Are you thinking about getting printed apparel for your workplace, school, or sports team? You're not alone. Printed shirts are a popular way to promote a group or brand, and a screen printing service can make your vision a reality. However, it's important to keep a few things in mind when creating your design. Here's what you should keep in mind as you prepare your art.

Submit the Correct File Type

When it comes to screen printing, vector files are preferred, such as .ai files. The artwork in these files can be resized without becoming blurry or pixelated. In order to create this kind of file, you'll need access to professional design software, but it will give you the ability to create sharp, clean designs.

Raster images, on the other hand, are files that are made up of pixels. If you increase the size of a raster image, you'll see visible pixels and jagged lines. However, in some cases, a raster image can be screen printed. According to our design team, raster images must have a resolution of 300 DPI. If you aren't sure whether your file is suitable for printing, you can send it to the printer to get their feedback.

Choose the Right Fonts

It's common for designs to include text. If you have text in your artwork, it's essential to convert your text to outlines. This means that instead of editable text, the letters will be converted to shapes like the rest of your design. Why is this important? Fonts aren't saved in your artwork file, so if the screen printing service doesn't have the same font, the design software will convert the text to the software's default font. The same applies to strokes and any other special effects used in your design.

Go With Simple Colors

When you order shirts, you need to think about the color of both the clothing and the design. Make sure the colors you choose are visible on your shirt. It's also a good idea to simplify your art if it's very colorful. In many cases, the number of colors in your design affects the cost of printing, so if you're on a budget, stick to a one or two-color design.

These are the essential things to think about as you prepare your artwork for a screen printing service. Do you need custom shirts, jerseys, or other apparel? Call Advantaprint today for more information about our artwork requirements or to place an order!