Artwork Setup

Print-Ready Artwork Built Around the Glass

Artwork setup begins with accurate measurements of the glass or vehicle window so the design lands on the correct visible area. Perforated one-way vision film needs artwork laid out with the hole pattern in mind, because fine text, faces and small details can lose clarity if they sit too close to a seam or land over a busy section of the panel. We prepare the file for the actual panel size, not just a rough estimate, so the print sits cleanly on shopfront windows, office glazing and rear vehicle glass.

For shopfronts, the viewing side, frame lines and any handles or frosted sections are marked before layout starts. For vehicles, the window curvature, heating lines and usable adhesive area are checked first. If the design needs to wrap across multiple panes, we set the panel breaks so the message still reads from a passing car or pedestrian. It is practical work, not guesswork, and it saves time when the film goes to print and install.

• Window and vehicle measurements taken into account
• Panel breaks planned before print prep starts
• Type size checked against likely viewing distance
• Critical text kept clear of seams and edge trims

How Artwork Is Prepared for Perforated Film

Common perforation ratios such as 70/30 or 60/40 are used on this film, with the graphic printed on the outer face and outward visibility kept from the unprinted side. Because the printable surface is interrupted by the perforation pattern, images need a little more contrast and a bit less fine detail than a standard solid vinyl wrap. We prepare artwork so that lettering, logos and key calls to action stay legible from the outside while the inside view remains usable.

The file is set up with the correct bleed, trim and safe zones. We also check colour builds for outdoor viewing, since glass, daylight and tinted windows can change how colour reads from the street. If a design will be seen from across a busy road in Cape Town or from a parking bay in Johannesburg, the artwork may need bolder type and cleaner spacing than a design meant for a close viewing point on a service vehicle.

• Bleed and trim set for full-window coverage
• Safe zones used for logos, contact details and core message
• Artwork adjusted for perforation ratio and viewing distance
• Colour checked for outdoor readability on glass

What We Include in the Artwork Setup Process

Our artwork setup service covers the practical steps needed before printing and fitting. If you already have artwork, we review it for size, image quality, line weights, font choice and placement on the window. If changes are needed, we tidy the layout so the file is fit for wide format printing and lamination. We also help with panel matching where one design spans several windows or multiple vehicle panes.

For fleet work and shopfront rollouts, the same branding can be adapted to different window sizes without losing the look of the original design. That matters when one branch in Durban has a different frontage from a site in Pretoria, or when a vehicle has a quarter window as well as a rear screen. Marius Ntsele and the team keep the setup process practical, with clear sign off before production starts.

• File review for resolution, crop marks and layout accuracy
• Artwork resizing to suit each window dimension
• Panel mapping for multi-window jobs
• Colour proofing before wide format printing
• Preparation notes for installation teams

From Measurement to Print Approval

The workflow is straightforward. We start with site measuring or vehicle templating, then move into artwork setup once the dimensions are confirmed. After that, a proof is prepared for approval so you can check wording, placement and overall balance. If changes are needed, they are handled before the film goes into print, which helps avoid delays on install day. That is especially useful for business windows that need to keep trading while the work is done.

During proofing, we consider how the design will look once the film is applied to glass. Since perforated film reads differently in sunlight than in an indoor viewing mock-up, we keep the layout clear and the message direct. If there is a logo, opening hours, service list or promotional panel, we check that it can still be read at a distance. Small text on a perforated surface can disappear quicker than clients expect, so we guide the layout toward what will actually work on the street.

• Measurements confirmed before final artwork changes
• Proof supplied for wording and placement approval
• Layout checked for street-level readability
• Changes completed before printing and lamination

Turnaround, Dispatch and Rollout Timing

Turnaround depends on the size of the job, the number of panels and whether new artwork needs to be created from scratch. Straightforward artwork setup for a single shop window can be handled faster than a full fleet release with multiple vehicle types and branch variations. We plan the schedule around production, lamination and installation so the film is ready when the site is ready.

For clients in Cape Town, Montague Gardens, Bellville and Milnerton, local collection or fitting can often be arranged around the production line. For Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and Gqeberha, dispatch timing is matched to the ready date so the printed film arrives with the correct panel sequence and labelling. That keeps the job moving and cuts down on confusion at the site. If a campaign needs a refresh later on, we can use the same base layout and update the panels that have changed.

• Lead time depends on job size and artwork condition
• Dispatch planned with production and installation dates
• Panel labelling used for multi-site rollouts
• Refit and refresh options available for updated messaging

Pricing Approach and Ongoing Maintenance

Pricing for artwork setup is usually based on the amount of preparation needed. A clean, print-ready file with only small adjustments takes less time than a full rebuild with new sizing, multiple language panels or vehicle-specific templating. We keep pricing practical and linked to the actual work involved, including proofing time and panel planning where needed.

Once the film is installed, maintenance is simple but important. Perforated film benefits from regular cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soapy water, not harsh solvents or abrasive pads. On shopfronts, dust and road film build up quicker near busy streets and coastal humidity can leave a mark if the surface is neglected for too long. Vehicle windows may need occasional inspection around edges and corners, especially after heavy rain, car washes or repeated sun exposure. As a rule, a quick check every few months helps keep the graphics tidy and the view through the inside of the film usable. If edges start lifting or the print has faded after long exposure, the panel can be refreshed without replacing every window on the site.

• Pricing linked to setup time and file condition
• Simple files cost less than rebuilt layouts
• Use mild soap, soft cloths and gentle cleaning only
• Regular checks help protect both appearance and visibility

Why Accurate Artwork Matters for Vehicle and Window Film

Good artwork setup makes the difference between a film that simply covers glass and one that does its job on the road or at the entrance. With vehicle window film, the driver view must remain legal, and current road traffic rules should be checked before fitting any rear or side window coverage. We set up artwork with that in mind, keeping the driver sight line clear and placing graphics where they support branding without causing a safety issue.

For shopfronts, accurate setup means the message lines up with the shopfront dimensions and looks right from both inside and outside. For vehicles, it means the branding follows the glass shape, the curve of the pane and the way the eye sees the moving vehicle at speed. Ayanda, Liam, Noluthando, Ridwaan and Chantel each handle their part of the process so the file is ready for print, lamination and installation without last minute surprises. When the setup is right, the finish is cleaner and the film lasts longer. That part is simple, even if it is easy to get wrong.