Artwork & Design
How to Prepare Artwork for Custom Apparel Printing
File types, resolution and colour: what to send for a smoother proof and a better finished print.
Send your best original artwork file, the intended print dimensions, garment colour and decoration positions. Vector artwork is ideal for logos; raster artwork should generally have 300 pixels per inch at its final print size. If you’re unsure, send what you have and we’ll review it.
Vector or raster: which file should you send?
Vector artwork uses paths rather than a fixed grid of pixels. An original AI, EPS, SVG or vector PDF lets us resize a logo without introducing pixelation. It is a useful starting point for screen printing and embroidery artwork preparation.
PNG and JPEG files contain pixels. They can work well for photos, illustrations and full-colour DTF artwork when they contain enough detail at the intended print size. A small logo downloaded from a website or saved from a social media profile often does not.
A PDF is a container, so saving a small JPEG as a PDF does not turn it into vector artwork. Whenever possible, send the original design export rather than a screenshot. Outline fonts in vector artwork, or let us know which fonts were used.
Check resolution at the actual print size
For raster artwork, aim for 300 pixels per inch at the size you want printed. The dimensions matter more than a resolution label: an image 3,000 pixels wide provides 300 pixels per inch when printed 10 inches wide. A 600-pixel-wide image enlarged to the same width provides only 60.
Changing a file’s DPI setting or enlarging it does not restore missing detail. Keep the best original version and tell us the finished print dimensions. We can check whether the file is suitable or discuss artwork cleanup or recreation before production.
Give us your colour requirements
Screens display colour using light, while inks, thread and garment fabrics behave differently. A colour can look different on another screen or on a dark garment. If your brand colours are critical, include Pantone references or your brand guide and discuss matching requirements before approving the order.
Screen printing can use spot colours; full-colour DTF printing uses a different process. Embroidery uses available thread colours. Matching options and limitations depend on the method and material, so an on-screen preview should not be treated as a guarantee of an exact physical colour match.
Prepare artwork for the decoration method
| Method | What to send | What to flag |
|---|---|---|
| Screen printing | Original vector logo or design where available | Brand colour references, print size and every print location |
| DTF printing | High-resolution PNG or other original artwork; vector files are also useful | Transparency, fine detail, gradients and intended dimensions |
| Embroidery | Clear vector or high-resolution artwork for digitizing review | Small lettering, thin lines and the finished stitched size |
An embroidery machine needs a digitized stitch file, not just a logo image. Fine gradients and tiny lettering may need to be simplified. Our embroidery pricing guide explains how artwork and stitch count affect the quote.
Your artwork submission checklist
- The best original artwork file available
- Desired print or stitched dimensions
- Product style, fabric and garment colour
- Each decoration position: front, back, sleeve or another location
- Quantity, size breakdown and required arrival date
- Brand colour references or any special finishing requirements
Before approving your digital proof, check spelling, layout, dimensions and placement. If a file needs additional work, we’ll discuss the options and cost with you. See our ordering guide for the next steps.
