If you are looking for our Templates CLICK HERE.
If you are looking to upload your file CLICK HERE.
We have found over the years that over 50% of all orders from new customers are rejected because the customer's artwork is not high enough quality for print! It is a common misconception that web images translate into the print world well.
You obviously want to make sure that we are able to print at the highest quality level, and it all starts with having the proper design format and resolution.
We will accept the following artwork file formats for printing:
Artwork files for printing should ALWAYS be at least 300dpi and in CMYK.
Vector files are accepted as well and are prefered in sticker , banner, and decal printing!
PLEASE RASTERIZE ALL FONTS INTO AN IMAGE. We may not have the font you are using on our system and don't want to print something you dont want!
Please include an 1/8'' bleed on all artwork as in general Off-set printing the printer has an 1/8'' margin that it can jump.
Make sure that before you start your design creation that you are in this mode, as pixelezation will occur if you are trying to convert a smaller "web resolution file" and make it bigger. This usually doesn't translate well and makes it difficult to get a clean print or develope a clean image when developing screens for silk screen printing.
You may submit your artwork ahead of time to verify if it is usable.
If we can't use it we will let you know and if you need one of our graphic designers to fix the artwork and make it print ready we will also let you know what that fee may be. This is on a case by case scenario as certain artwork issues can be resolved in a matter of moments, or in a matter of hours.
Remember that Gradients are tough to replicate when dealing with screenprinting.
If you need to convert your artwork to halftones you can see an example here:
CLICK HERE FOR AN EXAMPLE (webpage view)
Make sure that your image size is set to 300dpi.
Note: In the "image" menu at the top select image size and make sure it says 300dpi or greater
Make sure your canvas size is correct if not using a template.
ACCEPTABLE Formats are as follows:
'.jpg', '.psd', '.ai', '.avi', '.wmv', '.doc', '.tif', '.wav', '.aif', '.mp3', '.mpg', '.pts', '.mp4', '.pdf'
Make sure that it is set in CMYK mode and not RGB:
Note: In the image menu at the top select mode and make sure CMYK is selected.
You will need to color separate the files and have them ready for screen printing. If we do not have the layered file of your artwork ( If it is utilizing more than one color ) It is going to take our graphic designer some time to separate the image, and in some rare cases, may not be able to fully color separate your artwork.
In this case you'll need an individual "Spot Color" and its corresponding sheet of output film in order to burn the screens and print the T-Shirts.
For each color you wish to (screen) print, you'll need to create a new spot channel or convert an existing alpha channel to a spot channel.
We will be creating a film of each color to develope each screen.
You may use this file as reference to see how we color separated if you are using Photoshop to create your design:
IF YOU ARE NOT SENDING US A LAYERED FILE, THEN YOU WILL NEED TO INCLUDE EACH COLOR AS A SEPARATE IMAGE AND GIVE US ALL IMAGE/COLOR FILES SEPARATE.
Don't use Photoshop?
You can view an example with pictures below.
CLICK HERE FOR AN EXAMPLE (webpage view).
Photoshop tips for color separation:
To create a new spot channel:
1. Choose Window > Channels to display the Channels palette.
2. To fill a selected area with a spot color, make or load a selection.
Now do one of the following to create a channel:
* Ctrl-click (Mac OS: Command-click) the New Channel button in the Channels palette.
* Choose New Spot Channel from the Channels palette menu.
You will see a new Channel icon appear at the bottom of the Channels Palette, with your selection
If you made a selection, that area is filled with the currently specified spot color.
You'll need to assign a color to this channel.
* Click the color box, and choose a color (Select from any of the color systems included with your Photoshop program. If you create your own custom color, don't worry, the screen printer can mix up the ink color you need.
Use a value of 100% to simulate the opaque silk screen inks. Stay away from gradients unless you are going to be using halftones to create the gradient effect.
KEY RULE: You MUST give each Spot Color Channel a unique name. This signals to the software that it is not a process color, and that it must be imaged as a separate piece of film.
TIP: it helps to name the channel the color you want to print.
Converting existing channels to spot channels:
If you have edited and modified one of the existing Process (CYMK) channels for use as a Spot color, then do one of the following:
* Double-click the alpha channel thumbnail in the Channels palette.
* Select the alpha channel in the Channels palette, and choose Channel Options from the palette menu.
2. Rename the channel (Again this is important)
3. Select Spot Color
4. Click the color box, choose a color in the Color Picker dialog box, and click OK. Do NOT pick the same color again. You don't want two films of the same color.
Finishing:
Before outputting proofs or films, you need to know the screen process your printer will be using. Some substrate stencil processes use a film positive, others a negative. Consult your printer.
Choose Image > Adjustments > Invert to apply the color to the selected area of the channel.
REMEMBER: you can edit those channels using brushes, type, etc. so long as you stay to black and white ONLY.
PLEASE RASTERIZE ALL FONTS INTO AN IMAGE.
Digital Prepress Checklist
* Include your name and phone number on your disk.
* Provide all linked high resolution files. We cannot manipulate embedded images.
* Include both the printer and screen fonts for every font used in your file.
* Define all color as either Spot or CMYK
* Delete all unused colors in your file.
* Convert all RGB files to CMYK. If conversion is necessary you may see a significant color shift and may require additional proofs and color correction. This will result in additional charges and time delays for your job.
* Submit both layered and formatted CMYK Photoshop files. Do not flatten templates or dielines within your files.
* Be sure to use the exact measurements from PBD templates. Extend image (Bleed) .125” beyond trim.
* When e-mailing or using our FTP site please include your company name and job title on all files.
If proof is required, the product will ship out 5 or 6 working days after proof approval. Digital dot proof $75 00 ( $150 00 for booklet).