What file format do you need for artwork?
Vector first — AI, EPS or PDF — because it scales to any size without losing quality and is what screen printing, embroidery and vinyl need. If you do not have vector, a PNG at 300dpi at the size it will actually print, with a transparent background, is right for DTF and DTG. Layered PSD or TIFF for complex artwork, with the layers left in. JPG is a last resort: no transparency, and compression shows in print.
File formats, in order of preference
| Format | Good for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AI, EPS, PDF (vector) | Everything | Scales to any size. Always best. |
| PNG at 300dpi | Photographic artwork, DTF, DTG | At print size, transparent background |
| PSD, TIFF | Layered artwork | Send the layers; do not flatten |
| JPG | Last resort | No transparency; artefacts show in print |
| Screenshot or website logo | Starting point only | We will tell you honestly whether it can be used or needs redrawing |
The rule that catches most people
Resolution is relative to print size, not absolute. A 1,000-pixel-wide logo is plenty for a 50 mm left-chest embroidery and nowhere near enough for a 300 mm back print. When people say a file is 'high resolution', they usually mean it looked sharp on their screen. So tell us how big you want it printed, and send the file at 300dpi at that size — or send vector, and none of this applies.
What each method needs
| Method | Artwork requirement |
|---|---|
| Embroidery | Vector or a clean high-contrast image. Detail below 3 mm will not stitch. |
| Screen printing | Vector, colours separated. Each colour is a screen. |
| DTF | 300dpi PNG, transparent background, at print size. Full colour. |
| DTG | 300dpi PNG or PSD. Photographic work is its strength. |
| Sublimation | Vector or 300dpi at full garment size for all-over prints. |
| Vinyl | Vector only. Each colour is cut separately. |
Related questions
- I only have a JPG — is that a problem?
- Send it. We tell you whether it works at your print size; simple logos are usually redrawn as vector at no charge.
- How do I send Pantone colours?
- As references — 19-4024 TCX, not 'navy'. For screen print, name each colour as a separate swatch in the file.
- Do you need the font?
- Convert text to outlines in the vector file, or send the font file with it.
- Can you check my file before I order?
- Yes — send it with the brief and the mockup will show whether it holds up at size.
Where to go next
More questions on artwork
I only have a JPG or a screenshot of my logo. Is that a problem?
Send it anyway. We will tell you honestly whether it will reproduce well at the size you want, and what we would need to do if not. Simple…
How many colours can my design have?
Unlimited with DTF, DTG and sublimation — they print full colour in one pass, so a photograph costs the same as a single colour. Screen…
Ask us the rest
Send the garment, the quantity and any date you are working to. A real price and a mockup come back, usually within a working day.
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