A File Guide for Brands, Buyers, and Designers Creating Custom Retail Displays
To design and manufacture a custom POP display, you should prepare: 3D structural files (.STEP, .IGS), vector logos (.AI, .EPS), brand color codes (Pantone), and reference visuals (PDF, JPG). The right file types help factories quote accurately, ensure correct branding, and reduce production errors.
Table of Contents
🎯 Introduction: Why File Format Matters in Custom Display Projects
You’ve got a great display idea — but your supplier responds:
“Can you send us the STEP file? Do you have the logo in vector format?”
Sound familiar?
Many visual merchandisers, brand managers, or creative teams are caught off guard when it comes to technical file formats.
Yet, sending the right file types from the start can save days (even weeks) of quoting delays, color mismatches, and production errors.
Let’s walk through exactly what files to send — and why they matter.
✅📎 What Files Should You Send for Custom Display Projects?
| File Type | Purpose | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 3D Structural Drawing | For engineering, mold, CNC | .STEP, .STP, .IGS |
| 2D Technical Drawing | Print zones, cutlines | .PDF, .AI, .DWG |
| Logo File | For UV print, laser, screen | .AI, .EPS, .SVG |
| Visual Moodboard | Style guidance | .PDF, .JPG, .PSD |
| Color Reference | Finish spray matching | Pantone Coated/Uncoated |
| Font File (if custom) | For engraving / printing | .TTF, .OTF |
| Product Box Mockup | Tray fitting reference | .JPG, physical sample |
💡 Pro Tip: Combine your brand guideline, packaging mockup, and 3D file into one zipped folder to save time.
🧠 Why the Right Files Matter for Quoting & Sampling
| If You Send This | We Can… |
|---|---|
| 3D STEP file | Generate mold-ready structural drawings |
Logo in .AI format | Scale, print, and apply without pixelation |
| Pantone color codes | Match spray paints across MDF, acrylic, or resin |
| Moodboard + render | Suggest accurate material and finish alternatives |
| Font file | Use for etching, print zones, or text cut-outs |
Sending the correct files =
✅ Faster quotations
✅ Fewer revisions
✅ More accurate sampling
✅ Shorter overall lead time
🔧 Engineering Notes & Modular Tips
We use your files to:
- Convert creative concepts into tool-ready engineering models
- Suggest cost-saving material swaps (e.g., MDF vs. metal)
- Build modular or flat-pack structures to reduce freight cost
- Prepare mold designs and 2D prints for laser-cut or UV areas
- Output production-ready assets for sampling and QC
📦 Real Case: From Moodboard to Engineering in 7 Days
| Stage | Client Sent | Samtop Delivered |
|---|---|---|
| Concept | Moodboard, brand manual, .AI logo | Render + material proposal |
| Structure | Keynote sketch with basic dimensions | Moldable .STEP file + technical drawings |
| Quote Request | Estimated volume + delivery region | 3-option pricing (MDF/acrylic/metal) + packaging suggestion |
✅ Final pre-production drawing and foam-in-box packaging plan completed in under 7 working days.
🙋♂️ FAQ – File Requirements for Display Production
Q1: What if I don’t have a 3D file?
A: No problem. Send us a Keynote or PDF visual with dimensions — we can create the 3D .STEP model for you (1–3 days added).
Q2: Can I use a JPG logo file?
A: Not recommended. JPGs often lose quality when scaled. Please send .AI, .EPS, or .SVG files for sharp printing and engraving.
Q3: Why do you need Pantone codes?
A: Pantone references ensure accurate color-matching across all materials (MDF, resin, metal, acrylic). RGB or HEX codes won’t work for spray finishes.
Q4: Can you create the drawing if I only have the product sample?
A: Yes. We often reverse-engineer based on photos, dimensions, and a product box or physical sample.
🎯 Conclusion: Better Files = Faster Delivery & Fewer Mistakes
At Samtop, we help brands, visual teams, and creative agencies turn display concepts into production-ready realities.
When you provide the right file types, we can:
✔️ Quote faster
✔️ Reduce revisions
✔️ Ensure accurate colors and branding
✔️ Deliver on time
💬 Not sure if your files are ready?
📩 Email them to us at [email protected]
🌐 See real project examples at: www.samtop.com
Let’s turn your idea into a stunning retail display — one file at a time.
