ARTWORK GUIDELINES
Here you’ll find a list of common file types we can work with. If you’re not sure your artwork meets these requirements, just shoot us an email and we’ll let you know!
Vector Files
Vector files are recommended for the highest quality print. These are ideal for artwork with areas of solid color or text that we would print with a method called spot printing. Vectors are objects, so no matter how much you enlarge the graphic it will remain crisp and clear. This allows for more flexibility and is ideal for logos and brand graphics.
Popular Vector File Types
.AI, .EPS, .PDF, .SVG
Common Examples
Logos, text, digital artwork.
Tips
Raster Files
Raster files are also accepted. We can take your layered .psd, .pdf, or .tif file types and prepare them for screen print. While raster images don’t have the flawless resolution of a vector image, we are able to blend colors to achieve a wide range of effects as well as photorealism.
Popular Vector File Types
.PSD, .JPG, .PNG, .TIF
Common Examples
Photos, scanned artwork.
Tips
T-Shirt Layout
Standard Location
Non-Standard Location
Preferred File Types
Screen Printing
The stencil of your graphic is printed onto a screen, and ink is then pushed through the mesh to transfer your graphic onto your garment. Each color requires a separate screen, but it produces high quality prints that will hold up for a long time.
Preferred File Type:
- Solid, spot colors prefer vector files.
- Photorealistic images or blending colors prefer hi-res raster files.
Tips:
- Do not live trace your image.
- Providing the layered files will allow us to produce the best possible product.
Transfers
Render incredible detail with crisp, clean edges in over a million vivid colors and gradients for decorating hats, outerwear, and other fabrics you cannot directly print on.
For Vector:
- CMYK strongly recommended (RGB will be converted).
- Optional: Pantone (PMS colorbook codes only).
- Convert fonts to outlines.
- Convert strokes to objects.
- Embed any linked images.
- Save as PDF (also acceptable: .ai, .eps).
For Raster:
- CMYK strongly recommended (RGB will be converted).
- 300 DPI recommended (or send the best you have).
- Use a transparent background for free-floating art.
- No fades or glows on free-floating art (Use clipping path to make sharp edges).
- Save as PDF (also acceptable: .psd, .tiff, .eps, .png, .jpg).
DTG
DTG works much like an office printer, except instead of printing on paper it prints directly onto fabric with waterbased ink. There are no limits on the amount of colors you can use, which makes it great for detailed designs. Because it does not have the set-up costs associated with screenprinting, it can save you money if you are doing a small batch of garments.
Preferred File Type:
Hi-res raster image.
Tips:
- Graphics should to be at least 300DPI for best prints.
- Art file with transparent background will get the best results.
Max Print Sizes
Small Short Sleeve 2.5"H×3.2"W
Digital Squeegee
Digital Squeegee is a hybrid printing method that bridges the gap between DTG and traditional Screen Printing. It uses a screen printed white underbase and a digital print on top, giving you the photorealistic quality of DTG with the speed and savings of screen printing.
Preferred File Type:
Hi-res raster image.
Tips:
- Graphics should to be at least 300DPI for best prints.
- Art file with transparent background will get the best results.
Sublimation
Create with no limitations! Sublimation allows you to print seam-to-seam in as many colors as your heart desires, on a large selection of products from apparel to home goods. First, a design is printed onto special paper. The inks turn into gas when exposed to heat, which combines with the fabric and permanently prints onto the fabric. The heat opens up the pores of the fabric, then with the applied pressure the ink cools and returns to a solid form. The ink is embedded into the fibers which allows the design to feel like it’s a part of the garment (as opposed to printed on top).
Preferred File Type:
- Solid, spot colors or patterns prefer vector files.
- Photorealistic images or blending colors prefer hi-res raster files.
Tips:
- 150DPI resolution minimum at print size.
Embroidery
Embroidery is a great way to elevate hats, outerwear, and fleece. Your artwork has to be “digitized” which is the specialized process of converting two dimensional artwork into stitches or thread. The thread colors are loaded into the machines, and the machine itself is programmed by the operator to sew the design in a particular sequence and speed.
Preferred File Type:
Vector image.
Tips:
- Convert fonts to outlines.
- Convert strokes to objects.