Artwork Submission Guidelines
To ensure your artwork is printed to the highest quality, it’s important that we receive your files in the right format. Here’s everything you need to know to make sure we hit the ground running and deliver the best results possible.
File Formats & Software
Our Artroom supports most Mac and PC file formats. We always keep the latest versions of the most popular design software.
Adobe Photoshop
Resolution
Files should be at the final print size, with a resolution of 300 dpi.
Layers
Please keep your artwork in layers, not flattened. This allows for more flexibility in printing.
Adobe Illustrator
Fonts
Convert all text to vector paths. If this is not possible, please supply the fonts used.
QuarkXPress
Please supply a print ready PDF together with all source image files and fonts used in the document.
Adobe Acrobat Pro (PDF)
Bitmap files
Please ensure any embedded bitmap files are high-resolution (300dpi).
Fonts
Please supply fonts for any text not converted to paths.
File Delivery / Media Formats
We accept files via the following delivery methods:
-
100MB & 250MB Zip Disks
-
CD/DVD
-
Email attachments
Creating and suppling your artwork the correct way will improve the quality of your prints.
Vector VS. Bitmap
What's the Difference?
Vector Graphic Files
Vector graphics are files created in programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Freehand and Corel Draw (and saved in formats such as AI, FH, CDR, PDF & EPS). These files are ‘resolution-independent’ and can be scaled to any size without losing quality (unless they have bitmap images embedded in them, then the following also applies).
Bitmap Image Files
Bitmap image files (photographs and images created in Photoshop, PaintShop Pro, etc., and saved in file formats such as JPEG, TIFF, PSD, & EPS) are ‘resolution-dependent’ and should ideally have a resolution of no less than 300dpi at the size they are being printed. Enlarging a bitmap file beyond it’s intended resolution will mean that the image will appear ‘jagged’ and of poor quality.
Maximum Print Areas
We can accommodate a wide range of infants/kids/adults (even animal!) garment sizes. If you require an artwork template for any given size, just get in touch (with your quote/PO number) and our Artwork team will email the requested template to you.
Textile Screenprint Process
We offer a variety of screen-printing techniques, each suited to different design styles and garment types.
Four-Colour Process
This is the classic CMYK printing method, where four colours - cyan, magenta, yellow, and black - are used to create photorealistic designs.
Although this is a good ‘catch-all’ method, it is impossible for just four colours of ink to reproduce the millions of colours that may be in a design. Therefore, important design colours (such as specific pantone colours) that cannot be reproduced are often printed as additional spot colours. CMYK images can sometimes be printed onto light coloured or pastel shirts, but an additional white ink may also need to be printed.
Simulated Process
This technique uses specific spot colours that are halftoned and blended to create a photorealistic image, ideal for darker garments. It looks vibrant, especially on black shirts, due to the use of translucent inks. Simulated process prints often require an underbase white for dark fabrics.
Spot Colours
Spot colour printing uses Pantone or matched colours for precise, solid designs. Great for bold, vibrant prints. On darker garments, spot colours usually require an underbase white.
Speciality Inks
A variety of speciality inks are available, although there are limitations to their use. Metallic colours such as gold and silver print well and can be blended with other colours to create ‘metallic sheen’ effects. Various glitters are available and work well with ‘chunky’ images but not at all with tonework and fine linework. Other inks such as fluorescent (glow-in-the-dark), dayglo colours, UV, suede, rubberised and puff raised effects can be utilised but it is a good idea.
Have questions or need help preparing your files? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team - we’re here to guide you every step of the way.