Artwork Requirements for Custom Printing
When it comes to getting custom shirts printed, the quality of the artwork you provide is crucial. Whether you're creating shirts for your business, event, or personal use, understanding the artwork requirements is essential to ensure your designs turn out exactly as you envision. This content page will guide you through the key considerations, focusing on "Raster vs Vector," "Required Artwork Resolution," and the associated "Artwork Fee" for files that do not meet the necessary standards.
Required Artwork Resolution
To ensure your shirts are printed with the highest quality, it's essential to provide artwork with the correct resolution:
Raster Artwork: For any raster graphics, ensure the resolution is at least 300 dots per inch (DPI) at the final print size. This means if you want a 12x12-inch print, the artwork should be 3600x3600 pixels (12x300 DPI).
Vector Artwork: Vector graphics do not have a fixed resolution, as they are infinitely scalable. Just make sure to create or provide the design in vector file format.
Raster vs. Vector Artwork
Raster Artwork
Raster graphics are composed of pixels and are typically used for photographs and complex illustrations. These files are resolution-dependent, which means they have a fixed number of pixels, and scaling them up can result in a loss of image quality. Common raster file formats include JPEG, PNG, and TIFF.
Pros:
- Suitable for photographs and intricate designs.
- High color depth and detailing.
- Compatible with most image editing software.
Cons:
- Limited scalability without quality loss.
- Inadequate for large prints or designs with fine lines.
Vector Artwork
Vector artwork is required for all Vinyl Cutting services.
Vector graphics are created using mathematical formulas and consist of paths and shapes. These files can be scaled infinitely without losing quality, making them ideal for logo designs, text-based graphics, and illustrations with clean lines. Common vector file formats include SVG, AI, and EPS.
Pros:
- Infinite scalability without loss of quality.
- Perfect for logos and text-based designs.
- Easy to edit and customize.
Cons:
- Unsuitable for complex photographic images.
Artwork Fee
Artwork that does not meet the specified requirements may require adjustments or conversion by our design team. We charge an artwork fee of $60 per hour for any necessary work to bring the artwork up to standard. The actual time required depends on the complexity of the artwork and the extent of the modifications needed. This fee covers the labor and expertise of our designers to ensure your design is suitable for printing.
Please note that providing high-quality artwork from the start can help you avoid additional costs and ensure a faster turnaround time for your shirt printing order.
In conclusion, understanding the distinctions between raster and vector artwork and adhering to the recommended resolution guidelines will go a long way in ensuring your custom shirts are printed with precision and clarity. If your artwork requires adjustments to meet our requirements, rest assured that our design team is here to assist you, but a nominal fee of $60 per hour will apply for these services. With these guidelines in mind, you're on your way to creating stunning custom shirts for any occasion.
