Art specs
For those of you who love the detail, here it is. Each process wants something slightly different — if you have a question about any of it, just ask.
Vector is always the answer — it scales, separates cleanly and needs no interpretation. Raster files are accepted at 300dpi or better, and we may redraw one if the job needs it. Where the supplied bitmap is what gets printed, note that a JPG cannot hold a transparent background — free-floating art needs a PNG, PSD or vector. (Embroidery is redrawn and digitised from scratch, so it does not apply there.) Vector wins wherever it is an option — it scales without loss and, for screen print, it is what makes the colours separable at all.
By process
We redraw and digitise the complete logo regardless of the art supplied — a stitch file has to be built from scratch either way. Good art still helps us get it right first time.
- Specify Madeira thread colours if you can.
- If not, PMS colours are the next best thing.
- All lettering must be over 4mm high to stay legible in stitch.
- Tell us the size you want the embroidery to be.
We have to separate the colours, and bitmaps make that very difficult. Vector files give the best reproduction by a distance.
- PMS colours need to be specified — and with a bitmap they are required, because the file carries no spot colours for us to separate to.
- Convert fonts to outlines.
- Convert strokes to objects.
- Embed any linked images.
- Supply art at the size it needs to print.
- Free-floating art needs a transparent background, which a JPG cannot hold — send a PNG, PSD or vector for that.
Vector files produce the best results.
- CMYK strongly recommended — RGB will be converted.
- Optional: Pantone (PMS colourbook codes only) — but if you send a bitmap and need a brand colour matched, the PMS reference is required, because the file carries no spot colours.
- Convert fonts to outlines.
- Convert strokes to objects.
- Embed any linked images.
- Use a transparent background for free-floating art.
- No fades or glows on free-floating art — use a clipping path for sharp edges.
- Save as PDF. Also acceptable: .ai, .eps.
Vector files produce the best results.
- CMYK strongly recommended — RGB will be converted.
- Optional: Pantone (PMS colourbook codes only) — but if you send a bitmap and need a brand colour matched, the PMS reference is required, because the file carries no spot colours.
- Convert fonts to outlines.
- Convert strokes to objects.
- Embed any linked images.
- Use a transparent background for free-floating art.
- No fades or glows on free-floating art — use a clipping path for sharp edges.
- Save as PDF. Also acceptable: .ai, .eps.
Digital transfers are a CMYK process, so we can accept bitmaps here where other processes cannot.
- Size artwork 1:1 and keep it at 300dpi or better.
- The printer reaches 720dpi, so a bigger file gives a better print.
- Additional bitmap formats accepted: .jpg, .bmp, .tif.
- For CadCut names and numbers, specify the font and the size.
We have a comprehensive redraw service, and our art team is handled in house. Tell us what you have and we will take it from there — including advising which process suits the design if you are not sure.
Email [email protected] or call +64 9 361 1159.
Ready to get started?
Embroidery Works works with print shops, uniform suppliers and brands across New Zealand. Open a trade account and order online, or talk to us about your job.