Screen printing artwork
Best way
- An Adobe Illustrator file (.ai) scaled to the desired print size
- Expand all fonts and strokes into shapes before sending. There is a good chance we do not have the same typefaces in our system as you do, and expanding all fonts avoids any issues
- Other supported vector formats: .eps, .pdf, .svg
Second best
- An Adobe Photoshop file (.psd) scaled to the desired print size at 300 DPI
- Rasterize all fonts and maximize compatibility
- Other supported pixel formats: .pdf, .jpg, .png
- Pixel formats must be created at size, or larger than size
Files not prepped correctly are subject to art fees. When in doubt, send what you have and our art department will help get it print ready.
Quick tips
If you start out at the correct size, you will greatly reduce the risk of resolution issues. Example: if you want your design printed 11" wide by 14" tall, build your document a little larger at 12" x 15".
- Resolution needs to be a minimum of 300 dpi
- Bigger is always better. You can always scale down, but you cannot scale up
- Keep in mind how many colors you want to print. Each color is a new screen
Raster vs vector
A raster image (.png, .jpg) is made of pixels and cannot be edited cleanly or scaled up. A vector file (.ai, .eps, .svg, .pdf) is made of individual shapes, so it can be edited and scaled to any size with no loss of quality. Vector is always preferred for printing.
Embroidery artwork
- Best way: a DST file scaled to the desired size
- Second best: a high-resolution file with at least 300 DPI (.pdf, .jpg, .png)
- If the logo is not provided in a DST file, a one-time digitizing fee will apply to your order
