Screen printing artwork specs & file setup.
Print-ready art means faster proofs and a faster run. Here's exactly how to set up and send your files. Questions about your artwork? Email our art department at hello@superluxemerch.com.
Send the right file, skip the back and forth.
We take vector files first. Raster files work too, as long as they're built at the actual print size in 300 dpi.
- Preferred
Vector files
Send these and we can get straight to proofing.
- Adobe Illustrator (*.ai)
- Encapsulated PostScript (*.eps)
- Portable Document Format (*.pdf)
- 300 dpi at print size
Raster files
Must be submitted at the actual print size in 300 dpi resolution.
- Adobe Photoshop (*.psd), left in layers
- Tagged Image Format (*.tif)
- Portable Network Graphic (*.png)
- Usually not accepted
Files we can't use
JPEGs usually lack the resolution for a quality print. If your artwork doesn't meet these specs we can take a look, but art prep charges may apply.
- JPEG (.jpg / .jpeg)
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Publisher
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Every file: leave all artwork in layers, rasterize or outline your fonts, and assign your desired Pantone® colors whenever you can.
Four rules for a crisp print.
Follow these and your art holds its detail on the press, and your proof comes back faster.
- 1 pt
Minimum stroke line thickness
Stroke lines need to be at least 1 pt, 1 px or .034". Detail smaller than 1 pt often won't hold when printed.
- 2 pt
Minimum non-print areas
Non-print areas need to be at least 2 pts thick or they will completely fill in.
Design to actual print size
Size your files to the print size you want. Plan for the final print size while you design instead of enlarging the art after it's finished. You'll get a crisper, cleaner screen print.
Outline your fonts
There are countless fonts out there, so convert all type to outlines in Adobe Illustrator. One simple command turns type into a vector shape any computer can read, so we see your type exactly as you intend it to print and proofing moves faster.
Maximum print sizes.
When you design your shirt, plan around these maximum print sizes (width x height).
Garments like v-neck t-shirts, pocket tees and other specialty shirts may have different print restrictions.
| Garment / location | Max size (W x H) |
|---|---|
| Adult unisex garmentsShirts, hoodies, etc. | 20" x 20" |
| Fitted women’s garments & youth shirts | 11" x 17" |
| Women’s tank tops & toddler shirts | 9" x 17" |
| Infant garmentsT-shirts, body suits, onesies | 6" x 9" |
| Sleeve prints | 3.5" x 17" |
| Inside neck relabel prints | 2.5" x 2.5" |
Separations & vector art.
Separated, print-ready art keeps your job moving. Here's what we need and what happens if it's missing.
- Required
Color separated artwork
We require art to be color separated and film/print ready, ideally in the format we request. If you can't supply art in that format, we'll separate it for you for a fee: $75 per hour with a one-hour minimum. The scale of the separation determines how much time and cost is billed to your account.
If you don't supply color separated art, we'll reject the art and give you the option to either pay us to separate it or separate it yourself.
- Preferred
Vector based art
We prefer vector based art. If you're submitting vector art with a distressed effect, create the effect in Photoshop and save it as a .tiff. Then place the .tiff in Illustrator (or another vector based program) and save the file as an .eps.
Ready? Send us your files.
When your art is ready, send it any of these ways. Starting a new order? Add your artwork link to your quote request.
Email your files
Attach files of 10MB or less, please.
Use a file transfer service
Upload your finished artwork with our secure form. It goes straight to our team, and files are used only to fulfill your order.
Add it to your quote
Paste a Google Drive or Dropbox link in the artwork field of our quote form, or send it with our secure art form. We quote within 24 hours.
Art ready?
Get a quote in 24 hours.
Send your artwork, quantities and deadline. The people running the presses will quote it, and nothing goes to press until you sign off.