Art requirements
Accepted File Types
- Adobe Illustrator (.ai)
- Adobe Photoshop (.psd)
- Vector (.eps)
- Tagged Image File Format (.tiff )
- Portable Document Format (.pdf)
Set all art files to actual final size desired.
Colors in art files should be PMS Spot Colors (including White and Black ink) and should be chosen from Pantone Coated formula guide (exceptions for specialty inks). Ink colors tend to shift on colored shirts. Some colors will work on dark shirts, some won’t work at all without a white base. Polyester goods require an additional barrier base to block dyes from migrating into the print.
- you can upload art files through the website
Art files should be saved as AI, EPS or PSD.
Fonts in the file must be converted to outlines or include all font files used.
Art should be saved at size to be printed.
Supporting files created outside of Illustrator - saved at 300 dpi
Colors in the file saved as Pantone (PMS) spot colors and clearly marked.
A pixel based or photographic image saved as ai, eps or pdf is not considered a vector file
WHAT KIND OF ART IS NEEDED FOR SCREEN PRINT?
Set all art files to actual size. Save in .AI or .EPS format, CMYK color mode. Legacy format (CS5 or later) preferred to avoid compatibility issues. It is very important when saving a vector file to convert the text to “outlines” or “curves”. This is an option in vector based programs that changes the fonts used in the design into a vector object. This way if we don’t have a specific font installed, which is used in your design, our system won’t substitute it for a font we do have. Include any/all imported or placed images and graphic files. Avoid using Clipping Masks. Use the Path finder tool instead. Using Effects such as Multiply blending mode to simulate translucent overprinting will cause issues and results will not be as expected.
Set all art files to actual size. Save in .PSD or .TIF format, CMYK color mode (or Grayscale if the design is 1-color). Original Files with each color on it’s own Layer is strongly preferred. Raster art or photo realistic art is art that is scanned into or created in a Pixel based program such as Adobe Photoshop, Fireworks or Photopaint. The quality of raster art is dictated by a combination of the resolution (DPI-dot per inch) and the size of the art. The minimum requirement for raster art is 200 DPI at the size you want the art to be printed. An example for a front print on a t-shirt may be 12” wide by 8” tall at 200 DPI.
For positive reading type, keep fonts at a 8pt minimum (12pt for Metallic ink). For knocked-out text, keep fonts at a 12pt minimum (16pt for Metallic ink). Final results will vary depending on chosen typeface. For positive reading lines, keep strokes at a 1pt minimum (2pt for Metallic ink). For knocked-out lines, keep strokes at a 2pt minimum (3pt for Metallic ink).
Please let us determine halftone size and angle. That is set through our RIP output. We are not responsible for errors or unsatisfactory results cause by halftones created by the client. Please allow us to assist you if you’re not familiar with the screen printing process. Please proof-read any and all copy. Please be aware that most images downloaded from the internet are 72 DPI at only a few inches in size. The image may look fine on your monitor but will not print well.
Avoid sending art placed in programs such as Word, Powerpoint or Quark Express
Vector Graphics Spot Color Artwork for Screen Printing - Vector Spot Color (.ai, .eps, .cdr)
Files are entirely composed of paths. All fonts are converted to outlines or curves. This file type can be printed on light or dark garments. This is by far the most common way logos and designs are submitted for most basic screen printing jobs and don't incur any art fees to process them.
Spot Process Art for Screen Printing - Vector or Raster Spot Process
Art that uses half tones of a spot color to make gradients in an image but is NOT an actual photograph is usually classified as "spot process". Many corporate logos utilize this blending and shading to give depth to flat images. These files can be complicated vector graphics created in Illustrator or non-photograph raster images created in Photoshop. These files can be printed on light or dark garments but depending on the design, may require some color separation fees.
4 Color Process Screen Printing Art - Raster 4 Color Process (.jpg, .gif, .bmp, .tif, .pdf, .psd)
Photographic images that will be printed on light or white garments. 300 dpi native resolution is required to archive a clean print and process color separations and screen fees will apply. Usually done with 6-8 screens.
Simulated Process Screen Printing Art - Raster Simulated Process (.jpg, .gif, .bmp, .tif, .pdf, .psd)
Photographic images that will be printed on colored or black garments. 300 dpi native resolution is required to archive a clean print and simulated process color separations and screen fees will apply. Usually done with 8-10 screens.
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