With our handy tips, your printed beer mats will look just as good as they do on your screen.
Your printed beer mats in 4 steps
1. Choose your beer mats
Select the shape you want: round or square.
2. Download the free design template
Once you have chosen your shape, you can download our template with die-cut contour.
The template shows exactly where your beer mat will be cut. Use it as the basis for your design, so you know for sure that your artwork matches the correct size.
Tip: preferably design your beer mats in Adobe Illustrator or another program in which you can work with the die-cut contour.
3. Design your beer mat
Let your creativity run free. Add, for example, your logo, house style, photo, text, illustration or a striking message.
A good design starts with a few simple points of attention:
- Let backgrounds and images extend into the bleed.
- Keep texts and important logos at a sufficient distance from the cutting line.
- Use images with sufficient resolution; 300 dpi is ideal.
- Check spelling, phone numbers, websites and social media accounts.
- Make sure your design matches your house style.
Whether you run a bar or restaurant, organise events, own a brewery, or represent a club or company: a well-designed beer mat is a small product that can attract a lot of attention.
4. Upload and order
Is your design ready? Check it one more time and upload your file during the ordering process.
You can supply your design as:
PDF · AI · JPG · PNG
You upload the design during the ordering process, where you get the chance to check it once more. Is everything correct? Then you approve it and complete your order.
Important: don’t forget your bleed!
One of the most important parts of a good print file is the bleed.
Want a completely red beer mat, for example? Then the red has to extend beyond the final cutting line.
Why? Because cutting never happens at exactly the same spot down to a hundredth of a millimetre. With sufficient bleed, you prevent an unwanted white edge from appearing after cutting.
This is how it should look
Correct: the background extends well beyond the die-cut line.
Incorrect: the background stops exactly at the die-cut line.
Always use the values in our downloadable template for the exact amount of bleed.
Tip: unsure about the bleed? Check it before you upload your file. A small adjustment beforehand prevents surprises afterwards.
Keep important elements at a safe distance
Of course you don’t want a logo, text or phone number half against the edge of your beer mat.
So keep important elements at a sufficient distance from the die-cut line. The cutting line is a technical guideline and not an ideal place for important information.
Do let your background extend, but keep your most important content a little further inside. That way you get a clean and professional result.
Die-cut contour: useful while designing, not in print
Our die-cut contour is your best friend while designing. You can see exactly where your beer mat will be cut.
But as soon as your design is ready, the most important moment arrives: remove the guides and die-cut contour before you upload.
The contour is intended only as an aid while designing. It should not be visible in the final print file.
So check: is the die-cut line still in your file? Remove or hide it before you export.
Make sure your images are sharp
A professional print starts with a good-quality file.
For photos and other raster images, we recommend 300 dpi at the final size. This prevents images from becoming grainy or blurry.
Using a logo, icon or illustration? Then a vector file is often the best choice. Vector images stay razor-sharp, even when enlarged.
Better not
- Use a low-resolution image from the internet.
- Upload a screenshot as a print file.
- Enlarge a small logo enormously.
- Try to improve a blurry photo after the design is already finished.
Supply your design as PDF, AI, JPG or PNG
We make it easy for you. You can upload your design in several file formats.
PDF
A PDF is an excellent choice for many designs. When exporting, check that the correct size and the correct bleed are included.
AI
Working with Adobe Illustrator? Then you can supply your design as an AI file. This is especially useful when you work with vectors and our die-cut contour.
JPG
A JPG is suitable for designs and photos, provided the file has sufficient resolution and is supplied at the correct size.
PNG
A PNG can also be used. As with JPG, pay close attention to the resolution and the correct size.
Whichever option you choose: always check your file before you upload it.
The ultimate checklist for your beer mats
Before you upload your design, run through this checklist:
- I used the correct template.
- My design has the correct size.
- My background extends into the bleed.
- Important texts and logos are at a sufficient distance from the cutting line.
- My images are sharp enough.
- The die-cut contour has been removed or hidden.
- All guides have been removed.
- My texts contain no spelling mistakes or typos.
- Logos, phone numbers, websites and other details have been checked.
- My file is saved as PDF, AI, JPG or PNG.
- I viewed the design once more at actual size.
Everything ticked? Then your design is ready for production.
Turn a simple beer mat into an eye-catcher
A beer mat is small, but the possibilities are big.
Use your printed beer mats for example for:
- 🍺 Hospitality – with your logo, house style or a fun message.
- 🎉 Parties and events – create a unique beer mat for your occasion.
- 🍻 Breweries and beer brands – literally present your brand on the table.
- 💼 Companies – an original way to put your brand in the spotlight.
- 💍 Weddings and parties – a personal detail your guests are sure to notice.
- 🏆 Clubs and associations – print them with your logo, team or event.
A well-designed beer mat often stays on the table longer than a flyer or business card. So make it something worth seeing.
Ready to design your own beer mats?
Upload your design, choose the quantity you want and order your printed beer mats easily online.
No design yet? No problem. Download one of our free templates, add your design and follow the steps above.
Frequently asked questions about supplying beer mat files
How much bleed should I use?
Use the amount of bleed indicated in the template for your chosen size (2.5 mm). That way you can be sure your background extends far enough beyond the cutting line.
Can I supply my own beer mat design?
Yes. You can create a design yourself and upload it during the ordering process. You can supply files as PDF, AI, JPG or PNG.
Can I have a logo printed on my beer mat?
Certainly. A logo is an excellent way to make your beer mats recognisable. Preferably use a vector file for the sharpest result.
Do I need to remove the die-cut contour?
Yes. The die-cut contour is only intended as an aid while designing. Remove or hide it before you upload the final file.
What happens if my file is not correct?
If in doubt, you can always choose the option “Extra check by Viltjes.nl”. We check the supplied file. If something prevents your design from being produced correctly, we will contact you before we proceed. Please note: a charge of € 7.99 applies for this service.
Can I also make a design with a photo?
Yes. Just make sure the photo has sufficient resolution. For raster images, 300 dpi at the final size is a good guideline.
Need help with your design?
Struggling with the die-cut contour, bleed or supplying your print file? Feel free to contact us.
We are happy to help, so that your printed beer mats look exactly the way you have in mind.
Design. Upload. Order. And turn every beer into a moment for your brand.