to 150 dpi does not automatically create real detail. If the software adds pixels through interpolation, the file becomes larger, but the original image still has limited information and may remain blurred or pixelated.

• Effective resolution: the resolution the image has when placed at the actual size it will be printed.
• Interpolation: the artificial creation of new pixels by software. It can smooth an image but cannot recover missing details.
• Scaling: increasing image size reduces effective resolution. Doubling the size reduces resolution by half.
• Internet images: may have 72 dpi and insufficient pixel dimensions. Do not judge quality only by screen appearance.

Example: a 72 dpi image enlarged to fill a roll-up does not become suitable quality simply by exporting it at 150 dpi. The image must contain enough pixels to achieve the recommended resolution at final size.