How to Send Large Artwork Files
Why large artwork files can be difficult to email
Print artwork files can become large very quickly, especially when they include high resolution images, detailed graphics or multiple pages. This is common for posters, banners, signage, booklets, vehicle graphics, exhibition displays and other large format print projects.
A file may look simple on screen, but if it has been created properly for print, it may include high quality images, embedded fonts, bleed, layered artwork or large page sizes. These details are useful for print quality, but they can also make the file too large for a normal email attachment.
This guide explains how to send large artwork files to Printmonster, when email is suitable, and what to do if your file is too big to attach.
Printmonster works with local businesses, tradespeople, schools, event organisers, charities and organisations across the West Midlands, helping with everything from stickers and signage to vehicle graphics, branded workwear, marketing materials, document printing and business stationery.
What size files can Printmonster accept by email?
Printmonster can accept emailed files up to 25MB.
If your artwork file is under 25MB, you can usually send it by email as an attachment. This is often suitable for smaller jobs such as business cards, leaflets, simple sticker artwork, smaller PDF documents or straightforward print ready files.
When emailing artwork, it helps to include a clear message with the main job details, such as:
Your name and business name
The product you need printed
The size required
The quantity required
Any finishing details
Your preferred contact details
Any important notes about the artwork
For example, instead of sending a file with no message, it is much better to include a short note such as:
“Please find attached artwork for 500 A5 flyers. Finished size should be A5, double sided, full colour. Please let me know if the file is suitable for print.”
This helps the team understand what the artwork is for and reduces the chance of confusion.
What to include when sending artwork
Whether you send files by email or through a transfer link, it is important to include the right information with your artwork.
Please include:
Your name
Your business name, if relevant
Your phone number or email address
What you would like printed
The finished size
The quantity required
Whether it is single sided or double sided
Any material or finish you already have in mind
Any deadline or important date, if relevant
Any notes about colours, cutting, folding or finishing
For artwork files, it can also help to include:
A print ready PDF
The original design file, if requested
Any linked images
Any fonts, if they have not been outlined or embedded
A vector logo, where possible
A screenshot or preview, if you want to show how it should look
A print ready PDF is often the safest file type for printing, while vector artwork is especially useful for logos, signs, stickers, workwear and vehicle graphics. This page should link naturally to the earlier resource guides on best file types and vector vs raster artwork.
Before you send your artwork
Before sending large artwork files, take a moment to check that everything is included. This can save time and help avoid delays.
Check that:
The file opens correctly
The artwork is the correct size
Images look sharp at print size
Text is readable
Spelling, phone numbers and web addresses are correct
Bleed has been added where needed
Important text and logos are not too close to the edge
The correct version of the artwork has been attached
Any extra files are clearly labelled
Good file names also help. Try to use clear names such as:
smith-plumbing-van-graphics.pdf
cannock-cafe-a5-flyer.pdf
school-event-banner-artwork.pdf
product-labels-final-print.pdf
Avoid file names such as:
final.pdf
newfinal.pdf
final-version-7.pdf
print-this-one-maybe.pdf
Clear file names make it much easier to match the artwork to the correct job.
Need help sending your print files?
If you are unsure how to send your artwork, Printmonster is happy to help. The team can advise whether your file is suitable by email or whether a transfer link would be better.
This is especially useful if you are sending artwork for a large or detailed print project, such as signage, vehicle graphics, banners, posters, exhibition displays, booklets or multi page documents.
Printmonster supports businesses and organisations across Cannock, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Lichfield, Stafford, Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, so if you are not sure what to send, just ask before uploading your files.
Sending the right files in the right way helps your print project start more smoothly and gives the team the information needed to check your artwork properly.
How to send files larger than 25MB
If your file is larger than 25MB, please do not try to split it across lots of separate emails unless the team has asked you to. This can make the artwork harder to manage and increases the chance of missing files.
Instead, use an online file transfer service and send Printmonster the download link.
This is usually the easiest option for:
Large format artwork
High resolution posters
Banner artwork
Shop signage files
Vehicle graphics artwork
Booklet files
Brochure artwork
Exhibition display artwork
Folders containing images, fonts or linked files
Multiple print files sent together
Large artwork files are often needed for Printmonster services such as banner printing, large format printing, display signage, vehicle graphics, booklet printing and exhibition display stands.
Free online services for sending large files
There are several free online services that can be used to send large artwork files. Printmonster can accept download links from services such as:
MailBigFile
WeTransfer
TransferNow
These services let you upload your file, then share a link by email. In most cases, you simply upload the artwork, enter your email address and either send the file directly to Printmonster or copy the link into your own email.
Please remember that these are third party services, so their free limits, expiry dates and terms may change. Always check the service you are using before sending important files.
When using a file transfer service, make sure the link has not expired before Printmonster has had chance to download it. If the link expires, the file may need to be sent again.
FAQ
What is the largest file I can email to Printmonster?
Printmonster can accept emailed artwork files up to 25MB. If your file is larger than this, it is usually better to use an online file transfer service and send the download link.
How should I send a file larger than 25MB?
For files larger than 25MB, use an online file transfer service such as MailBigFile, WeTransfer or TransferNow. Upload your artwork, then send the download link to Printmonster with your job details.
Can I send several files at once?
Yes. If you have several files, it is usually best to place them in one clearly labelled folder and send them together through a file transfer service. This helps keep everything organised.
What file type should I send for print?
A print ready PDF is usually the best file type for most print jobs. For logos, signs, stickers, workwear and vehicle graphics, vector artwork is often very useful as well.
Should I send a screenshot of my artwork?
A screenshot can be useful as a visual guide, but it is not usually suitable as final print artwork. Please send the original artwork file or a print ready PDF where possible.
What should I write in the email when sending artwork?
Include your name, contact details, what you need printed, the size, quantity and any important notes. If you are sending a transfer link, include the link clearly in the message.
What happens if my transfer link expires?
If a file transfer link expires before Printmonster can download it, you may need to send the file again. Try to use a link with enough time available for the team to access it.
Need help sending your artwork?
If your artwork file is too large to email, send it using a file transfer link and include your job details in the message. If you are not sure what to send, contact Printmonster and our friendly team will guide you through the best way to supply your files.