Artwork Guidelines
Artwork That Prints Perfectly
Getting great results starts with the right file. Whether you're working with logos, full-colour graphics, or AI-generated artwork, each print method has its own requirements. This guide breaks down what works best for screen printing, embroidery, DTF, and more—so your design looks exactly how you expect it to..
Screen Printing Art - Solid Colours
Logos, Text & Solid Colour Designs
For artwork made up of logos, text, shapes, and solid colours, we require vector files or, alternatively, 300+ DPI images at final print size with clean, sharp edges (hard lines). This ensures your design prints clean, sharp, and exactly as intended.
Accepted File Formats:
- Adobe Illustrator (.AI)
- Encapsulated PostScript (.EPS)
- Vector PDF (.PDF)
- Photoshop (.PSD)
- High-resolution PNG (.PNG)
- JPEG (.JPG)
What is Vector Artwork?
Vector artwork is created using mathematical paths instead of pixels, which means it can be scaled to any size without losing quality.
- Crisp at any size — whether it's a small left chest or a full back print
- Clean edges — no blurriness or pixelation
- Perfect for screen printing — allows us to separate colours accurately for production
In contrast, raster images (like JPG or PNG files) are made of pixels and can become blurry or jagged when enlarged—especially around text and fine lines.
Why Vector Files Matter for Screen Printing
Screen printing requires us to separate your design into individual colours. Vector files make this process precise and efficient, allowing for clean colour separation, sharp lines, and crisp edges that translate perfectly onto screens—resulting in bold, high-quality prints.
Artwork Tips:
- Convert all fonts to outlines before saving
- Use solid colours (Pantone Solid Coated preferred if exact matching is needed)
- Avoid unnecessary gradients or effects in logo-style designs
If you don’t have a vector file, no problem—send us what you have and we can take a look. In some cases, we can recreate your artwork for print (artwork charges may apply).
Screenprint Art - Blended Colours
For artwork that includes gradients, shading, or photo-realistic elements (like car show graphics, detailed illustrations, or airbrush-style designs), we use a technique called simulated process printing.
Unlike simple logo prints, this type of artwork can be created in raster (pixel-based) format.
Accepted File Formats:
- Photoshop (.PSD)
- High-resolution PNG (.PNG)
- JPEG (.JPG)
- PDF (.PDF)
Artwork Requirements:
- Sized to print dimensions (e.g. 12” wide if that’s your desired print size)
- Minimum 300 DPI resolution at final size
- High-quality, non-compressed images (avoid low-res or web images)
What is Simulated Process Printing?
Simulated process is a screen printing technique that recreates blends, gradients, and fine details by breaking the image down into a series of halftone dots and layered colours.
- Allows for photo-realistic prints using screen printing
- Creates smooth fades and shading
- Typically uses multiple ink layers to build depth and detail
Important Notes:
- Your design may be adjusted slightly during colour separation to ensure it prints properly
- We can't get good colour separations if the resolution is too low. Poor resolution will be amplified in colour separation process.
Artwork Tips:
- Avoid scaling up small images—this will reduce print quality
- If possible, provide the original layered PSD file
- Strong contrast and defined edges will produce the best results
If you’re unsure whether your design is suitable, send it over—we’ll review it and recommend the best printing method.
DTF / Transfer Printing Artwork Guidelines
DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing is a full-colour digital process, making it ideal for designs with gradients, shading, and photo-realistic detail—without the need for colour separation.
Accepted File Formats:
- High-resolution PNG (.PNG) preferred (with transparent background)
- Photoshop (.PSD)
- PDF (.PDF)
- Adobe Illustrator (.AI)
- Encapsulated PostScript (.EPS)
- JPEG (.JPG) (high quality only)
Artwork Requirements:
- Sized to final print dimensions (e.g. 10” wide if that’s your print size)
- Minimum 300 DPI resolution at print size
- Transparent background (no white boxes unless intended)
- High-quality, non-compressed files only
What Works Best:
- Full colour designs
- Gradients, fades, and shading
- Photo-realistic images
- Small quantity runs
Important Limitations:
- No fading to “nothing”
→ DTF requires a slight edge or base for the adhesive to bond - Large solid prints can feel heavy
- Ultra-fine details and very small text may not print cleanly with DTF. If these elements are part of a larger, connected design, they can work—but isolated thin lines or tiny details often won’t adhere properly. This is because the adhesive requires enough surface area to bond to the garment.
- Colours may print slightly different than screen (CMYK process vs RGB)
Artwork Tips:
- Design with hard edges where the print ends and the shirt begins
- Avoid extremely thin lines or tiny isolated details
- Use high contrast for best results
- Provide files with clean transparency (no leftover background pixels)
Pro Tip:
If your artwork looks great on screen and is already full colour (like something made in Photoshop or Canva), DTF is often the easiest and most accurate way to reproduce it.
When to Use DTF Instead of Screen Printing
Embroidery Artwork Guidelines
Embroidery is best suited for clean, simple designs that can be stitched clearly using thread. Because this method uses physical stitches instead of ink, artwork needs to be prepared differently than print.
Accepted File Formats:
- Vector files (.AI, .EPS, .PDF) preferred
- High-resolution PNG or JPG (300 DPI at size) also accepted
How Embroidery Works
Your artwork is converted into a stitch file through a process called digitizing. This tells the embroidery machine stitch direction, stitch type, thread colours.
Because of this process, not all artwork translates perfectly from screen to thread.
Artwork Requirements:
- Simple, bold shapes and text
- Minimum text height: ~0.25” (6mm) recommended
- Line thickness: avoid very thin lines (they may not stitch cleanly)
- Avoid excessive detail or clutter
Colour Guidelines:
- Colours are matched using thread colours, not ink
- We’ll choose the closest match (Pantone matching is approximate)
- Gradients and fades cannot be embroidered
What Works Best:
- Logos with solid shapes
- Bold, readable text
- Minimal colour changes
- Designs sized appropriately for placement (e.g. left chest, hat front)
Common Limitations:
- Small text can become unreadable
- Fine details may be simplified or lost
- Gradients, shadows, and transparency effects won’t translate
- Very complex artwork may require adjustments or simplification
Artwork Tips:
- Convert all fonts to outlines
- Avoid overlapping elements that rely on transparency
- Keep designs clean and high contrast
- If unsure, send us your file—we’ll review and advise
Embroidery Sizing (Typical):
- Left Chest: ~3”–4” wide
- Hat Front: ~2”–2.5” tall (max ~2.5” height for most caps)
- Jackets/Backs: Larger sizes available depending on design
If your design is too detailed for embroidery, we may recommend screen printing or transfers instead to better capture the artwork.
Applique / Tackle Twill Artwork Guidelines
Applique (also known as tackle twill) uses cut fabric pieces stitched onto garments, making it ideal for bold, high-impact designs like varsity lettering and large logos.
Accepted File Formats:
- Vector files (.AI, .EPS, .PDF) preferred
- High-resolution PNG or JPG also accepted
Artwork Requirements:
- Bold shapes only (no fine detail)
- Sized to final print dimensions
- Clean, simple artwork with clear outlines
What Works Best:
- Large text (team names, schools, numbers)
- Simple logos with solid shapes
- 1–3 colour designs
- Thick lettering and block fonts
Important Limitations:
- No small text or fine detail
- No gradients or shading
- No distressed or textured effects
- Each colour = a separate piece of fabric
Artwork Tips:
- Use thick, bold fonts (varsity style works best)
- Keep spacing between elements (for stitching)
- Avoid overlapping details
- Think cut shapes, not printed graphics
Why Choose Applique:
- Premium, layered look
- Extremely durable
- Great for hoodies, crewnecks, and jackets
- Classic athletic / collegiate style
If your design is too detailed, we may recommend screen printing or DTF instead to better capture the artwork.
Can I Use AI-Generated Artwork
Yes—you can absolutely use AI-generated artwork.
We work with AI art all the time, but how it’s printed depends on the style of the design.
How AI Artwork is Typically Printed:
Most AI-generated designs are best suited for:
- DTF / Transfer Printing
This is because AI art usually includes:
- Lots of colours
- Gradients and shading
- Fine details and textures
DTF allows us to print your design exactly as it appears, without needing to simplify it.
Can AI Art Be Screen Printed?
Sometimes—but it usually requires:
- Simplifying the design
- Reducing the number of colours
- Converting gradients into halftones
For most AI artwork, DTF is the better and more cost-effective option.
Can AI Art Be Embroidered?
Yes, but it depends on the design.
AI artwork can work for embroidery if:
- The design is simple and bold
- Text is clear and large enough
- Fine details are removed or simplified
In many cases, we’ll need to adjust or redraw parts of the design so it stitches cleanly.
Pro Tip:
If you’ve created something using AI, just send it over—we’ll recommend the best method and let you know if any adjustments are needed.
