How to Prepare Artwork for Custom Printing
By The Velocity Wear Team
The fastest way to ruin a great design is to send a poor file. Blurry edges, washed-out colour and pixelated logos almost always trace back to artwork that was never print-ready. The good news is that getting files right is straightforward once you know what printers actually need. This guide walks through resolution, formats, colour and the small details that separate a sharp print from a disappointing one.
Start with the right resolution
Resolution is the number-one cause of fuzzy prints. For raster images, supply artwork at 300 DPI at the actual size it will be printed — not 72 DPI screen resolution scaled up. A logo that looks crisp on a website can fall apart enlarged across a chest. If you are designing from scratch, build at the final print dimensions so what you see is what you get.
Choose the right file format
Format matters as much as resolution. Vector files scale to any size without losing quality and are ideal for logos and text, while high-resolution raster files suit photographs and detailed illustrations. Always send a layered or transparent file where possible so the printer can isolate your design from its background.
- Vector (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG) — best for logos, text and solid shapes.
- High-res raster (PNG, TIFF, PSD) — best for photos and detailed art.
- PNG with transparent background — keeps edges clean for DTG and DTF.
- Avoid low-res JPEGs pulled from the web or social media.
Get colour right before you send
Screens show colour in RGB, but printing reproduces it differently, so what glows on a monitor can print duller. For screen printing, specify Pantone (PMS) colours so the ink is mixed to match exactly. For digital methods, supply files in the correct colour profile and accept that some very bright RGB shades cannot be reproduced perfectly. When colour is critical, ask for a sample before the full run.
Mind fonts, edges and detail
A few small habits prevent the most common print problems. Convert text to outlines or curves so fonts cannot shift on another computer, and keep fine lines and small text above a printable thickness so they do not vanish or fill in. Leave a little clear space around the design, and remember that very thin strokes and tiny lettering rarely survive on textured fabric.
“A printer can only ever be as good as the file you hand them — sharp art in, sharp print out.”
A quick pre-flight checklist
- 1Artwork is 300 DPI at full print size, or vector.
- 2Background is transparent or clearly separated.
- 3Fonts are converted to outlines or supplied with the file.
- 4Colours are specified — Pantone for screen, correct profile for digital.
- 5Design is sized and positioned for the garment area.
Print-ready artwork is the difference between a sample you love and one you have to redo. If you are unsure, send what you have — Velocity Wear will check your files, flag any issues and help get them print-ready before production, with a low 20-piece minimum and worldwide delivery. Get in touch for a free quote.