File Prep 101: Getting Your Design Ready for UV Printing
CMBACRYLIC
UV Printing
UV Printing · File Prep
File prep 101: getting your design ready for UV printing
The right file format, color mode, and software before you ever hit print — so your job comes out looking like your screen instead of a surprise.
EPS
PDF
JPEG
PNG — RasterLink 7 only
A great design can still come out wrong if the file behind it isn't set up for UV printing. Most of what trips people up — unexpected color shifts, a file that won't open, a job that gets rescheduled — comes down to a handful of things that take thirty seconds to check before you export.
Formats
What file formats does RasterLink take?
RasterLink — the RIP software driving your printer — is particular about what it'll open.
EPS
Vector-based and fully supported. The best choice when your design needs to scale cleanly.
Fully supported and the most universal option — works well coming out of nearly any design program.
JPEG
Fully supported for raster artwork and photos.
PNG
Only printable in RasterLink 7 — if you're running an older version, convert to one of the formats above first.
Color
CMYK vs. RGB: why it matters
UV printing runs in CMYK, not RGB. If your file is saved in RGB — which is the default for a lot of design software — the colors you see on screen aren't necessarily the colors that come off the printer.
Convert before you export
Set your document to CMYK color mode before you finalize a design, not after. Converting late can shift colors you already approved — better to design in CMYK from the start and know what you're actually going to get.
Before you print
Have everything ready ahead of time
If you're working with a tech or running a scheduled job, have your files and materials ready before they arrive. A ready-to-go file and blank on hand keeps the job moving instead of stalling out on prep.
Tools
Design software & where to find files
Common design software
Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW are the two most common programs for building print-ready files for UV printing.
Where to buy files
CreativeFabrica, Design Bundles, and Etsy are popular sources for pre-made, print-ready design files.
Reference
Illustrator toolbar cheat sheet
Keep this open while you work — the core tools and shortcuts for prepping artwork in Illustrator, for both Windows and Mac.
Windows
| Tool | Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Selection Tool | V | Grab it, move it, boss it around |
| Direct Selection | A | Manipulate individual anchor points |
| Pen Tool | P | Drawing sharp curves |
| Type Tool | T | Type text |
| Rectangle Tool | M | Basic shapes |
| Ellipse Tool | L | Circles, ovals & all their round cousins |
| Paintbrush Tool | B | For feeling artsy |
| Pencil Tool | N | Loosey-goosey freehand lines |
| Brush Scissors | Shift+B | Paint fills like a savage |
| Tool Free (Blob Brush) | C | Vector graffiti |
| Eyedropper Tool | I | Steal colors |
Mac
| Tool | Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Selection Tool | V | Move/select entire objects |
| Direct Selection Tool | A | Edit anchor points/paths |
| Pen Tool | P | Draw custom paths |
| Type Tool | T | Add/edit text |
| Rectangle Tool | M | Create rectangles, circles, etc. |
| Paintbrush Tool | B | Freeform drawing |
| Shape Builder Tool | Shift+M | Combine/subtract shapes |
| Eyedropper Tool | I | Pick up colors/styles |
| Zoom Tool | Z | Zoom in & out |
| Fill & Stroke Toggle | — | Change fill or outline color |
Setting up print & cut files for the Mimaki 6042
Pairing this printer with a Trotec laser for print-and-cut jobs? See our video walkthrough on building print & cut files for the Mimaki 6042 and Trotec cutters.
Getting the format, color mode, and file ready before you even open RasterLink is the difference between a job that runs the first time and one that bounces back for a fix — a few minutes of prep now saves a reprint later.
Ready to print
File's ready. Now get your material.
Shop the acrylic, wood, and metal blanks to bring your design to life.
Shop UV printing blanks →
