How to prepare artwork for printing?

Proper preparation of the artwork for printing is essential for a high-quality end result for your branding products. . Whether you are designing branded t-shirts with print or  promotional clothing, make sure you take care of the correct design parameters first. Format, color mode and resolution are of great importance for the final appearance of the print. In our guide, you will find key information to help you prepare your file according to the requirements of the heat transfer logos.

Creating a file for printing – general rules

What does it mean in practice that a file must be properly created for printing? The most important aspect  is the correct file format, color mode and resolution. we usually require files in PDF, AI, EPS or CDR format, as they ensure high quality and correct color and detail reproduction. For screen printing, AI file in vector will be perfect form, and for digital printing, png file without background will be great to print. 

What is the difference between AI vector and PNG file ?

Vector and PNG  are two basic types of image files that differ in the way they are constructed. A vector graphic consists of mathematical curves, so it can be scaled big  without loss of quality of the pictures. A PNG , on the other hand, consists of pixels and can lose sharpness when enlarged.

Sometimes it is necessary to convert a png file into vector graphics, i.e. vectorization, we have to redraw it by adobe illstrator to make it to be vector to fit the printing machine. 

However, vectorization/redraw can distort the original appearance of the graphic, especially if the design has complex shapes or low resolution. The best solution is that when you are making the design, you put out high-quality files – the higher the resolution of the original designs, the easier it is to vectorize it. If the file is too small, the graphic designer often has to recreate the design from scratch. The reverse process to vectorization is rasterization, i.e. converting a vector file into a bitmap. This is a simple process and usually comes down to saving the file in the appropriate raster format.

Png vs. vector file – when to use each?

Are you wondering when to choose a PNG and when to choose a vector file? Here are some tips:

Vector graphics – ideal for logos, icons, illustrations and texts-simple designs. It does not lose quality when scaled. Recommended for screen printing, laser cutting logos, embroidery, embossing. The most common file formats are CDR, AI, EPS, etc.

• whatever enlarge, the design is still clear.
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  Png file – used for photos and images with a lot of detail and shading, but has a limited resolution. High-resolution png files are accepted for digital printing on T-shirts 

  The easy solution is to prepare designs as vector graphics, especially if you are planning large-format printing. The best file format for this is PDF, CDR or AI. For png , it is assumed that the final format should have a high minimum resolution – 300 dpi. 

  • PNG filw without background
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  • CMYK vs. RGB – which color mode to choose for digital printing?

    
    When to use CMYK and when to use RGB?

    
    

    CMYK – better color reproduction, therefore the standard in printing.We use this for screen printing.

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    RGB – used on computer screens, when made in dtf heat transfer logo 
  • Pantone Solid color  – for prints on gadgets and textiles which ensures greater color precision.
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  • With following the guide, will  avoid problems with print files and achieve excellent visual results to make heat transfer logo.  If you want to be sure that your project has been prepared in accordance with all standards, you can contact us. We offer professional heat transfer printing using various methods and support in the preparation of files, so you are guaranteed the highest quality of implementation. If you have any questions or need help preparing your project, get in touch with us! We will gladly advise you and help you adjust your file to the printing requirements.