Digital Art Guidelines

Kinds of files

Vector files
At screenprintit.com, we use vector files to create nearly all of our artwork. These files are made up of lines (vectors), not pixels. They can be scaled up or down without losing image quality. These files usually end with AI, EPS, or PDF. For these kinds of files, we only support Adobe Illustrator (version CS3 and below). Some images (photos, for example) cannot be created in Illustrator. These are known as raster files.

Raster files
An image comprised of pixels is known as a RASTER image. It is made up of tiny squares (pixels). The quality is determined by the number of pixels (or dots) per inch (DPI). Unlike vector art, raster images LOSE quality when you make them bigger. For these kinds of documents, we only accept Adobe Photoshop files (version CS3 and below). These files usually end with PSD, TIF, or PDF.
Note: Most pixel based documents, will require a separation art charge.

File Sizes

Please provide files at 100% of printed size. For acceptable sizes, see Standard Imprint Areas below. If you’re submitting Photoshop files, create them at 300 DPI. For larger images (like those for banners), 125 DPI is fine. DO NOT send us a JPEG, GIF, or any other file from the web. These low-quality files are not suitable for printing.
Note: Most pixel based documents, will require a separation art charge.

Colors

Choose from our stock colors and avoid mixing charges. Need a special color mix? Use Pantone Matching System (PMS) coated ink swatches. (addional $12.50 per color charge).
Convert your color swatches to SPOT colors.

Screenprintit Stock Color Swatches

Click image for more colors

Shading

If your image has any shading, it will be screen printed using halftone dots. Most of the time, halftone dots are fine. In some cases, however, the shading can be more distracting than beneficial. The images to the right show a smooth-shaded original and an example of what it might look like screenprinted. If halftone dots are NOT an option, consider printing them on our Direct Digital printer.

Text

Convert ALL TEXT to outlines (paths). In Illustrator, it’s called Create Outlines and it’s under the Type menu. In Photoshop, it’s called Rasterize Type and it’s under the Layer menu. This allows us to open your file without any font issues. Please don’t send us your fonts. If you use Corel Draw or Freehand, export your file as an Adobe Illustrator file and convert text to paths.

Submitting Artwork

If you e-mail your files to us, ZIP or STUFF them first, and make sure they are 4 MB or less. For larger files, you can bring them in on a CD, portable USB device, or you can upload them via our FTP site. Click here for FTP uploading information.

Things to Avoid

DO NOT send us files 72 dpi or smaller.
DO NOT apply trapping to your art.
DO NOT send web files (GIF, JPEG, or PNG).

Standard Imprint Areas for Shirts

Full Front or Big Back (adult): 12” wide x 12” high (Max. imprint size 15” wide x 15” high).
Full Front or Big Back (youth): 9” wide x 9” high.
Left Chest: 4” square (3.5” square if above pocket).
Center Chest: 6” – 8” wide.
Adult Long Sleeve: 3.5” wide x 16” high.
Short Sleeve: 3.5" wide x 3.5" high.

Digital Imprint Areas for Shirts

Full Front or Big Back (adult): 12” wide x 12” high** *(Max. imprint size 13.5” wide x 15.5” high).
Full Front or Big Back (youth): 9.5” wide x 11.5” high.
Left Chest: 4” square
*Additional charges. **CMYK + White Stardard prices up to 120 sq. in.