SAVE THE FILE AS A PNG

When creating your own file in software like Adobe Photoshop, we suggest using a transparent background and saving your file as a PNG file. JPG files don't support transparent backgrounds, which means your design might be printed with a white background, diminishing the quality of your design. Before sending us your design, we recommend checking its transparency in your graphic editor. Need help? Email us!

CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLOR SPACE
Create your print file in the sRGB color profile, specifically sRGB IEC61966-2.1. This is the format our system reads when it receives your file. Our printers then convert your submitted file into CMYK format. CMYK stands for cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (or black). Sometimes converting from sRGB to CMYK slightly changes colors, but using the sRGB IEC61966-2.1 will ensure the best possible accuracy.

USE THE RIGHT DPI
DPI (dots per inch) refers to the number of printed dots within one inch of an image printed by a printer. This is different from pixels per inch, or PPI, which refers to the number of pixels contained within one inch of an image on a computer monitor. The more dots per printed inch, the higher the print quality (and the more sharpness and detail). Using the correct DPI ensures fast processing and accurate prints, so be sure to check file guidelines when choosing your products. For most products, your print file has to be at least 150 DPI to ensure optimal print quality. It’s also best not to exceed 300 DPI.

MAINTAIN A HIGH DPI WHEN CHANGING FILE SIZE
The actual size of your file is its measurement in inches. Let’s say it’s 5 inches by 5 inches with 100 DPI. If you double the size to 10 inches by 10 inches, the DPI is cut in half to 50. Be careful not to decrease DPI when changing the actual size of your design file.

CONSIDER RIBBING, SEAMS AND STITCHING
Flat surfaces are the easiest to print on. If you choose a product like a sweatshirt or hoodie with seams, pockets, and zippers, you should consider these elements during your design process.Ribbed garments are printed unstretched, which means the ink only sets on top of the ribs. When worn, the print can stretch and reveal these gaps. This is something we suggest considering when preparing your designs.

TEXT & COLOR INFO
WHITE OR LIGHT INK ON A WHITE OR LIGHT GARMENT: Light ink is usually not visible on light-colored material because the ink used in the DTG printing process is very thin. We recommend adding a darker color background for your designs with light text to make the text easy to read.

BLACK TEXT ON A BLACK GARMENT: A white underbase is added to any prints that aren’t white themselves. This means that two layers of white ink are printed, first followed by one layer of color, to make sure the color of your design really pops.

When you choose to print a black design on a black or dark-colored garment, the white underbase can cause the design to look more gray than black. Using a white or light-colored background will help your text stand out on the dark fabric.

SMALL TEXT: Small text can bleed together and is difficult to see in final products. The smallest font that will be legible under the right conditions is about 6-8pt or 10-12 pixels in height. Use large text and follow the product guidelines for the best results.

NEON COLORS & PASTELS: Hot pink, lime green, construction orange, highlighter yellow, and pastel shades do not convert well to CMYK, which is the format our printers read. Instead, consider other bold colors like mauve, emerald, and burnt orange.

DESIGN MUST BE TRUE TO SIZE

The graphics you upload must be true to their size on the end product. Once digitized, we can only alter the size of the design up or down by 10%.

USE SOLID SHAPES AND COLORS

Don't include photographic images, gradients, fade or blend effects. Elements like these cannot be embroidered.

USE TRANSPARENT BACKGROUNDS

Graphics should include transparent backgrounds. Elements outside the main design will be picked up and result in unwanted embroidery stitches on the end product.

OUTLINE YOUR FONTS

All fonts should be converted to outlines unless your graphic is in PNG format. That way you don't have to send us the font files.

SUBMIT VECTOR FILES IN PDF OR PNG FORMAT

We highly recommend submitting your embroidery graphics as vector files (PDF). Raster graphics (PNG) can be used as well if the resolution of the graphic is at least 300 DPI.

DIGITIZATION FEE & PROCESS

Digitization is a process that converts your design file to a format that supports embroidery. Our digitization fee for all embroidery files is $45. Turn around time on digitization is 24-48 hours.

PRO TIPS

Create embroidery-unique designsEmbroidery is not printing, so most graphics that work on other products won't be suitable for embroidery.

Keep it simple! Clean designs with bold lines and text work best for embroidery. If your design is too complex (e.g. contains gradients or intricate details), your order will be put on hold.