Artwork Submission Requirements

Magazine Print Ad Specifications

All magazine ad designs must be built to size, in CMYK, and exported at 300 DPI resolution. Only Full Page and Double Page Spread ads require bleed and margin considerations.

Full Page (FP)

  • • Trim Size: 8.375″ x 10.875″
  • • Full Bleed Size: 8.625″ x 11.125″
  • • Margins (Safe Area): 0.25″ from all edges
  • • Bleed: 0.125″ on all sides
  • • Resolution: 300 DPI

Double Page Spread (DPS)

  • • Trim Size: 16.75″ x 10.875″
  • • Full Bleed Size: 17″ x 11.125″
  • • Margins (Safe Area): 0.25″ from all outer edges
  • • Bleed: 0.125″ on all sides
  • • Resolution: 300 DPI
  • • Note: Avoid placing text or important elements across the fold/gutter

1/2 Page Horizontal

  • • Finished Size: 7.875″ x 5″
  • • Bleed: Not required
  • • Margins: Not required
  • • Resolution: 300 DPI

1/4 Page Vertical

  • • Finished Size: 3.75″ x 10.25″
  • • Bleed: Not required
  • • Margins: Not required
  • • Resolution: 300 DPI

1/8 Page Horizontal

  • • Finished Size: 4″ x 2.5″
  • • Bleed: Not required
  • • Margins: Not required
  • • Resolution: 300 DPI

File Format Requirements

  • • Preferred: High-resolution PDF with all fonts converted to outlines or paths (No editing required; print-ready)
  • • Alternate (if edits are needed): Packaged .AI or .INDD files with All custom fonts and high-res linked images included

Email & Social Media Graphic Specifications

Submit a clean, branded graphic for use in promotional emails and social posts.

  • • Size: 1080 x 820 pixels
  • • Format: JPG required
  • • Resolution: 72 DPI (screen resolution)
  • • Safe Zone Tip: Keep all text and logos at least 40px from edges

Web Banner Ad Specifications

Submit JPG files at the exact dimensions below. No bleed or margins needed.

Registration Page Slider

  • • Size: 986 x 146 pixels
  • • Format: JPG required
  • • Resolution: 72 DPI
  • • File Name: RegistrationSlider.jpg

Home Page Slider

  • • Size: 1200 x 300 pixels
  • • Format: JPG required
  • • Resolution: 72 DPI
  • • File Name: HomePageSlider.jpg

Sign Design Specifications

All artwork must be built to the correct size, include bleed/safe zones, and be exported at 100 DPI minimum. Vector logos and high-res images (min. 5000 px wide) are required.

Popup Banner

  • • Trim Size: 33″ x 78″
  • • Full Bleed Size: 33.25″ x 80.375″
  • • Margins (Safe Area): 2″ from all edges (especially bottom)
  • • Bleed: 0.125″ (Top/Left/Right), 2.25″ (Bottom)
  • • Template: https://buildexpousa.com/pdf/popup.pdf

4′ x 4′ Keynote Banner

4′ x 6′ Backdrop Banner

4′ x 2′ Keynote Banner

8′ x 8′ Backdrop Banner

Logo + Photo Submission Guidelines

Resolution: 100 DPI at full size 

Color Mode: CMYK

File Formats:

  • • Preferred: High-resolution PDF with all fonts converted to outlines or paths (No editing required; print-ready)
  • • Alternate (if edits are needed): Packaged .AI or .INDD file with: All custom fonts and high-res linked images included
  • • Images: JPG or PNG at least 5000 x 2500 px
  • • Logos: Vector format preferred (.AI, .EPS, .SVG, .PDF)

Using Canva or Similar Tools?

If your design software doesn’t support custom bleed/margin settings:

  • • Set your artboard to the full bleed size listed above
  • • Extend all background colors and imagery to the edge
  • • Keep text and logos well inside the safe area (aka “margins”)
  • • When in doubt, leave plenty of space from edges, especially the bottom on popups.

Disclaimer on File Quality & Responsibility

Please note that we cannot edit text on files using proprietary fonts (e.g., Canva fonts), converted to paths or any flattened artwork that does not provide editable layers.

If submitted artwork is low resolution,or incorrectly sized, we will do our best to notify you and request new files.

However, if the submission does not meet the required specifications:

  • • It may reproduce blurry, pixelated, cropped, or distorted
  • • We are not responsible for print or display issues caused by non-compliant files

To ensure your brand looks professional and prints cleanly, please follow the provided specs exactly.

Visibility & Legibility Tips

For Event Signage (Banners & Backdrops):

  • • Keynote and backdrop signage is often viewed from a distance (10–30 feet or more).
  • • Use bold, high-contrast text — light text on dark backgrounds or dark text on light backgrounds. Avoid subtle color-on-color combinations.
  • • Minimum recommended sizes:
    • ◦ Headlines: 150 pt or larger
    • ◦ Subheadings: 72 pt or larger
    • • Avoid dense messaging. Limit text to 3–7 words for maximum impact.
    • • Backlit signage may appear brighter on screen than in print. CMYK printing tends to produce duller, less vibrant colors, so avoid relying on subtle contrast or neon hues.
    • • Always preview final files in CMYK as a printed sample to simulate real output.

For Magazine Ads & Web Graphics:

  • • Minimum font size: 6 pt for print (body text), 12–18 pt for web/email depending on use.
  • • Use clear, legible fonts with good spacing — especially at smaller sizes.
  • • Maintain strong contrast between text and background for accessibility and readability across print and digital.
  • • Keep important text away from trim, bleed, or edge areas to prevent accidental cropping.