Art file preparation for the best screen printing results.

Our color separation service is complimentary when you supply artwork that meets our high-resolution criteria of 300 dpi (dots per inch). Internet-sourced images typically have a lower resolution of 72 dpi and will often require redesigning unless a low-resolution bitmap look is your goal. Artwork below 300 dpi may lead to blurriness or pixelation.

Should your artwork need redesigning, we will inform you beforehand and provide an estimate for the required design services. Our standard rate is $50 per hour, but we are willing to work within your budget constraints.

For optimal printing results, we ask that you submit your artwork in preferred vector file formats such as .pdf, .eps, .svg, or .ai. High-resolution raster images (.psd, .tiff, .jpg, or .png) are also acceptable if they meet the 300 dpi requirement and are sized to your final print dimensions. Please ensure all text within the files is outlined.

The quality of your custom print is directly related to the quality of your art files. SMPLFD Printing will not assume liability for customization issues that stem from substandard artwork, including any misspellings or errors contained within the artwork you provide.

Is My Artwork Vectored?

To determine whether a file is a vector, you can check its file extension or enlarge the image on your screen.

Check the file extension:

- If the file has an extension like .ai, .eps, .svg, or .pdf, it’s probably a vector file. However, not all files with these extensions are guaranteed to be vectors, as some may contain raster images.

Enlarge the image:

-Zoom in to at least 200%. If the edges remain sharp and the colors stay solid, it’s likely a vector. If the edges become blurry or the colors break into different shades, it’s a raster file.

Vector files explained:

Vector files use mathematical formulas to create images with lines and points, which allows them to scale without losing clarity. Unlike raster formats (.jpg, .png), vectors retain sharpness at any size.

Common vector file types:

-.ai: Adobe Illustrator’s native format.

-.eps: Encapsulated PostScript, a longstanding vector format.

-.pdf: Portable Document Format, commonly used for sharing vector files.

-.svg: Scalable Vector Graphics, a modern, web-friendly format.