Creating Designs - File Setup for Success
How to Save Your Files
Most graphic design platforms offer a variety of options to save your newly created files. Setting up your artwork correctly makes sure that your art files can be easily accessed by our mocks team and are ready for print.
All files must be at least 300 ppi or Vector Format. If your file is not 300 ppi, 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.
Half Tones
We suggest letting us 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 and 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.
At Threadbird we accept the following file types:
- Illustrator (.AI)
- Vector (.EPS)
- Photoshop (.PSD)
- JPEG
- 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.
Some Extra Notes About Art Files:
If you are creating your file in Adobe Illustrator, you will need to choose "Create Outlines" on all your text. This allows us to open the file without requiring the font.
If you need additional help with your design check out our t-shirt template page to help size your design.
When it comes to sizing, your digital logo or design should be sized to the actual dimensions you want it to print. If you want your print to be 10" wide, please be sure the actual design within the file is 10" wide (not just the background of your design file). Using our T-Shirt Templates will allow you to place your design at the size you would like it to appear on the actual shirt.
We provide free Pantone color matching for your garments when your orders are submitted. However, Pantone matching has its issues, as not every color looks the same on every monitor. A particular red on your screen may appear to be a different red when viewed on ours. Since 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. The reason why it's best to buy the book is the Pantone guide on your version of photoshop is still using your color calibration, and will not necessarily be accurate.
Now that you’ve created a design for screen printing and it’s ready to go send it off to us. We’ll print it and watch the awesome unfold. We can’t wait to see what you’ve designed.
Hey, It's Threadbird, here to be your expert guide with printing, apparel, and merch. Our brand has been in the custom merch game for 12+ years. We know the ins and outs of all of your favorite products. We are here to help your brand fly high with our knowledge and expertise.
