Vector conversion for sign shops.
Channel letters, monument signs, banners, wraps. Redrawn by hand, spec'd for routing, scaled to install dimensions, and color-separated for substrate — not auto-traced.
Sign-shop conversions ship as layered AI + EPS + DXF, with each color routed to its own layer for substrate routing. Standard deliverables: spot-color-matched fills, install-scaled dimensions (we ask before we draw), kerf-compensated paths for ¼″ and ⅛″ tooling, and illustrator notes calling out registration concerns. Tier 1 simple wordmarks at $15. Tier 4 full-color monument-sign re-illustrations at $150.
Spec sheet, by default.
Every sign-shop delivery includes everything below — no upcharges, no "did you also want…?"
- File formats
- Layered
.ai(CC 2018+),.eps,.svg,.pdf..dxfon request, layered by routing depth. - Color matching
- PMS Solid Coated, PMS Premium, RAL, RAL Design — pick your match standard at order time. We match to within 2 ΔE.
- Sizing
- Drawn at install dimensions. We ask for the sign size before we start. Files are 1:1 scale, not "scalable to anything."
- Kerf compensation
- For routed jobs, we offset paths by your tool kerf (¼″ or ⅛″ standard; we'll ask for custom). Inside vs. outside cut is layer-named for the operator.
- Layer naming
- Per-color and per-tool, in the AI layer panel. "VINYL · PMS 354 C", "ROUTE · 1/8 DOWN-CUT", etc. Operators copy-paste into your job sheet.
- Designer notes
- Plain-text PDF in the delivery zip with substrate suggestions, registration concerns, and any "watch out for X" notes from the designer.
PMS-matched. Every job.
Example set. We match to your specified swatches at order time. RAL and custom matches available — note your standard when you upload.
From scanned to install-ready.
Job VW-3812: A 1990s scanned monument-sign mark for Trailhead Print Co. Source: 1024×1024 JPG with JPEG artifacts. Delivered on the 24-hour standard turnaround.
willow-creek-old-sign.jpg
1024×1024 · 248 KB · JPEG artifacts visible · faded edges from age
willow-creek-mark-vector.zip
AI · EPS · SVG · DXF · 6 layers · PMS 354 C / 281 C / Black · 32 KB
Drawn here, run on the floor.
Common questions, answered.
What file formats do you deliver for sign shop jobs?
Every sign shop delivery includes layered AI (CC 2018+), EPS, SVG, and PDF as standard. DXF is included on request and is layered by routing depth — cut-through, score, and engrave on separate named layers. All files arrive in a single ZIP.
Do you include kerf compensation for CNC and router jobs?
Yes. We offset outer edges outward and holes inward by your specified tool kerf. Default is ¼″ (6.35 mm) for standard down-cut tooling on aluminum — just note your kerf at order time and we'll match it. Inside vs. outside cut paths are layer-named for the operator.
What color matching standards do you support?
We match to PMS Solid Coated, PMS Premium Metallics, RAL, and RAL Design. Specify your match standard when you upload and we'll fill to within 2 ΔE. Custom paint codes and brand hex values are also supported — note them in the job brief.
How long does a sign shop vector conversion take?
Standard turnaround is 24 hours from checkout. Rush jobs (12-hour SLA) are available at a +50% surcharge — select Rush at checkout. Prefer to save? Flex (3 business days) takes 10% off.
What's the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 4 for sign jobs?
Tier 1 ($15) covers simple single-color wordmarks — clean scan, one font, no illustration. Tier 4 ($150) covers full monument-sign re-illustrations with multiple spot colors, custom iconography, and complex layering for routing. Most channel-letter logo traces fall at Tier 2–3 ($45–$90). The complexity classifier sets the tier automatically at upload, so you see the exact price instantly.
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Instant pricing, no commitment. Layered AI in your inbox in 24 hours, with DXF on request.