Whether you’re designing artwork for your business or for personal use for a custom t shirt, it’s imperative that you’ve done all the required work to correctly prepare your file for print. Although there’s really not that much to have to do, this step needs to be perfect so you get the exact outcome that you’re after.
These tips will be helpful so you can best prepare your artwork before it goes to the printing company:
- Print Size
We always advise our clients that the largest and most optimal result you can receive from a large image is 450 mm in length and about 350 mm in width. However, having advised this, you can submit any image you choose, and by playing with the dimensions to get it to the size you require, the high-tech computers used in this industry will pick up on sizes that will result in distorted artwork. It’s a working process until satisfaction.
- Image Size
A common issue is people sending through files that are way too large or small, which depends on where you’ve sourced it or how you’ve exported. We recommend keeping your file size under 15 mb, otherwise it can take too long to upload for anything larger.
- Acceptable File types
Not all file types are acceptable for the purposes of quality for your artwork. We suggest that your artwork be set at 300 dpi and preferably in RGB for the best results. We require the following file types:
- TIF
- PNG
- JPG
- EPS
- GIF
- Touch-Ups
Often, the printed result is still not exactly perfect, even though you have gone through all the required image size tests and used the correct file types. When this happens, it’s not the end of the world. Artworks can be redrawn, and when there is a complex artwork that needs to be sized up, although it may cost a bit more, it will be well worth it, especially if you have an experienced designer on your side.
- Pixel Count
When we talk about pixel count, we refer to the resolution of your image. This is by far the most important because this will affect your overall artwork representation. The more pixels, the clearer your artwork will reveal. Low resolution often presents artwork that is blurry or illegible. We recommend 600 dpi that can be downsized to between 200 and 300 dpi for optimal results.
- Scanning Images
Scanning an image through is easy. However, this may pose several problems because it doesn’t always represent what the “true” resolution is. Uploading images is best for your designer to rework and adjust to perfect settings. If you want to scan, ensure that, as mentioned earlier, it is at 600 dpi. Designers can always work around and touch up certain areas of concern from there on.
As you can see, there are particular reasons why you should be careful when selecting the right image, because ultimately you want your artwork to be visible, attractive and attention-drawing. However, if you follow the above mentioned tips, you’ll have no problem printing the artwork you desire.
For professional advice for your artwork and to ensure you are on the right track, contact us for the best solution.
