Artwork Guidelines

Finished Artwork

For artwork to be considered finished, the following guidelines should be followed:

1. Artwork must be a .png or vector.
2. When providing a vector file, please make sure that text is converted to outlines.
   • To convert text to curves using Adobe Illustrator®
     1. First, select all the art by going to Select > All. We tell you to select all the artwork to ensure ALL the text is converted.
     2. While everything is still selected, go back to the menu bar and click on Type > Create Outlines.
3. Minimum line thickness for our Standard Transfer is .014” (or 1 point). We also request that the minimum knockout space be .028” (or 2 points).

Acceptable File Formats

Adobe Illustrator®

Adobe Illustrator®

Bitmaps

*When ordering custom artwork builds – Most files with the extensions .jpg, .tif, .gif, .png and .psd are not vector, but can be used to recreate from. Recommended resolution for bitmaps is 150 to 300 dpi/ppi or larger than 800 x 600 px (1024 x 768 px preferably)

Other Formats

DTF Michigan accepts other formats and art other than what’s listed above, such as e-mails. Generally art submitted in formats other than .eps, .ai, svg, or .pdf are considered unfinished art and will have to be recreated.

*Please check all files for viruses

1-Point Stroke

2-Point Knockout

Raster Types

1. Supply the list of names typed in a Microsoft Word® or Notepad document as you want them printed. We DO NOT accept Microsoft Excel® documents.
2. Please do not layout names in Microsoft Word® or Notepad with multiple columns, rows, or headings. Send it with a single column list. If you would like to show us how you want the list laid out for a Custom Transfer order, supply both the layout file and a single column list file..

RASTER vs VECTOR

Bitmap images, also referred to as raster images, are made up of a collection of dots or pixels in a grid. Because bitmap images can produce painterly effects, they can be photographic in nature. Bitmap images are defined by the number of pixels in the image (called resolution) and the number of colors contained in the file (called bit depth). The resolution of a bitmap file is usually measured in pixels per inch (ppi) and is set when the image is created. For example, when you take a digital picture, scan a piece of art, or create a digital painting, you define what the resolution of that image will be. If an image has a high resolution, the individual pixels are smaller and, hence, give the image a greater level of detail. In extremely low-resolution images, the individual pixels might even be large enough to see, resulting in stair-step patterns, also known as jaggies. When bitmap images are enlarged, the pixels are just made larger. For example, if you take a 300 ppi image and enlarge it 200%, the effective resolution on the file is 150 ppi.

In contrast, vector images are made up of paths, called bezier paths, that are defined mathematically. These paths were originally developed for designing cars and airplanes. The paths use anchor points and control handles to define the position and behavior of paths on an x,y axis, which gives you the ability to create free-flowing shapes that are clean and sharp. Because the anchor points on these paths are defined as mathematical coordinates, they are resolution-independent and can be scaled to any size without losing quality or appearance. In addition, working with distinct objects and paths makes it easier to create and edit artwork. For these reasons, vector images are perfect for logos, maps, and other artwork that must remain in a scalable and nondestructive form like screen printing.