A Partner’s Guide to Creating Print-Ready Artwork

A custom design for a customer using in-house art services

At Advanced Impressions, our mission is to deliver consistent, precise, and dependable printing solutions for our partners. We see our relationship as a partnership, not just a transaction, and a key part of a great partnership is clear communication and a smooth process.

We’re confident in our craft and want to empower you to get the absolute best results for your clients. A flawless print starts with creating print-ready artwork. This guide is a simple, solution-focused checklist to help you prepare and send your files, ensuring faster turnarounds and the high-quality results you expect.

1. Vector Artwork is the Gold Standard

For screen printing, vector files are essential. Unlike raster images (like JPEGs or PNGs) which are made of pixels, vector files (.AI, .EPS, .PDF, .SVG) are made from mathematical paths.

• Why it matters: Vector art can be scaled to any size without losing quality, ensuring your lines remain crisp and clean. This is critical for creating the sharp film positives needed to burn a perfect screen.

  
  

• A quick note on PDFs: The .PDF format can be tricky. Not all PDF files are vector. A PDF saved from a vector program like Adobe Illustrator will be a true vector file. However, a JPEG saved as a PDF from a raster program like Adobe Photoshop is still just a raster image. When in doubt, sending the original source file (.AI or .EPS) is always the safest bet.

2. Outline All Fonts

When you send us a design file, our computers might not have the same fonts installed as yours. If a font is missing, it will be substituted, which can drastically alter your design.

• The solution: Convert all text to outlines (or "create outlines") before saving your file. This changes the text from an editable font into a fixed vector shape that will look identical on any computer, preserving your design integrity.

3. Specify Pantone (PMS) Colors

Your screen and our screen will always show color a little differently. To guarantee precise color matching, please provide Pantone (PMS) Solid Coated color codes for your artwork.

• Why it helps: PMS codes are a universal standard that allows our ink technicians to mix the exact color you need, every single time. This commitment to precision is our standard.

Custom made ink being checked against PMS color chart

4. Keep Your Design Clean and Simple

The best artwork for screen printing is clean and straightforward. Before you finalize the file, take a moment to:

• Remove Stray Points: Delete any stray anchor points or hidden shapes outside the artboard.

• Set A Single Stroke and Fill: Avoid multiple strokes or fills on a single object.

• Check Line Weight: Ensure lines are thick enough to print cleanly. We recommend a minimum of 1pt thickness for lines and details to ensure they hold up on the screen.

  
  

This attention to detail allows our team to work efficiently and reflects the craftsmanship with care we bring to every project.

5. Put It All in One Place

Please package all necessary files into a single folder and compress it (.zip) before sending. Include the final vector artwork, a mockup of the design on the garment, and a text file with any specific instructions, like print dimensions and Pantone colors.

Need a Hand creating print-ready artwork? We Offer Art Services

We understand. Sometimes you’re facing a tight deadline or receive a client file that’s less than ideal. If you need help getting your artwork print-ready, we’re here for you. Our team can assist with a range of art services, including:

• Vectorizing low-resolution images

• Color separations

• Text and layout adjustments

• Cleaning up and simplifying complex files

Being a true partner means being solution-focused. Just let our team know you need assistance when you submit your order, and we’ll be happy to provide a quote to get your artwork perfected for the press.

Your Trusted Partner Behind the Scenes

By following these guidelines, you help us move your project from screen to press quickly and accurately. We respect your time and process, and preparing your art this way is the best first step toward a successful run.

Once we receive your print-ready files, our team takes over with the precision and care you trust us with—from producing high-resolution film to creating perfectly tensioned screens. We are here to help you create flawless prints, whether you're running a busy production shop...or solving a unique industrial printing challenge.

Ready to start your next project or have a question about your artwork? We’re here to help.

The Advanced Impressions Team