How to Prepare Artwork for Custom Printing: A Complete Guide

Great prints start with great artwork. The single biggest factor that determines how your custom apparel turns out isn't the printer — it's the file you send. This guide covers exactly how to prepare your artwork so your screen prints, embroidery, and DTF transfers look sharp every time.

Vector vs Raster: Always Send Vector When Possible

Vector files use mathematical paths instead of pixels, so they scale to any size without losing quality. They're the gold standard for custom apparel printing.

Preferred vector formats:

• AI (Adobe Illustrator)
• EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)
• PDF (vector content)
• SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)

Raster formats we can work with:

• PSD (Adobe Photoshop, layered)
• PNG with transparent background, 300 DPI at print size
• TIFF (uncompressed, 300 DPI)
• JPEG at 300 DPI (avoid if possible — JPEG compresses your art)

Resolution Requirements

For raster files, aim for 300 DPI at the actual print size. A logo printed at 10" wide should be at least 3000 pixels wide. Web logos from a website (usually 72 DPI) almost always look pixelated when printed — ask your designer for the original print-resolution file.

Color Mode: CMYK or Spot Colors

Computer screens use RGB; print uses CMYK or Pantone (PMS) spot colors. Always convert your file to CMYK or specify exact Pantone numbers before sending. If you want a specific brand color (like a corporate red), include the Pantone code so we can color-match precisely.

Embroidery-Specific Requirements

• Designs work best at 4" wide or smaller for left chest
• Avoid fine details and text below 0.25" tall — thread can't reproduce tiny features
• Limit thread colors (each color adds production time)
• First-time logos require a one-time digitizing fee — we convert your art into a stitch file

Screen Printing-Specific Requirements

• Each color in your design becomes a separate screen
• Designs with many colors cost more to set up — simplify when possible
• Avoid gradients unless you've discussed simulated-process or halftone printing
• Standard print area: 12" × 14" for adult t-shirts

DTF Printing-Specific Requirements

• Unlimited colors and gradients — no color separation needed
• Transparent background PNG works great
• Designs print exactly as designed — what you see is what you get
• Smaller fine details (under 0.05") may break up — test first

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Sending a JPEG from a website (too low resolution)
• Not converting fonts to outlines (we won't have your font installed)
• RGB colors in a file destined for screen printing
• Tiny text at small print sizes — unreadable
• Not specifying print size — your 4" logo and our 4" logo may not match

What to Send With Your Artwork

• The artwork file (vector preferred)
• Print size (e.g. "4 inches wide" or "full chest")
• Garment type and color (so we can plan ink colors)
• Pantone color codes if exact color matching matters
• Placement notes (left chest, full back, sleeve, etc.)

Not Sure About Your Artwork? Send It Anyway

If you're unsure whether your file is print-ready, send it to ThreadCo Print Shop with a brief description of your project. Our team will review it and either approve it for production or recommend specific changes. We can also rebuild low-quality artwork into print-ready vector files for an art fee.