Artwork
Artwork Requirements
The promotional items that you purchase represent your company or organization. We want to ensure that your message or identity is clean, vivid, and consistent, and although we use highly advanced printing processes, the final product will only look as good as the artwork that we receive.For this reason, our requirements for submitting artwork appear below. The most common issue with printing your logo on items is artwork that has been created or submitted at low resolutions.
You can always reduce the size of a large image without losing quality (although images reduced too much in size may appear to fill in). Rarely can you make a small image larger, as needed for printing, without losing quality or causing pixilation (rough edges). Please read below for specific requirements.
Preferred Image File Formats
Vector artwork is the preferred artwork format for manufacturers because it provides a clean edge at any angle at any size. Below is a list explaining accepted file types and formats, as well as programs used to create Vector Art and alternatives
.ai - (Accepted) - Adobe Illustrator (Vector)
AI files are the best in quality to recreate your artwork in the printing process.
.eps - (Accepted) - Encapsulated Postscript
An alternative picture file format that allows PostScript data to be stored and edited and is easy to transfer between Macintosh, Windows machines, and other systems.
.tiff - (Accepted) - Tagged Image File Format
A file format for exchanging bitmapped images between different applications.
.bmp - (Not Accepted) - Bitmap
A BMP file is generally a low resolution image format. Images are exactly what their name says they are: a collection of bits that form an image. The image consists of a matrix of individual dots (or pixels) that all have their own color (described using bits, the smallest possible units of information for a computer). Unless these are in very large sized resolution (600 DPI or better), they are unusable in the printing process.
.gif - (Not Accepted) - Graphics Interchange Format
Commonly used on the web due to its ability to reduce the number of colors an image uses to be viewed in order to decrease webpage load time. This format will not work to use in the printing process.
.jpg* - (Not Accepted) - Joint Photographic Experts Group, or JPEG
Commonly used on the web due to its excellent ability to compress the graphic in order to decrease webpage load time. This format usually will not work for use in the printing process. *600 dpi or higher may still be accepted
.pdf - (Not Accepted) - Portable Document Format
Preserves the visually rich content of original files, and are easier to read than HTML content that appears in a Web browser. Adobe PDF files print cleanly and quickly, and anyone can share Adobe PDF files, regardless of their platform or software application. This is good to show the end result you would like, but usually not good for sending artwork that needs to be printed.
Doc - (Usually Not Usable)
Word doc files can only be used if you would like to display typeset text. Any images in a word doc will not be able to be printed correctly.
Web Pages - (Not Usable)
As a general rule, if it can be viewed on the web it will most likely be too low of quality for printing. Web graphics are made to load quickly, thereby cutting the quality of the image. The eye may not notice this on the web, but it will show up in printing.
Artwork with Text
Promotional Items Direct recommends that all text be converted to outlines when possible. If not, all fonts, font suitcases, printer fonts and screen fonts must be included with your art. Please note that the smallest text size that can be imprinted is typically around 6-8 pt. with some exceptions, for embroidery letter should be non-serif and at least 3/16" to 1/4" in height. It is often necessary to modify or drop text entirely for small imprint areas.
Single Color Artwork
Promotional Items Direct prefers Adobe Illustrator files, although we can use .jpg or .tiff files if their resolution is 600 dpi (dots per inch) or higher at the size of the imprint area. The logo should be in black on a white background. Web /images are 72 dpi and are not acceptable. If your item is to be embroidered, we can use a web graphic.
Multiple Color Artwork
Send only original, native vector, AI, EPS, or TIFF files. Promotional Items Direct cannot accept art files from the following Mac or PC platforms: BMP, JPG, GIF, or PICT. Do not attempt to save these files in an acceptable format. We cannot guarantee files sent from PC platforms (BMP, DOC, GIF, PICT, PPT) or any other than our preferred file formats or acceptable software will be usable. PC files such as DOC, EXE, PCX, PPT, P65, or XLS are not acceptable. These file formats are generally low resolution-- only suitable for viewing on-screen-- not for printing and cannot be appropriately modified.
Fonts
If you are using a special font, it is critical that you include the font when sending your artwork. You may select the font by finding it in your font directory and attaching it with your artwork when sending. If you use the Style palette to modify your font, it must be converted to outlines, or saved as a rasterized flat layer image.
File Sizes
All Files must be a minimum of 600 DPI (Dots per Inch). This is normally a very large file. If the image you are going to send is on a webpage, it is almost certainly too small for use in printing. Please contact the designer of the image for the original, large, version of the image. Many customers experience problems e-mailing large files due to server file size limits.
.ai - (Accepted) - Adobe Illustrator (Vector)
AI files are the best in quality to recreate your artwork in the printing process.
.eps - (Accepted) - Encapsulated Postscript
An alternative picture file format that allows PostScript data to be stored and edited and is easy to transfer between Macintosh, Windows machines, and other systems.
.tiff - (Accepted) - Tagged Image File Format
A file format for exchanging bitmapped images between different applications.
.bmp - (Not Accepted) - Bitmap
A BMP file is generally a low resolution image format. Images are exactly what their name says they are: a collection of bits that form an image. The image consists of a matrix of individual dots (or pixels) that all have their own color (described using bits, the smallest possible units of information for a computer). Unless these are in very large sized resolution (600 DPI or better), they are unusable in the printing process.
.gif - (Not Accepted) - Graphics Interchange Format
Commonly used on the web due to its ability to reduce the number of colors an image uses to be viewed in order to decrease webpage load time. This format will not work to use in the printing process.
.jpg* - (Not Accepted) - Joint Photographic Experts Group, or JPEG
Commonly used on the web due to its excellent ability to compress the graphic in order to decrease webpage load time. This format usually will not work for use in the printing process. *600 dpi or higher may still be accepted
.pdf - (Not Accepted) - Portable Document Format
Preserves the visually rich content of original files, and are easier to read than HTML content that appears in a Web browser. Adobe PDF files print cleanly and quickly, and anyone can share Adobe PDF files, regardless of their platform or software application. This is good to show the end result you would like, but usually not good for sending artwork that needs to be printed.
Doc - (Usually Not Usable)
Word doc files can only be used if you would like to display typeset text. Any images in a word doc will not be able to be printed correctly.
Web Pages - (Not Usable)
As a general rule, if it can be viewed on the web it will most likely be too low of quality for printing. Web graphics are made to load quickly, thereby cutting the quality of the image. The eye may not notice this on the web, but it will show up in printing.
Artwork with Text
Promotional Items Direct recommends that all text be converted to outlines when possible. If not, all fonts, font suitcases, printer fonts and screen fonts must be included with your art. Please note that the smallest text size that can be imprinted is typically around 6-8 pt. with some exceptions, for embroidery letter should be non-serif and at least 3/16" to 1/4" in height. It is often necessary to modify or drop text entirely for small imprint areas.
Single Color Artwork
Promotional Items Direct prefers Adobe Illustrator files, although we can use .jpg or .tiff files if their resolution is 600 dpi (dots per inch) or higher at the size of the imprint area. The logo should be in black on a white background. Web /images are 72 dpi and are not acceptable. If your item is to be embroidered, we can use a web graphic.
Multiple Color Artwork
Send only original, native vector, AI, EPS, or TIFF files. Promotional Items Direct cannot accept art files from the following Mac or PC platforms: BMP, JPG, GIF, or PICT. Do not attempt to save these files in an acceptable format. We cannot guarantee files sent from PC platforms (BMP, DOC, GIF, PICT, PPT) or any other than our preferred file formats or acceptable software will be usable. PC files such as DOC, EXE, PCX, PPT, P65, or XLS are not acceptable. These file formats are generally low resolution-- only suitable for viewing on-screen-- not for printing and cannot be appropriately modified.
Fonts
If you are using a special font, it is critical that you include the font when sending your artwork. You may select the font by finding it in your font directory and attaching it with your artwork when sending. If you use the Style palette to modify your font, it must be converted to outlines, or saved as a rasterized flat layer image.
File Sizes
All Files must be a minimum of 600 DPI (Dots per Inch). This is normally a very large file. If the image you are going to send is on a webpage, it is almost certainly too small for use in printing. Please contact the designer of the image for the original, large, version of the image. Many customers experience problems e-mailing large files due to server file size limits.
Artwork Software - Requirements
Adobe Illustrator (VECTOR) - Best for spot color logos & text on wearables, mouse pads, and pins. Is best accepted as an .ai or .eps extension with the fonts converted to outlines or included on the disk/ e-mail/ etc. If images are placed in the file, the originals must be included. (note: photoshop images placed in illustrator do not make them automatic spot color images).
Adobe Photoshop (RASTER) - Best for Photos, etc. printed with HiRes AccuColor, Four Color Process, Photo Transfers, or Digital Imaging is best accepted as an .eps, .psd, or .tif extension at full size and 600 dpi (min 300 dpi) - any lower will produce jagged edges. If there are halftones in the image, bitmaps are not acceptable. The extensions .jpg and .gif are acceptable but will require massive cleanup 98% of the time. Spot color is best done in “channels.”
Other Programs - (We may not be able to view other program files, please convert them to adobe compatible formats.)
- Change all text into outlines in your document.
- Color your text and graphics with standard Pantone or CMYK color mixes.
- If you are using an imported graphic in your Illustrator document, be sure to include the original graphic file.
- Place graphics at 100%. Save the file as an Illustrator or an EPS, selecting version 6.0 or higher when given the option.
- Save and create artwork in Vector Format
- If bleeds are needed, allow 1/8" on each applicable side in a layout application.
Adobe Photoshop (RASTER) - Best for Photos, etc. printed with HiRes AccuColor, Four Color Process, Photo Transfers, or Digital Imaging is best accepted as an .eps, .psd, or .tif extension at full size and 600 dpi (min 300 dpi) - any lower will produce jagged edges. If there are halftones in the image, bitmaps are not acceptable. The extensions .jpg and .gif are acceptable but will require massive cleanup 98% of the time. Spot color is best done in “channels.”
- Files must be saved as a Macintosh TIFF with no LZW compression.
- Do not color an image in Photoshop.
- Color all text and graphics according to standard Pantone or CMYK color mixes
- All files need to be submitted at the size being used for printing.
- If bleeds are needed, allow 1/8" on each applicable side in a layout application.
Other Programs - (We may not be able to view other program files, please convert them to adobe compatible formats.)
Screen Printing
Screen Printing 101
Each one color/one location combination you choose to customize on your apparel requires an additional set-up and print through. If you have one color and one location, you will be charged for one set-up charge. For a second color in that same location (or any color in a regular location), a second set-up charge for the new screen will be added. For specialized locations like pant legs, sleeves and pockets, this will also require an additional run charge. The cost of these additional screens and run depends on the printing technique used (silk screen, pad print, deboss, four-color process).
*Because a set-up fee is the same no matter how many shirts you’re ordering, the more you print using the same screen, the lower the unit cost is for the entire order, which equals savings! If you’re near a price break or ordering shirts that can be stored for future promotions, consider a large order to save money in the long run.
Shirt Pricing is Calculated By:
- Number of Imprint Colors per Location
- Number of Imprint Locations (Front, Back, Etc.)
- Number of Shirts Ordered/Needed
- Color of the Garment (White is the Least Expensive while Black is the MOST Expensive)
- Size of the Shirt (S - XL are ALL the Same Price, XXL, XXXL, and XXXXL are Additional)
*In most cases, your best price break occurs at 144 pieces, but you can order as few as 24
Drop shadows, shading and blending from light to dark are possible but should be avoided, as they will end up looking like a series of dots (However, this does not apply to single-color halftone gradients).
Additional screen-printing costs: - Matching exact ink colors requires custom mixing to achieve PMS color.
- Imprinting sleeves, pockets, and pant legs require an additional running charge.
- A flash charge applies to light inks being applied to dark material to ensure a vivid final product.
- Additional locations are more expensive than additional colors.
Each one color/one location combination you choose to customize on your apparel requires an additional set-up and print through. If you have one color and one location, you will be charged for one set-up charge. For a second color in that same location (or any color in a regular location), a second set-up charge for the new screen will be added. For specialized locations like pant legs, sleeves and pockets, this will also require an additional run charge. The cost of these additional screens and run depends on the printing technique used (silk screen, pad print, deboss, four-color process).
*Because a set-up fee is the same no matter how many shirts you’re ordering, the more you print using the same screen, the lower the unit cost is for the entire order, which equals savings! If you’re near a price break or ordering shirts that can be stored for future promotions, consider a large order to save money in the long run.
Shirt Pricing is Calculated By:
- Number of Imprint Colors per Location
- Number of Imprint Locations (Front, Back, Etc.)
- Number of Shirts Ordered/Needed
- Color of the Garment (White is the Least Expensive while Black is the MOST Expensive)
- Size of the Shirt (S - XL are ALL the Same Price, XXL, XXXL, and XXXXL are Additional)
*In most cases, your best price break occurs at 144 pieces, but you can order as few as 24
Drop shadows, shading and blending from light to dark are possible but should be avoided, as they will end up looking like a series of dots (However, this does not apply to single-color halftone gradients).
Additional screen-printing costs: - Matching exact ink colors requires custom mixing to achieve PMS color.
- Imprinting sleeves, pockets, and pant legs require an additional running charge.
- A flash charge applies to light inks being applied to dark material to ensure a vivid final product.
- Additional locations are more expensive than additional colors.
Embroidery
Estimating Stitch CountPrint out the Stitch Count Grid and cut out your artwork and place it over the grid. Count the number of boxes it fills, and then find that number in the chart. If your design goes outside the grid, estimate the extra grid space & add it to your original total.
Things to Remember when Estimating a Stitch Count
-1 solid square inch of embroidery equals approximately 2,000 stitches.
-1 solid square 1/4 inch of embroidery will equal about 125 stitches.
-No letter should be smaller than 3/16". Each letter 1/4" in height equals about 100 stitches.
-Drop shadows in your logo will translate to 200 extra stitches per inch.
-Straight lines under logos typically require 200 extra stitches per inch.
-Fabrics, colors, and artwork detail will affect the amount of stitches.
It is important to remember that these stitch-count tips, and the stitch-count grid, provide estimates only. It will be helpful to give you a ballpark idea, but the precise figure can only be determined when the actual embroidery of your design is performed.
Note: Due to differences in computers and printers, the size of the grid may be distorted when you print it out. Be sure to check that 1-inch squares actually measure 1 inch on your printout (do the same for 1/4-inch squares). If such a size distortion occurs, you can scale your printout of the grid to a more accurate size using a photocopier.
Standard Apparel Imprinting Locations
Standard Embroidery Embellishment Locations Standard Silk Screen Imprint Locations
<Common Problems
Listed below are the most common problems customers have with art files.File Size
Images must be at least 600 dpi to be run through the image printing process. Small images must be recreated to be accepted by the printing process. Please send your size requirements and the image in the exact size you would like it printed.
Color Separations
Some printing processes require artwork to have different layers created so each color needed can be separated from the others. This is necessary when making several different color silk-screens.
Color Correction
Please follow standard Pantone conventions to avoid any extra charges. There is a Pantone color chart available on our site. Also review our Requirements for Color Separations.
Font Substitution
For files that are submitted without compatible Macintosh fonts, "create outlines" or set text to" curves" on all text in your files.
Mode Change in Photoshop
RGB to CMYK, Indexed Color to CMYK, etc. Please, DO NOT submit files in Indexed Color or files that have been compressed.
Font Style Palette Corrections
All fonts must be submitted to us in their original form. Stylization within the palette does not hold through our image setter.
Extending Bleeds
If redrawing is needed to make the graphic bleed properly, additional charges will need to be assessed at $40 per hour.
Resizing Graphic
Please send all graphics sized at 100%.
Trapping
If trapping is necessary to make the file compatible with our printing needs, additional charges may need to be assessed at $45.00 per hour. If your files require special attention to change or correct any of the obstacles listed above, your Promotional Items Direct will contact you regarding recreation of your art at a cost of $40 per hour.
I Think I Need Help
What if I don’t have artwork?If you don't have artwork, we can do it for you! Sketch out or send us a file describing what you're looking for and we can have our graphic design team recreate it. We can also send you a list of commonly used fonts, and if you don’t see what you’re looking for, simply described it as best you can and we’ll find it for you. If we need to recreate your art, the charge is typically $40/hr. For a rush order, the charge is $65/hr.
If you need our help with your artwork, we can accept the following formats: .eps, .jpg, .gif, .bmp, .pdf, .doc word files or any other low resolution format. These formats must be recreated in the correct format at $40/hr. We accept files via our e-mail at orders@pidirect.net and on CD-ROMs. If you can't find an acceptable electronic file that meets our requirements, you might consider asking the person who originally created your logo for a vector file and have it emailed to us. Sometimes when the files are large, our clients prefer to send us a disk. Please remember to ask them to use the requirements below. As a last resort, if you have "Camera Ready" artwork than can be scanned, you can send it to us at the address below. Camera Ready artwork means, black and white laser printed artwork of 1200 dpi or higher. The following artwork is not considered Camera Ready: Photographs, slides, transparencies, negative stats or films that need to be reversed to positive, halftone art that needs to be resized, low resolution laser printed artwork of less than 1200 dpi (we recommend sending black and white 1200 dpi laser prints at 200% larger than actual size), photocopies, faxed art, letterhead, business cards, Web /images or any other art that needs to be touched-up, color separated, or multi-color art to be made one-color or otherwise improved. Stats, PMTs or computer scans of the above are not considered camera ready.
What if I want a specific color match imprinted?
Many of our decoration methods allow for the opportunity to closely match the imprint color to a specific requirement. Customers who require specific color matching should provide us with "PMS" color numbers where applicable. PMS stands for Pantone Matching System ®. We have an online pantone color chart that you can use to compare colors relative to themselves. Be aware that all monitors are different and the color you see on the screen may vary slightly when viewed in person. Where PMS matching is available, there is typically a $45 charge per color for this service as inks need to be carefully blended to achieve a close match to your color. In some cases, this charge may be greater. This charge is also applicable on reorders. If your logo is to be embroidered, we will select a thread which most closely matches your PMS color and you will have the opportunity to see this choice when you approve your "sew-out."
Remember, artwork should never get in the way of doing a promotion. If you can't find art that meets our electronic submittal requirements, we can always assist. Once we recreate your art, you won't have this charge again. A proof will be provided for you to review.
Lead Times
Average Printing Time for Custom Promotional ItemsMost custom printing orders can be completed in 10 - 15 working days from proof approval. The amount of time for printing can vary widely due to several factors. The most common reasons that cause order delays are: the workloads of the factory during peak printing seasons, artwork needing revisions, waiting for the customer to approve the proof, the credit approval process, and long shipping distances from the factory. We recommend that you submit your order three weeks or more before your event date so we can easily overcome any obstacles and you can avoid paying air freight charges or rush order printing fees. You can use the website published order times as a guide. Please contact Promotional Items .net on each item to be sure the factory can meet your event date. Please be sure to include shipping time when placing your order. UPS ground will take 3-7 days, based on your location and the location of the factory. Air freight can be used if needed.
Rush Printing Orders
We have a wide selection of custom items that you can have imprinted less than 1 week! From as little as 1 day production rush or up to a 5 day production, Promotional Items .net will have your promotion ready. Search through the thousands of products to find the right one at the right time. Please bear in mind a few things when placing a rush order. Orders requiring delivery in 10 days or less are considered a rush order and will be charged a Rush Fee. This is to cover the added expense of stopping current production of other orders to put your order ahead of them. Rush orders automatically waive customer approval of the proof to make sure production times are met. The Rush Fee will either be charged by per piece or there will be a set fee. Please contact Promotional Items .net for specific details. Most rush orders will need to use expedited shipping and will be shipped via Air Freight. This can be very costly for heavy items and large orders. Please note: Published printing production times on our website are typically accurate. However, the factory may not be able to meet the advertised production time during peak printing seasons or due to circumstances beyond our control. Please contact custspt@pidirect.net or call 888-887-8087 to be sure a particular item can meet your printing deadline when ordering.