Threadbird Printing

Prepare Your Art ( Back to Top )

All files must be at least 300 dpi or Vector Format. If your file is not 300 dpi, you cannot just increase the resolution of the file. This is called "upsampling" and will result in a blurry image. If you are creating your file in Adobe Illustrator or another Vector-based software, just size your image to the size you want it to print.

Please Note: 3 or more color changes is no longer considered the same design!

Half Tones: Please allow us to halftone the images for you. If we do not control the halftones, we cannot guarantee the quality of the print. We do understand that some designs are complex and will require separation fees, as a client you may be inclined to try to separate or halftone the image yourself to try to keep your cost as low as possible. Unfortunately this does not work. Our computers in the art department are calibrated to set the halftones specifically for the films and screens that we use for printing. Often times if you try to separate or halftone the image yourself it may cause more art charges than you would have originally incurred.

Accepted File Types ( Back to Top )

We accept the following File Types: .PSD, .AI, .JPEG, .EPS, .PDF, .TIFF. We prefer .AI or .EPS files first because Vector images can be scaled without affecting quality. We prefer .PSD or .PDF second & .JPG or .TIFF last.

Size Your Design ( Back to Top )

Your design should be sized to the size it should be printed. Go to the Templates page, download the appropriate template and place your design on the template to the size you would like it to appear on the shirt.

Convert Your Text to Outlines( Back to Top )

Use Our Templates ( Back to Top )

Use one of Threadbird's templates to submit your final design. Go to the Templates page. (For Apparel Printing Threadbird Templates are not required but recommended.)

Threadbird Screen Sizes ( Back to Top )

Standard Screens - 14" x 17" Jumbo Screens - 17.25" x 23.5"

NOTE: The above depiction of screen sizes is based off of a Medium-Sized T-shirt.

Printed/Sewn In Tag Information ( Back to Top )

It is required by the US Government that the following information be included in all garments:

• Size
• % of Material
• Country of Origin (for the garment, not your brand)
• Care Instructions

These are non-negotiable. We cannot list "Printed in the US" or "Processed in the US" instead of listing what country the shirt is manufactured in, it *must* have the country information on the garment. If you are unaware of the information needed for the shirts you are ordering, please leave your tag files editable and add place holders for the information. When you submit your artwork, please submit the editable tag file (PSD or AI) as well as the fonts used to create the tag. The fonts are very important as we cannot edit fonts we don't have.

To find out more about these rules, please visit: http://business.ftc.gov/documents/bus21-threading-your-way-through-labeling-requirements-under-textile-and-wool-acts.

Picking PMS Colors ( Back to Top )

We will provide free pantone color matching for your garments when your orders are submitted. There is an issue with pantone matching though, and that's not every color looks the same on every monitor. A certain red on your screen may appear to be a different red on ours. There is no universal color calibration for computers. It is always best to try to supply your own pantone colors if possible. The best way to do this, and the most accurate way, is to purchase a Pantone Plus Series Solid Coated Formula Guide. This can be purchased as part of the set (Coated and Uncoated) through Amazon for $92 + shipping. Here is a link where you can purchase this book: . The reason why it's best to buy the book, once again, is the pantone guide on your version of photoshop is still using your color calibration, and will not necessarily be accurate.