How to Prepare Print-Ready Artwork Files for Custom Apparel

A print-ready artwork file has the correct format, sufficient resolution, the right colour mode for the print process, outlined fonts, and adequate bleed. Getting these right before you submit means no production delays, no surprise redraw fees, and results that match your intention. Here is the definitive checklist for custom apparel artwork.

Vector vs Raster: Understanding the Difference

Vector files (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF with embedded vectors) define shapes using mathematical curves rather than pixels. They can be scaled to any size — a vector logo looks identical at 10 mm and 1,000 mm without any loss of sharpness. Raster files (JPG, PNG, TIFF, PSD) are pixel grids; their quality is fixed at the resolution they were created at. For screen printing, embroidery digitising, and DTF production, vector artwork is strongly preferred because it gives the decorator clean, scalable paths to work from.

DPI Requirements for Raster Files

When a raster file is necessary (e.g. for a photographic DTG or DTF print), resolution must be sufficient at the intended print size. The standard requirement is 300 DPI (dots per inch) at 100% of the final print dimensions. A common mistake is supplying a file that looks large on screen — say 2000 x 2000 pixels at 72 DPI — which is only 6.67 inches across at print-quality resolution. Always check the DPI at actual print size in your image editor before submitting. For very large AOP panels, 150 DPI at final size is the accepted minimum.

Colour Modes: CMYK vs RGB vs Spot Colour

• Screen printing (spot colours): supply Pantone (PMS) colour references for each ink colour in your design; the decorator mixes inks to match
• DTG and DTF: supply files in RGB colour mode — these processes print from RGB data natively; CMYK conversions can shift hue significantly
• Sublimation (AOP): RGB only — CMYK is not used in sublimation workflows
• Embroidery: supply artwork in any vector or high-res format; thread colours are matched from the digitiser's thread chart, not from the file's colour mode
• If you are supplying black-and-white artwork for single-colour screen printing, ensure black is 100% K (not rich black or 4-colour black)

Outlining Fonts

Any text in your artwork must be converted to outlines (also called "creating outlines" or "converting to curves") before you send the file. If fonts are left as live type, the decorator's software will attempt to substitute the font if it is not installed on their system, potentially changing your lettering completely. In Adobe Illustrator, select all text and use Type > Create Outlines. In Affinity Designer, use Text > Convert to Curves. Once outlined, the text becomes a shape and cannot be edited — keep a copy of the working file with live type as your master.

Bleed and Safe Zone

Bleed is extra artwork extending beyond the trim edge, accounting for minor cutting variance in production. For AOP panels, a minimum 10 mm bleed on all edges is standard. For standard garment decoration (screen printing, DTF, HTV) applied to finished garments, bleed is less critical as there is no cut edge — but your design should keep important elements at least 5 mm from the intended placement boundary to account for registration variance.

File Types Summary

1. 1Screen printing: AI or EPS (vector, outlined fonts, Pantone colours specified)
2. 2Embroidery: AI, EPS, or high-res PNG — the digitiser recreates the design in stitch format
3. 3DTG/DTF: PNG with transparent background at 300 DPI at print size, RGB colour mode
4. 4Sublimation/AOP: high-res PNG or TIFF at 150–300 DPI at panel size, RGB colour mode
5. 5HTV vinyl: AI or EPS vector for accurate cutting paths

“"Ninety percent of production delays and artwork redraw fees come from three issues: raster files supplied at low resolution, fonts not outlined, and no Pantone references for spot colours. Fix these before you submit and you'll save time and money every order." — Velocity Wear artwork team”

Common Mistakes That Delay Production

Supplying a screenshot of a logo (typically 72 DPI JPEG), embedding fonts in PDFs without outlining them, using "Word art" or presentation software exports as the source file, forgetting to embed linked images in Illustrator files, and leaving hidden layers containing confidential content in the file are all common errors that require rework before production can begin. Always flatten or embed before export and do a final file check in a fresh application session to catch missing links.

Velocity Wear's artwork team reviews every submitted file before production begins and will flag issues before charging any redraw fee. Use the free Design Studio to build and preview your artwork in situ on the garment, submit via the instant quote tool, and the team will confirm file readiness within one business day. Orders from a 20-piece minimum, with tracked delivery to the UK, USA, Europe, and worldwide.