Guidelines for Submitting Artwork


We like to receive your computer files because they allow us the most control and flexibility. This is important because art often needs to be adjusted in order to print properly on the many different products we offer. Scaling artwork to meet minimum requirements and doing color separations are just two tasks that will be much quicker and easier by having the proper computer files available.


Therefore, we have grouped our artwork recommendations under three categories: BEST, ACCEPTABLE and NOT ACCEPTABLE.


The listed graphic standards are for imprinted graphics. Embroidery digitizing uses a different set of standards. Watch for the sewing machine icon for special instructions regarding embroidery.


BEST - Vector format with no placed images
One hour of art is provided to you at no cost, so if your art falls within these guidelines, there should be no extra charges. Please convert text to outlines or curves. If you choose to provide a font, it must be for a Mac.

  • .ai (Adobe Illustrator)
  • .eps (encapsulated post script)
  • .fh (Macromedia Freehand)
  • .cdr (Corel Draw exported to .ai)


    ACCEPTABLE - raster format
    Additional art charges may apply.

  • .tiff, .tif (Tagged Image File Format)
  • .jpg, .jpeg (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
  • .bmp (Bitmap) TIFF, PICT, BMP, JPG and EPS bitmaps are acceptable only if the image is solid elements (no halftones), have no trapped colors and the resolution is ideal (actual imprint size x 600 dpi or more)
  • .psd (Adobe Photoshop)
  • .indd (InDesign)
  • .pm (Adobe Pagemaker)
  • QuarkXPress 6.0 with all supporting documents and fonts; please contact contact us before submitting
  • PDF files are sometimes acceptable but may not be editable
  • PMT (or color separated, high-resolution laser output): If the artwork contains strictly solid elements and no halftones (levels of grey) and no butting or trapped colors then supplying a PMT should be adequate. However, if halftones are present or colors need to be trapped then supplying a PMT may necessitate the recreation of your art as a digital vector file.


    UNACCEPTABLE FORMATS
    This art cannot be reproduced and will require that we recreate your art. As noted above, one hour of art is provided to you at no cost. However if you provide art to us in a format that does not meet our requirements, you will be billed for any art time ($30 per hour) beyond one hour and delivery of your finished merchandise could be delayed.

  • .xls (Excel)
  • .doc (MS Word)
  • .wpd (Word Perfect Document)
  • .ppt (PowerPoint)
  • .pub (MS Publisher)
  • All others not listed as preferred or supported


    Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint are not graphic applications and should not be used to generate artwork. A graphic will be imported into or placed in one of these applications. It is the imported or placed graphic file that we need and should be listed in one of the above categories.


    Web specific bitmaps:

  • Web image formats like GIF, JPG and PNG are designed for computer screen viewing and are generally too low in resolution to be usable.


    Photocopies and Stationery:

  • A fax, photocopy, letterhead, business card or any other printed material will require the recreation of your logo.



    Other Important Info


    Art Size
    Please include approximate desired art size, width x height.


    If art is to be used for embroidery purposes, please note the following minimum specs:

  • All type (including lower case letters) must be at least 3/16” or 5 mm tall
  • All strokes of letters need to be at least 1.0 mm in width
  • Outlines should be at least 1.25 mm in width
  • Font styles are an important consideration; select a sans serif font when possible


    Ink and Thread Colors
    If you have used PMS colors, please include names and numbers of those colors. For example: blue PMS 287. Some vendors have a limited number of stock PMS colors available, so contact us for information about your specific color selections.


    Thread colors (for embroidery) can usually be matched to PMS colors.


    Logos and fonts
    Please include supporting files such as logos and fonts. If you are not including the fonts, please convert them to outlines or paths.


    Raster Art Resolution
    Please make sure that all raster images are at least 300dpi at actual size (including embedded files).


    Acceptable Media Mac/PC

  • USB jump drive (also called thumb drive)
  • CD Rom/DVD Rom
  • Email up to 10 mg
  • FTP site

    To view this page in context, click here: Art Requirements

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