Avoid Pixelated Prints! Image Selection Guide For Color Guard Flags, Field Backdrops, Floors, and Visual Media

April 21 2025, by Sean Smith
5 min reading time

Introduction:
Choosing the right artwork is one of the most important steps in creating a custom digital printed color guard flag. The best designs consider image quality, flag shape, viewing distance, colors, and licensing requirements.

There have been countless times when a customer is ready to begin production on a color guard flag or marching field show backdrop, with all their images selected—only for us to discover the images are low resolution, often found through a quick web search. It’s never fun having to break the news that the final product may suffer as a result.

That’s why I decided to post this blog—to help customers start the process on the right foot by understanding how to find and choose high-quality images.

The good news? With the rise of AI, we now have access to professional tools that can enhance image resolution in some cases. However, results can vary. That’s why we always recommend starting with print-ready, high-resolution images whenever possible.

How Digital Image Resolution Works

Digital image resolution is measured in pixels per inch (PPI) or dots per inch (DPI). Higher resolution means more pixels, leading to sharper and more vibrant results for your color guard flags, backdrops, floor tarps, etc.

Web resolution 72-150 PPI is not ideal for visual media.
For print resolution, 300 DPI or higher is ideal for clear,crisp, and vibrant results.

How to Choose a Quality Image for Color Guard Flags, Floors, and Backdrops.

Use High Resolution – Aim for 300 DPI or higher at the final print size.
Check Image Dimensions – Large prints need high pixel counts (e.g., a 24x36" print should be at least 7200x10800 pixels at 300 DPI).
Avoid Low-Quality Resizing – Upscaling small images reduces quality; always start with a high-resolution file. We do have ai software that can possibly convert to print resolution, but results can vary,
Use Vector Graphics When Possible – For logos and illustrations, SVG, AI, or EPS files scale without losing quality.
Choose the Right File Type – TIFF, PNG, or high-quality JPEG is best for printing.
Use the correct color format - Files must be in CMYK. RGB is for computer display
Shop online stock photo sites to obtain your images - Using photos from image searches is not recommended, as they are often not print resolution and may have legal usage restrictions. We suggest using sites like Shutterstock for high-quality images. Additionally, free image and vector file resources such as Pixabay, 123rf.com, and Vecteezy are available.
Need Help? - We understand that this can be confusing to people unfamiliar with digital media. We are more than happy to help you in the image selection process for your visual media.

The image below compares a low-quality and a high-quality image to show how they appear when printed. The left side has a low print resolution which is commonly used for websites and devices, while the right side is high print quality.

Consider the Flag Shape When Choosing Your Image

Most photos and digital artwork are created in a standard rectangular format. Since color guard flags come in a variety of shapes and sizes, portions of your image may need to be cropped to fit the selected flag template.

When choosing artwork, avoid images where important visual elements—such as faces, text, logos, or the main subject—are positioned too close to the edges. Instead, select images with enough surrounding background or open space so the key focal point remains visible after the artwork is resized and cropped.

As part of the proofing process, we will position your artwork to achieve the best possible appearance on your selected flag shape. However, because each flag template has unique dimensions and contours, some cropping is unavoidable.

Viewing Distance

Color guard flags are typically viewed from 50 feet or more away. Fine details may be difficult to see at a distance, while bold shapes, strong contrast, and simple designs create the greatest visual impact. If you are working with a show designer, they have likely considered how the design will read from the performance area and audience perspective.

Color Accuracy & Matching

Colors may appear differently on your computer screen, phone, or printed materials compared to the final printed flag. Differences in monitor settings, screen calibration, and printing processes can affect how colors are displayed.

If your design includes specific colors that need to match, such as university colors, school colors, or athletic team colors, please provide the appropriate PMS (Pantone Matching System) color information with your artwork submission. This allows us to better match your required colors during production.

Using AI-Generated Artwork

AI-generated images can be a great way to create unique designs for custom color guard flags. However, keep in mind that many AI images use darker tones, shadows, and large areas of black that may look great on a screen but lose impact on a field or gym floor.

For the best performance visibility, choose artwork with bright colors, strong contrast, and a clear focal point. AI-generated images should also be reviewed for imperfections and must be high enough resolution for printing. The same artwork licensing requirements apply to AI-generated designs as any other submitted artwork.

Plan Ahead For Production

Custom digital media begins with the image selection and proofing process. Proof timelines vary based on our current design workload and how quickly proofs are reviewed and approved.

Production begins only after final proof approval. During peak marching band and winter guard seasons, please allow up to four weeks for production after your proof is approved. To ensure on-time delivery, we recommend starting your project as early as possible.

Copyright & Licensed Artwork

Please make sure you have the legal right to use any artwork you submit. Many cartoon characters, movie and TV characters, sports team logos, brand logos, and other copyrighted or trademarked images cannot be printed without written permission from the intellectual property owner. If your artwork contains licensed material, we may request proof of authorization before production.

To avoid delays, we recommend using original artwork, properly licensed stock images (such as Shutterstock), or artwork you have permission to reproduce.