Standard proofs are free. Complex layouts or multi-round concepting may require a deposit or prepayment; we will advise before any charges.

Fonts & Graphics for Metal Plaques

Q: What’s the smallest readable text on a plaque?

For cast plaques, keep letters at or above 0.25 in (6 mm). For precision-tooled or etched plaques, 0.1875 in (4.8 mm) is usually acceptable. Final specs are confirmed during proofing.

Q: Can you use my brand font?

Yes, as long as strokes are not too thin. Provide the font files with licensing or outline the text in your vector artwork.

Q: Do you accept Canva, PowerPoint, or Word files?

We can review them for reference, but production requires print-ready vector files (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG) or high-resolution raster images (TIFF/PNG/JPG at 300 dpi at final size).

Q: Vector vs. raster—what should I send?

Send logos and type as vector (AI/EPS/PDF/SVG) with fonts outlined. Photos should be raster at 300 dpi at final size.

Q: Will thin serifs or delicate details reproduce?

Very fine details can close up in casting. We may simplify tiny elements or recommend precision-tooled or etched methods for micro-detail.

Choosing the right typeface and preparing your artwork correctly ensures your plaque is readable, beautiful, and manufactured without delays. Below are our best-practice guidelines for fonts, logos/graphics, and proofs.

Recommended Fonts (and What to Avoid)

Common, reliable choices: Arial, Helvetica, Times New Roman, Garamond, Optima, Trajan, Univers, Myriad, Futura.
OK to use nearly any font as long as strokes aren’t too thin and letterforms are clear at your final size.

Readability tips

Letter height: For cast plaques, keep most text ≥ 0.25 in (6 mm). For precision-tooled ≥ 0.2 in for non serif fonts. Etched, ≥ 0.1875 in (4.8 mm) is usually fine.
Stroke thickness: Aim for ≥ 0.06 in (1.5 mm) on cast; ≥ 0.035 in (0.9 mm) on tooled/etched.
Tracking: Slightly increase letter spacing on all-caps lines to improve legibility.
Case: Title Case or Upper/Lowercase is easiest to read; avoid long paragraphs in ALL CAPS.
Contrast: Light letters on a dark background (or vice versa) are the most legible at a distance.
Line length: 45–70 characters per line is a comfortable range for body text.

If you’re unsure whether a font will work, send it—we’ll test it at scale and advise adjustments before proofing.

Graphics & Logo Guidelines

Best file types

Vector (preferred): AI, EPS, PDF, or SVG (convert fonts to outlines).
Raster (when needed): TIFF/PNG/JPG at 300 dpi at final size (no screenshots or web-sized images).

Artwork prep checklist

Clean, solid shapes (no hairline strokes).
Convert strokes to fills; expand effects (shadows, gradients) or provide a flattened raster.
Remove embedded color profiles you don’t need; include Pantone/CMYK values if color specific (UV or painted areas).
Include a reference proof (PDF or image) of what you expect to see.

Logos & fine detail

Simplify tiny elements for casting (e.g., very thin serifs, filigree).
For micro-detail (small type, intricate crests), precision tooled or etched methods may be a better fit than cast.
We’ll recommend the right method after reviewing your art.

Minimums & Spacing (Quick Reference)

Element	Cast Plaques (typical)	Precision Tooled / Etched (typical)
Minimum letter height	0.25 in (6 mm)	0.1875 in (4.8 mm)
Minimum stroke thickness	0.06 in (1.5 mm)	0.035 in (0.9 mm)
Minimum space between elements	0.06 in (1.5 mm)	0.04 in (1.0 mm)
Safe margin from edges/holes	≥ 0.375 in (9.5 mm)	≥ 0.25 in (6 mm)

Guidelines above are typical; we’ll confirm specs during proofing for your exact size and method.

Customer-Supplied Designs

We’re happy to manufacture from your print-ready design as long as it meets the guidelines above. Send:

Final vector file with fonts outlined (or include the font files with clear licensing).
A PDF proof showing intended appearance.
Notes on metal, background/letter color, finish, and mounting.

If something won’t reproduce well, we’ll recommend edits so your plaque looks right at full size.

About Proofs (Please Read)

Are proofs free?
Usually yes. We provide free standard proofs for most projects because we know it makes the process easier.

When a deposit or prepayment may be required:

Very complex layouts (e.g., long donor lists, multi-panel walls).
Multiple rounds of concept variations or extensive re-typesetting.
Tight deadlines that require immediate scheduling upon approval.

We invest significant design time in proofs. To keep standard proofs free, we simply ask for transparency if you are shopping around and for good-faith use of the artwork we create. Thanks for helping us keep this service sustainable.

How We Help You Choose

Not sure if your font or logo will cast cleanly? Send the files and target size. We’ll:

check legibility and minimums,
suggest font/spacing tweaks if needed, and
recommend the best manufacturing method (cast, precision tooled, etched, photo/UV) for your design.

File Upload Tips

Zip your assets (art + fonts + notes) with a clear filename.
Include contact info and the plaque’s final physical size.
Large files: provide a download link (Drive/Dropbox/etc.).

Standard Serif Font	Raised Copy Precision/Cast Plaque Minimum letter height	Recessed Copy Standard Etched Minimum letter height
(Gemini version)	.25 in	.17 in
	.27 in	.18 in
	.20 in	.20 in
	.29 in	.30 in
	.33 in	.19 in

Standard San Serif Font	Raised Copy Precision/Cast Plaque Minimum letter height	Recessed Copy Standard Etched Minimum letter height
	.25 in	.13 in
(Gemini version)	.25 in	.13 in
	.23 in	.18 in
	.22 in	.12 in
	.20 in	.12 in

Raised Text and Graphics

Serif minimum: 0.008 in
Stroke minimum: 0.03 in

Recessed gaps in raised text

For text and artwork, 0.022 in

Recessed Text and Graphics

Serif minimum: 0.022 in
Stroke minimum: 0.022 in

Raised gaps in recessed text

For text and artwork, 0.01 in

Fonts & Graphics – Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the smallest readable text on a plaque?

For cast plaques, keep letters at or above 0.25 in (6 mm). For precision-tooled or etched plaques, 0.1875 in (4.8 mm) is usually acceptable. We’ll confirm during proofing based on your design and size.

Can you use my brand font?

Yes—most fonts work if the strokes aren’t too thin. Send the font file (with licensing) or outline the text in your vector file. We’ll test legibility at scale and recommend adjustments if needed.

Do you accept Canva, PowerPoint, or Word files?

We can review them for reference, but production requires print-ready vector (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG) or high-resolution raster images (TIFF/PNG/JPG at 300 dpi at final size). We can help convert if needed.

Vector vs. raster—what should I send?

Logos and type should be vector (AI/EPS/PDF/SVG) with fonts outlined. Photos may be raster at 300 dpi at final size. Avoid web screenshots or low-resolution images.

Will thin serifs or delicate details reproduce?

Very fine details can fill in during casting. We may simplify tiny elements or recommend precision-tooled or etched methods for micro-detail and small text.

Can you match brand colors?

Yes. Provide Pantone/CMYK/RGB values. For painted accents or UV printing, we’ll match as closely as the process allows and provide a proof for approval.

Are proofs free?

Usually, yes. Standard proofs are free. Very complex layouts (long donor lists, multiple concepts) may require a deposit or prepayment. We’ll advise before any charges.

Do proofs affect timeline?

Yes. Production begins after payment and final proof approval. Fast feedback helps keep your schedule on track.

How should I prepare my artwork?

Outline fonts, convert strokes to fills, simplify hairline details, and include a reference PDF. Keep at least 0.375 in (9.5 mm) safety from edges/holes for cast plaques (about 0.25 in for tooled/etched).

Can you work from a photo of a logo?

We can redraw most logos into vector for an additional fee. Send the clearest version you have; brand guidelines help ensure accuracy.

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