Choosing the right typeface and preparing your artwork correctly ensures your plaque is readable, beautiful, and produced without delays. Below are our guidelines for letter size, fonts, logos, graphics, and proofs.
How Small Can Letters Be?
Follow these guidelines and your text will reproduce cleanly and read well:
Plaque Type
All Uppercase
Upper & Lowercase
Cast (raised letters)
0.25 in
0.375 in
Tooled (raised letters)
0.25 in
0.25 in
Etched (recessed letters)
0.125 in sans serif / 0.18 in serif
Some fonts allow smaller text and some need more — see the font chart below. We’ll confirm everything on your proof.
Recommended Fonts
Common, reliable choices: Arial, Helvetica, Times New Roman, Garamond, Optima, Trajan, Univers, Myriad, Futura. You can use nearly any font as long as the strokes aren’t too thin and the letterforms are clear at your final size.
Readability tips
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 the reverse) are most legible at a distance.
Line length: 45–70 characters per line is a comfortable range for body text.
Not sure a font will work? Send it — we’ll test it at size and suggest adjustments before proofing.
Smallest Letter Height by Font
These are the absolute smallest letter heights each font can be produced at. We recommend staying at or above the guidelines in the first table; use these only when space is tight, and we’ll confirm on your proof.
Serif Fonts
Font
Raised Copy — Tooled / Cast
Recessed Copy — Etched
Times New Roman
.25 in
.17 in
Bookman Old Style
.27 in
.18 in
Cambria
.20 in
.20 in
Palatino
.29 in
.30 in
Calligraphy
.33 in
.19 in
Sans-Serif Fonts
Font
Raised Copy — Tooled / Cast
Recessed Copy — Etched
Arial
.25 in
.13 in
Helvetica
.25 in
.13 in
Calibri
.23 in
.18 in
Myriad Pro
.22 in
.12 in
Optima
.20 in
.12 in
Font samples display in your browser’s version of each font where available.
Fine-Detail Minimums by Plaque Type
These are production limits for thin strokes and small gaps. Artwork below them can fill in or break during manufacturing, so we’ll flag anything that falls short.
Cast (Raised Only)
Serif stroke 0.007 in
Overall stroke 0.020 in
Gap between letters 0.015 in
Gap in artwork / logos 0.040 in
Tooled
Raised serif stroke 0.008 in
Raised stroke 0.030 in
Recessed stroke 0.022 in
Gap in raised text 0.022 in
Gap in recessed text 0.010 in
Etched
Gap between elements 0.010 in
Raised copy stroke 0.010 in
Sans serif letters 0.125 in
Serif letters 0.180 in
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.
Include Pantone/CMYK values if color matters (UV-printed or painted areas).
Include a reference proof (PDF or image) of what you expect to see.
Logos & fine detail
Very thin serifs and filigree may need to be simplified for casting.
For micro-detail (small type, intricate crests), tooled or etched plaques may be a better fit than cast.
We’ll recommend the right method after reviewing your art.
Customer-Supplied Designs
We’re happy to work 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 the 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 reproduce cleanly? Send the files and target size. We’ll:
check legibility and minimums,
suggest font or spacing tweaks if needed, and
recommend the best method (cast, 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.).
Fonts & Graphics — FAQ
What’s the smallest readable text on a plaque?
Cast plaques: 0.25 in for all-uppercase text, 0.375 in for upper and lowercase. Tooled plaques: 0.25 in, upper and lowercase. Etched plaques: 0.125 in for sans serif, 0.18 in for serif. We’ll confirm on your proof.
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 size 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 a tooled or etched plaque 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 the 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 so we can see what you expect.
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.
