Custom Mahjong Artwork File Preparation Guide
· Quhu Studio
Good artwork files make custom Mahjong development faster, clearer and easier to quote.
This article is part of the Quhu Studio Resources hub for brands, retailers and creators developing custom American Mahjong sets and promotional products.
Start with a tile map
A tile map shows which artwork belongs on each tile. It is one of the most useful documents for a custom American Mahjong project because it reduces confusion between suits, jokers, flowers, directions and blanks.
For themed sets, group artwork by category so the production team can review the full system instead of isolated images.
- Tile name or tile number
- Artwork file name
- Color reference
- Front, back or side-layer notes
- Quantity of each tile design
Use production-ready artwork
Vector files are preferred for logos, typography, line icons and clean graphic systems. High-resolution raster files may work for detailed illustrations, but they need enough resolution for the final print size.
Small tiles do not forgive excessive detail. Thin lines, tiny lettering and low contrast may disappear when printed or engraved.
Define color clearly
Use Pantone, CMYK, RGB or HEX references depending on the production process. If the exact brand color matters, provide both digital values and a physical reference when possible.
Side-layer colors and back colors should be treated as manufacturing specifications, not only design preferences.
Prepare packaging assets separately
Box artwork, instruction cards, inserts and labels should be prepared on their own dielines. Packaging files need bleed, safe zones and finish notes such as foil, embossing or spot UV.
Keeping tile artwork and packaging artwork separate makes review and revision much cleaner.
Make review easy
Before sending files, include a PDF overview so everyone can see the full set at a glance. This helps catch missing tiles, duplicate artwork and inconsistent colors before sampling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need vector files for every tile?
Vector files are best for clean icons, letters and logos. Detailed illustrations can use high-resolution raster files if they remain clear at tile scale.
Can I send reference images first?
Yes. Reference images are useful for early quoting and direction, but production will still need organized final files before sampling.
What causes artwork delays?
Missing tile maps, unclear file names, low-resolution images and late color changes are common causes of delay.
Continue with the Resources hub, review Custom Mahjong, or send a project brief when you are ready to discuss a custom set.
For visual examples, explore the Quhu Studio portfolio to see how custom Mahjong and promotional product concepts are presented.
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