Artwork and Electronic File Types Used for Screen Printing

Artwork for Screen Printing

What kind of art is needed for screen print?
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All files should be submitted in an Adobe Illustrator vector format. If a raster file is submitted, it must have been created at a minimum of 150 dpi at the size the image will print. Please note, web art or an image from the internet is never usable as is. These files are 72 dpi and cannot be up-sampled. Quark, Publisher, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, MS Paint, etc., are not usable formats. Quotes on separation charges and redraw fees are recommended and available upon request.

What is the difference between a raster file and a vector file?

A VECTOR FILE is an image composed of paths. The terms outlines, curves, fonts, and spot colors are commonly used when discussing this file type. These files are usually created in Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw. Common file extensions are pdf, eps, ai and cdr.

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A RASTER FILE is an image composed of pixels. The terms resolution, redraw and separations are commonly used when discussing this file type. These files are usually scanned, taken from the web or created in Adobe Photoshop. Common file extensions are .jpg, .gif, .tif, .bmp, .png and .pdf.

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How file types affect which screen printing approach is used

  • Vector Graphics Spot Color Artwork for Screen Printing

    Vector Spot Color
    (.ai, .eps, .cdr)

    Files are entirely composed of paths. All fonts are converted to outlines or curves. This file type can be printed on light or dark garments. This is by far the most common way logos and designs are submitted for most basic screen printing jobs and don't incur any art fees to process them.

  • Spot Process Art for Screen Printing

    Vector or Raster Spot Process

    Art that uses half tones of a spot color to make gradients in an image but is NOT an actual photograph is usually classified as "spot process". Many corporate logos utilize this blending and shading to give depth to flat images. These files can be complicated vector graphics created in Illustrator or non-photograph raster images created in photoshop. These files can be printed on light or dark garments but, depending on the design, may require some color separation fees.

  • 4 Color Process Screen Printing Art

    Raster 4 Color Process
    (.jpg, .gif, .bmp, .tif, .pdf, .psd)

    Photographic images that will be printed on light or white garments. 300 dpi native resolution is required to archive a clean print and process color separations and screen fees will apply. Usually done with 6-8 screens.

  • Simulated Process Screen Printing Art

    Raster Simulated Process
    (.jpg, .gif, .bmp, .tif, .pdf, .psd)

    Photographic images that will be printed on colored or black garments. 300 dpi native resolution is required to archive a clean print and simulated process color separations and screen fees will apply. Usually done with 8-10 screens.