18 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 266 - August | September SignLink SignLinkMagazine printmonthly_signlink SOFTWARE | NEWS 85% of uploaded logos aren’t print-ready, new data shows FastEditor, a prepress automation specialist has released new platform data, quantifying how much customer artwork needs fixing before print production – and how autonomous workflows can close that gap. The software specialist recently analysed the logos being uploaded to its platform, in order to understand the quality of the uploads and how many of them are print-ready. Across 13,773 logo uploads on the FastEditor platform between November 2025 and May 2026, the company found that about 85% needed at least one automated fix before production. Most of the artwork analysed was not ready to print on arrival, with 79% needing upscaling, 61% needing vectorisation, and 40% needing background removal. Vectorization is seen by FastEditor as a core problem: the 61% of uploads previously mentioned are raster files that can’t be used for screen print, embroidery, or laser without conversion. A large percentage of the raw files being sent were also too ‘light’, with 79% of assessed raster uploads needing upscaling. FastEditor found that the median uploaded file size was around 0.6MB, which the company describes as “web-grade files that won’t hold up in print.” The software company argues that by utilising its automated prepress solution, the median time from upload to a production-ready file is just 53 seconds, versus up to 24 hours for a manual proof and around three working days to reach production in a traditional workflow. FastEditor is not alone in its mission to eliminate the manual file patching that has long plagued print shops, with the wider print industry rapidly shifting toward autonomous, touch-free workflows across the print process. This push toward touch-free operations is mirroring a broader trend across the sector. The Summer 2025 In-Plant Printing KPI Report by PRINTING United showed that 65.4% of in-house printing departments are actively pursuing equipment or workflow automation. Sign Trade Supplies unveils new 3D generator tool Sign Trade Supplies has added a 3D generator to its online KOPA configurator, providing signmakers with an immediate visual preview of any post-and-panel layout at the point of ordering. The generator sits inside the company’s existing Trade+ KOPA calculator with no separate software or login. As users configure panel size, post height, single or double-sided options, and finish, the preview updates alongside their choices. The new feature, which was developed from watching how customers use the KOPA configurator, aims to close the gap between specification and expectation at the earliest stage. KOPA is a modular aluminium post-and-panel system supplied in kit form, widely used for wayfinding projects across car parks, golf courses, council estates, and retail parks. Panels up to 2,400 x 1,200mm slot into powdercoated aluminium frames, finished in black, white, or Decro wood-effect profiles in teak or light oak, with concealed fixings throughout. Those wishing to find out further information about the tool and the wider online configurator have been encouraged to get in touch with Sign Trade Supplies directly or visit the company’s website. Sign Trade Supplies is a Kentbased supplier of aluminium profile systems, sign posts, fixings, and components to the UK sign and graphics industry. The company’s KOPA post and panel system is available exclusively to Trade+ members via the Sign Trade Supplies website. Very Displays launches new online ordering system UK-based display hardware supplier, Very Displays, has announced the launch of a brandnew online graphics ordering system, which is designed to give trade customers a faster, simpler, and more convenient way to order printed graphics and display hardware online. The fully revamped platform is designed to streamline the ordering process from start to finish, allowing customers to order graphics and hardware together through a single, simple online process. Users of the platform can upload print-ready artwork directly via the website, reducing back-andforth communication via email and placing orders whenever its convenient, including outside of work hours. The new online graphics ordering platform is now live at the Very Displays website and full details on how to order can be found in the company’s latest blog. The announcement is one of a range of new product releases by the trade-only display hardware supplier in recent months, which has included new colour-changing LED lightboxes and a lightweight modular lightbox system, as well as a summer promotional range that includes printable bunting, deck chairs, and flags. By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert FastEditor analysed 13,773 logo uploads between November 2025 and May 2026 The generator works within Sign Trade Supplies’ KOPA calculator with no separate software or login By Jonathan Pert
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