Personalization & Proof Guide

Before submitting personalization

Enter names, dates, wording, capitalization, punctuation, and line breaks exactly as they should appear. Please check every detail before placing the order. Script fonts can be difficult to read in all capital letters; choose a block font when all-capital lettering is important.

Cremation urn proofs

When an optional proof is offered on an urn, the price is shown with the personalization choices. The option includes one layout proof sent by email. Please allow 1–3 business days to receive it. Engraving begins after approval, so choosing a proof adds time to the order.

Review the emailed proof carefully. Further changes after the first proof may require an additional proofing charge.

Granite plaques and memorial markers

Granite personalization follows a different schedule. One proof is included at no additional charge. Please allow five business days for the proof, then three business days to create the memorial after approval.

After the proof arrives

Reply to the proof email to approve the layout or request a correction. Production does not begin until the proof is approved. Check your spam or junk folder if the expected email has not arrived.

Submitting Photos & Memorial Prints

Start with the clearest source available

A sharp, high-resolution image gives the personalization artist the best material to work with. Use good, even lighting and fill the camera frame without cutting off any part of the photo, print, handwriting, or drawing. Take several photographs and review them at full size before choosing the clearest one.

Fingerprints, handprints and footprints

A clear existing print from a document or keepsake can be used. To create a new ink print, use black ink and plain white paper. Lightly touch the inked surface, then press straight down using a gentle tapping motion rather than rolling. Make several prints so the clearest, most complete impression can be selected.

Photograph the selected print in sharp focus, or scan it flat at 600 dpi and save it as a JPG file. The full print should be visible and free of blur, shadows, and smudges.

Paw prints and nose prints

Submit a sharply focused, high-resolution photograph of the clearest available paw or nose print. Fill the screen without cropping the edges or getting so close that the image becomes blurry. If you need to create a new impression rather than photograph an existing print, contact NCIS before ordering so we can confirm the appropriate capture method for the selected product.

Handwriting, signatures and line drawings

Place the original on a flat surface in good light. Photograph or scan it without cutting off any part of the writing or drawing. A 600 dpi JPG scan is preferred when available.

Photos for engraving or printing

Use the original image whenever possible. Choose a well-lit, sharply focused photo with enough space around the subject for the artist to fit it to the selected memorial. Avoid screenshots, tiny images, heavy filters, and photographs of another screen.

Sending files with the order

Use the upload field when one appears during personalization. Otherwise, complete the order and reply to the NCIS order-confirmation email with the files attached. Include the order number, and clearly name or number multiple files so each one can be matched to its intended placement.

Choosing the Correct Urn Size

Use capacity, not exterior dimensions

Urn capacity is listed in cubic inches. As a general guide, select at least one cubic inch of capacity for each pound of body weight before cremation. For example, a person or pet who weighed 180 pounds generally requires an urn with a capacity of at least 180 cubic inches.

Cremated-remains volume can vary. If the required capacity is close to the urn’s stated limit, or if keepsakes will be placed inside, choose the next larger size.

Common size descriptions

• Full-size: intended to hold all the cremated remains of one adult when the stated capacity is sufficient.
• Companion: intended for two sets of cremated remains; compare the urn capacity with the combined pre-cremation weights.
• Sharing or medium: holds a portion of the cremated remains or all remains only when its stated capacity is sufficient.
• Keepsake: holds a small portion of the cremated remains or another small memorial item.

When remains will be divided

Families may divide remains among several keepsakes, retain one portion and scatter another, or use a larger urn with room for a small memento. Add the capacities of all selected containers and compare that total with the capacity needed.

If you are uncertain, contact NCIS with the pre-cremation weight and how the remains will be divided. We will help confirm the appropriate capacity before you order.