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Direct-to-Garment Printing
What We Need From You
The Highlights:
• Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, PDF, jpg, eps
• Dimensions: 14” wide x 16” high or smaller
• Prepare files at 100% printing size (no enlarging by us)
• Set resolution from 200 to 300 dpi
• Use RGB color space—convert any CMYK colors to RGB
• Convert fonts to outlines in vector art
The details for submitting print-ready files
File types: The best file types to send us are Adobe Photoshop (psd) or Illustrator (ai) files. If you don’t have those programs, then please export your files to a file format that we could open, such as eps, jpg, pdf, etc. (We currently run CS3.)
Printing size: Our printer accommodates up to 14”x16”. We have found that 11”x11” is a good size for a tee-shirt graphic, but sizing is entirely up to you. We size pocket logos inside a 3.5”x3” file.
Sizing: Files and photos should be sized to print at 100% (no enlarging required by us.) If you send us a file created in pixels (Photoshop, jpg, pdf), the image size should equal the exact size you want it printed. If you send us a 3.5”x3”-sized pdf or jpg that you want us to print at 10” wide, there will be loss in quality.
Print resolution can be set anywhere between 200-300 dots per inch (dpi.) Photographs are better at the higher resolution. Graphic art is fine at 200 dpi. Scan photos at the size you want them to print and at 300 dpi resolution. (Having said that, we have still achieved unexpectedly stunning results from very iffy files.)
Color space—important for best results: Please edit your photos and design your art using the RGB color space. Make sure that your color swatches are RGB. Re-color or convert imported colored clip art to RGB. Our print driver converts to CMYK and is optimized for garment printing. Files submitted in CMYK or using CMYK color swatches or spot colors like Pantone often print duller or grayer than anticipated. We cannot guarantee 100% color matching.
Fonts: For vector art, please convert all fonts into outlines (in Illustrator it’s Type>create outlines) to eliminate the need to send font files.
Other: Note that printing on fabric means printing on an absorbent, porous material that does not shine like glossy photo paper or your computer monitor. Results may appear less brilliant or sharp than anticipated.
DO NOT submit art or photos that you copied from websites unless you know you’re downloading high resolution art. What looks good on your monitor screen may not necessarily print as well as it looks if you have not set the resolution for all your graphic elements between 200-300 dpi. Normal web graphics are 72 dpi.
Art charges may apply to submissions that require adjustments to meet the above guidelines. We will be happy to look at your files and advise you on what we can do for you. Email to creativityon@comcast.net.