How to Set Up a 1:20 Scale Vehicle Wrap Template for Prepress

A vehicle wrap template is only as good as the prepress operator using it. Handing a clean blueprint to an installer without proper scale, bleed, or panel breaks is a guaranteed way to ruin a print run.

All GravBase premium vehicle templates are engineered at an exact 1:20 scale. Here is exactly how to set up your file in Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or FlexiSign so your layout hits the plotter perfectly.

1. The 1:20 Scale Math Never scale the vehicle template outline itself. Instead, design your artwork at 1:20 scale to match the blueprint, and let your RIP software handle the enlargement. If you must scale it to 100% full-size for your workflow, the math is simple: Multiply by 20. Example: A 5-inch graphic on your 1:20 scale artboard will print at exactly 100 inches on the physical vehicle.

2. Lock the Template Layer The moment you open your SVG or EPS file, lock the vehicle outline layer. You should never accidentally move a wheel arch, door handle, or bumper line while dragging your artwork. Create a new layer underneath the vehicle outline for your wrap graphics, so the car's details overlay your design.

3. Mark the Hazards (No-Print Zones) Before placing logos or phone numbers, identify the hazards. Draw highlight boxes over the fuel door, sliding door tracks, flush handles, and deep body creases. Treat these as strict no-print zones to ensure your client's critical contact info isn't cut in half during installation.

4. Account for Bleed A perfect 1:20 template shows you the exact edge of the body panels, but your installer needs extra vinyl to wrap around door jambs and under bumpers. Extend your background colors and non-critical graphics at least a few inches past the template’s outer lines.

If your shop's prepress time is eating into your margins, upgrade to a GravBase Design-Ready PDF ($4.99). We do the heavy lifting for you—providing an editable EPS with panel seams, door cuts, and trim breaks already separated and placed.