Artwork guide
How to Prepare Artwork for Screen Printing
The best production file preserves clean edges, correct proportions, usable color information, and enough detail at the final print size. If your file is not ready, send the best source you have instead of rebuilding it blindly.
On this page
What file should you send?
For logos, lettering, and spot-color graphics, vector AI, EPS, SVG, or a properly built PDF is usually the strongest starting point. Vector paths can scale without becoming pixelated and make color separation more controllable.
For photographs, painted work, textures, or pixel-based illustration, send the original layered raster file or a transparent PNG, PSD, or TIFF at the intended print size. A file that is 300 DPI at three inches wide is not 300 DPI when enlarged to twelve inches.
Send the original artwork file whenever possible. A screenshot, garment mockup, social-media download, or photo of a monitor should not be the only production source.
Vector vs raster artwork
| File type | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Vector: AI, EPS, SVG, PDF | Logos, type, spot colors, clean shapes | Fonts should be outlined or supplied; embedded raster images may still be low resolution |
| Raster: PSD, TIFF, PNG | Photos, texture, painted or pixel-based artwork | Resolution must be evaluated at final print dimensions |
| JPEG | Reference or photographic source | Compression artifacts and no transparency; send the least-compressed original |
| Mockup | Showing intent and placement | Useful as a reference, not a replacement for the original production art |
Check resolution at final size
Raster resolution is the relationship between pixel dimensions and physical print dimensions. A 3600-pixel-wide image placed at 12 inches is 300 pixels per inch. The same image placed at 18 inches is 200 pixels per inch.
Do not simply change the DPI number in a file dialog; that does not create missing detail. If the source is small, CAOS can review whether cleanup, rebuilding, simplification, or a different print size is the better route.
- Set the intended print width before judging resolution
- Inspect edges and small text at full size
- Keep transparency when the background should not print
- Avoid repeatedly saving compressed JPEG files
Make color intent clear
A monitor shows emitted RGB light; printed ink is a physical color on a garment. If an exact brand color matters, include a Pantone Solid Coated reference or another approved physical target. Screen previews alone are not reliable color standards.
Separate artwork by print location and label each file. If the front and back use different dimensions or color treatments, document that rather than placing everything in one flattened mockup.
Details that prevent avoidable questions
- Final or approximate print width for every location
- Garment style, fabric, and color
- Front, back, sleeve, chest, neck, or other placement
- Quantity and complete size breakdown
- Any Pantone or approved color references
- Whether CAOS may adjust fine detail for production
- The deadline and whether shipping or pickup is needed
What if the artwork is not print-ready?
Do not let an imperfect file stop the project from starting. Send the highest-quality source available and explain what needs work. CAOS Creates can review the file and identify whether it needs simple cleanup, vector rebuilding, color separation, type replacement, or more substantial artwork development.
Artwork work should be confirmed before production. The goal is to preserve the idea while adapting only what the garment and method cannot reproduce reliably.