FAQ

We recommend uploading all of your artwork in PDF format. This allows us to run automated pre-flight checks on your artwork. Since PDF artwork is vectored based, it allows for the best finished print quality compared to other formats. We do also accept JPEGs, Bitmaps, TIFF files and EPS. But for best results we recommending using PDF.

In general you should receive a proof for your items within 5-10 minutes of uploaded artwork. In rare circumstances it can take slightly longer depending on the complexity and size of your files. If you haven't received your proof within 20 minutes we recommend the following:

• The most common reason is proofing emails being caught in spam. Check that the proofing email hasn't gone into your spam folder. Add noreply@thesignpad.com to your whitelist.
• Double check your files to ensure you uploaded a supported file format or that your PDF file wasn't corrupted.
• In some rare cases with very large files the pre-flight may fail due to complexity. You should receive an email notification if this happens. But please contact us at info@thesignpad.com with your order number and we can manually receive your files for processing.

If you received an email that your artwork failed pre-flight, the email should have specified the reason. This can be a variety of thing such as:

• Size: We check that your artwork is sized appropriately for the product you've added. For example if you are purchasing a 24" x 36" standard sandwich board your artwork should be sent at 24.5" x 36.5". On each page we have a template provided that shows you the recommended size, safe areas, and other important information so you can submit your artwork. It also includes instructions on the size you need to submit your artwork for that particular product.
• File size: In some cases files approaching 1GB (gigabyte) in size can fail pre-flight due to complexity. Depending on the file, it can be saved in an alternative or downsampled PDF format to reduce the file size. If this is the case we can help you reduce the size of your file if you are having trouble. Please email us with your order number or give us a call and we can help troubleshoot this for you.
• Resolution Too Low: This is the most common reason for a failed pre-flight. If you have images or other elements in your files which are raster based, they have been flagged as below the recommended DPI recommendation for that product. Our recommended DPI can change depending on what we are printing. For example on a business card you would want 72DPI or greater, whereas on a large mesh banner you can often get away with DPI images in the 25-30DPI range. WIth that said, you do have the option of proceeding with the artwork with low DPI, but we are trying to let you know the print quality may not be ideal. If you click “Approve anyway” your file will be sent to our printers even though the DPI is below the recommended quality. If you are having trouble fixing your artwork we can certainly help. Please email or phone us and we can help provide more information or help fix your files
• Once you fix the artwork the proofing page for your item will ask you if you want to proceed with the print and ignore the warnings, or upload new artwork. Just select upload new artwork where you will be able to upload the newer version of your artwork where it will be re-checked again before print and another proof sent to you again for approval.

You will notice in a bulk of the templates we provide in our online design tool, we will show you "safe zones". This green dashed line will not print when your file is submitted to print production. This line or grommet marking is intended to show you the areas to keep type or other critical elements within, or to show you where grommets will be placed on your item.

Please call or email us right away and we may be able to catch this before your item is printed. After approval your artwork goes to awaiting printing in our system. It could be anywhere from minutes to hours or more before your item is actually printed depending on a variety of factors. So there may be time to cancel that artwork and have you resubmit new artwork. We recommend calling us ASAP so we can assist you with this right away.

Absolutely :) In some cases it may be easier for you to submit artwork files and requests to us via email. We can still create a custom quote for you to review, receive your files and manually process them into our print system for you :)

All of our printers are carefully color calibrated with custom built ICC profiles to meet G7 Idealliance color printing standards. We are the only company on Vancouver Island who currently meets G7 color profile standards. This allows us to ensure files submitted in CMYK will be printed as true to your provided files as possible. With that said, there can still be small differences in your expected outcome and what is possible for a printed color gamut in CMYK print. If you would like a printed sample before proceeding with an order please touch base with us via email and we can arrange for a print sample, Depending on the files, and size, there would likely be a minimum charge of Approx $20.

We offer a wide range of sign products for Victoria and Greater Victoria businesses, including coroplast signs, sintra (PVC/Komatex) signs, alupanel (aluminum composite) signs, foam board signs, polystyrene signs, vinyl banners (both opaque and mesh), business cards, and trade show displays. All of our signs are printed in-house at our Wilfert Road production facility using professional large-format printers.

We print on a variety of rigid and flexible substrates. Coroplast is a lightweight corrugated plastic, great for temporary outdoor signs like real estate signs and construction site signage. Sintra/Komatex is a solid PVC board, ideal for longer-lasting indoor and outdoor signs. Alupanel is an aluminum composite panel for premium, durable signage. Foam board and polystyrene are lightweight options for indoor displays and events. Our vinyl banners come in opaque (solid) and mesh (wind-through) options for outdoor use.

Coroplast is a corrugated plastic (like a plastic version of cardboard) that is lightweight, inexpensive, and weather-resistant. It is ideal for temporary signage such as yard signs, real estate signs, construction signs, and event signs. Sintra (Komatex) is a solid PVC foam board that is more rigid and durable. It has a smooth finish that looks more professional and lasts longer outdoors. Sintra is a great choice for semi-permanent signage, retail displays, and directional signs.

Yes! Most of our sign products are available in single-sided or double-sided printing. Double-sided is popular for sandwich board inserts, hanging banners, and any sign that will be viewed from both sides. You can select single or double-sided when configuring your product in our online shop.

Our large-format printers can produce banners and signs in very large sizes. For vinyl banners, we can print up to several hundred square feet by tiling or welding panels together. For most standard orders, our online shop supports custom sizes that you specify when ordering. If you have a very large project or need sizes beyond what is shown online, please contact us at info@thesignpad.com and we will provide a custom quote.

Yes. All of our main sign products are available in custom sizes. When ordering online, select the custom-size version of the product and enter your desired width and height. The pricing calculator will instantly show you the cost for your custom dimensions. If you need a size or shape that is not supported by our online system, contact us directly for a quote.

Absolutely! In-store pickup is available at our production facility at #103-2675 Wilfert Road, Victoria BC V9B 6M3. When placing your order, simply select "In-Store Pickup" as your shipping method. We will notify you by email when your order is ready for pickup. Our hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Yes, we offer delivery throughout Greater Victoria including Victoria, Saanich, Langford, Colwood, Esquimalt, Oak Bay, Sidney, Sooke, View Royal, and surrounding areas. Delivery options and costs will be shown during checkout. For large or special delivery requests, please contact us directly.

Standard production time is typically 2-3 business days after artwork approval. Turnaround may vary depending on order volume and complexity. Business cards and smaller items may be ready sooner. If you have a tight deadline, please contact us to discuss rush options. We do our best to accommodate urgent requests for our Victoria customers.

Yes, we can ship anywhere in BC and across Canada. Shipping costs are calculated during checkout based on the size and weight of your order and destination. For large or fragile items, we will ensure proper packaging to protect your signs during transit.

We are located at #103-2675 Wilfert Road, Victoria, BC V9B 6M3, near the Westshore area. We have free parking available for customers. Our hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. You can find us on Google Maps.

We serve all of Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island, including Victoria, Saanich, Langford, Colwood, Esquimalt, Oak Bay, Sidney, Sooke, View Royal, North Saanich, Central Saanich, Metchosin, and Highlands. We also ship across BC and Canada for customers outside our local delivery area.

While our online shop is set up for customers to upload their own print-ready artwork, we can assist with design work on a case-by-case basis. We also provide free online design templates for many of our products. If you need help with artwork or design, please email us at info@thesignpad.com and we can discuss your needs.

Yes! Vehicle wraps are one of our core services. We offer full vehicle wraps, partial wraps, fleet graphics, and vehicle magnetics for cars, trucks, vans, and trailers. Vehicle wraps are handled as custom projects — please contact us at info@thesignpad.com or call 250-590-7785 for a quote. You can see examples of our wrap work on our main website.

Yes, we offer professional sign installation services throughout Victoria and Greater Victoria. Whether it is mounting signage to a building, installing wayfinding signs, or setting up trade show displays, our team can handle the installation for you. Installation is quoted separately depending on the project scope and location. Contact us for a quote.

For products in our online shop, you can see instant pricing by selecting your options (size, quantity, material, etc.) on any product page — no account needed. For custom projects like vehicle wraps, fabricated signage, LED signs, or large-scale installations, please email info@thesignpad.com or call us at 250-590-7785 and we will provide a detailed quote.