How do I interpret this flag print vendor template

Printing and Prepress
1

Hi everyone,

This is my first time preparing artwork for flags for a client’s trade show, so I’d really appreciate a second opinion.

The client told me:

“We are getting flags printed – 2 x kinds, double sided - same on both sides”

They supplied an AI file from the print vendor, but there are no instructions, dimensions, layer names (everything is simply named “Path”), or indication of which outlines are the artwork area, bleed, safe area, or construction lines.

I’m having trouble interpreting the template. The bottom edge of every flag is angled, and while I initially wondered if it was just a perspective drawing, I also googled and found that some flags are intentionally manufactured with an angled bottom edge. So I’m not sure whether this is a proper production template or if I’m simply misinterpreting it.

In particular:

  • Are these different flag sizes, or are some of them front/back templates?

  • Is the angled bottom edge intentional?

  • Does this look like a legitimate production-ready template? How to interpret it?

Normally I’d ask the print vendor, but communication is handled through my client, and from previous experience with this vendor, obtaining additional production guidance has been quite difficult (maybe language barrier or something else, the vendor is in China). Before I bother my client again, I was hoping someone with large-format print experience could help me interpret what I’m looking at.

Here’s the ai file :

Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

2

The best answer will probably come from @PrintDriver

1 Like
3

The widths and heights are already on each flag - like w 750.202mm and h 4100.234mm

So looks like you just need to pick the size and shape and apply your graphics.

2 of the black ones seem to have some sort of safe zone at the bottom.

Like yourself, there is no real clue in there.

So I’d go back and ask for exact dimensions and specficiations for full size, what bleed is required, what the safe zone for text etc.

If they can’t provide it then say you can do it to the dimensions in the file but it’s hit and miss and that the onus is on them.

4

Hi everyone,

This is my first time preparing artwork for flags for a client’s trade show, so I’d really appreciate a second opinion.

The client told me:

“We are getting flags printed – 2 x kinds, double sided - same on both sides”

They supplied an AI file from the print vendor, but there are no instructions, dimensions, layer names (everything is simply named “Path”), or indication of which outlines are the artwork area, bleed, safe area, or construction lines.

I’m having trouble interpreting the template. The bottom edge of every flag is angled, and while I initially wondered if it was just a perspective drawing, I also googled and found that some flags are intentionally manufactured with an angled bottom edge. So I’m not sure whether this is a proper production template or if I’m simply misinterpreting it.

In particular:

  • Are these different flag sizes, or are some of them front/back templates?

  • Is the angled bottom edge intentional?

  • Does this look like a legitimate production-ready template? How to interpret it?

    If these are double-sided flags, should the reverse artwork be mirrored (so the text appears reversed in the artwork file), or should both sides use the artwork in the same orientation?

Normally I’d ask the print vendor, but communication is handled through my client, and from previous experience with this vendor, obtaining additional production guidance has been quite difficult (maybe language barrier or something else, the vendor is in China). Before I bother my client again, I was hoping someone with large-format print experience could help me interpret what I’m looking at.

Here’s the ai file :

Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Thanks Smurf2, appreciate it. I’ve asked the client for clarification and I’m waiting for her reply.

One quick question regarding double-sided flags: when preparing the artwork for both sides, is the second side typically positioned as a mirrored layout (e.g. an element that appears on the left of one side is positioned on the right of the other side), while keeping the artwork/text itself readable?

5

Can you post a screenshot of the template?
I’m not a fan of downloading files.

As for double-sided flags, you design whatever you want on both sides of the flag. Usually yes the design is reversed except for the text. Hopefully it is 2 pieces of fabric stitched together with a blockout liner (or two pieces of black or gray backed fabric.) I don’t like making ‘flags’ this way. They are more aptly called “Banners.” They are too bulky to fly like regular single layer flags. There are single layer double-sided fabrics (and vinyls) but those are fairly stiff handed as well and not too many people print on it.

6

Thanks. Here is the screenshot. Only the second column, top flag and third column one have similar size

image
image756×781 20.2 KB

7

Not enough info.
Those are either the entire banner face including the pole pocket, or it is the live area. Differences matter as the pocket is stitched and you don’t want message running thru the stitching.

You also might want to know if there is other face stitching around the perimeter and how wide off the edge it goes.

The multiple diagonal lines look like an error in the file.

These things usually come in 7’-ish, 10’-ish, 13’-ish and 15’-ish. Exact size varies by vendor.
They are called Feather Flags if you want to research them more.

8

Thanks! If I’m not able to get a more detailed production template from the client, would it generally be safe to centre the logo and text and keep all important artwork at least 10 away from the edges?

My assumption is that the pole pocket and perimeter stitching wouldn’t normally extend anywhere near that far into the flag, but I’m not sure.