Preferred File Preparation And Formats

File preparation for screen printing and embroidery is relatively simple.  Following the guidelines below will ensure that the art you submit is ready for production and will not require any additional editing, which can increase the overall cost of your project.  If you have any questions about your art, please contact your GH Apparel representative.  They will put you in touch with one of our designers, who then can put you on the right path to success.

Vector

This is the most preferred type of file to use. Programs such as CorelDraw and Adobe Illustrator are vector based programs. These files should be saved in there native format i.e. CorelDraw would be a .cdr, and Illustrator would be an .ai file. Be sure all colors are either Pantone or CMYK, and that all fonts have been converted to curves or outlines.

Bitmap

Programs like Photoshop and PhotoPaint create photographic images that should be flattened and saved as a CMYK jpg. When using Photoshop to save your file as a jpg, you will be prompted to give parameters to your image. For Image Option, use quality setting number 8. Higher settings won’t deliver a sharper image, but lower settings will degrade the quality. Be sure your Format Options reflect a “standard” baseline setting.  Bitmaps do not work well for screen printing since color separating a bitmap is a rather complicated process.  Additional art charges will be incurred transforming your bitmap art to vector art.  However, if you are submitting bitmap art to be used on the DTG Direct-To-Garment printer, there will be no additional charges.  The DTG prints in full process color so color separation of the image is not necessary.

Embroidery

Unless you already possess an embroidery file, you're art will need to be digitzied.  Embroidery files typically end with one of the following file extentions, .ofm, .dst, or .exp.  There are others of course, please call your GH Apparel repesentative to see if your format is compatible.  There is normally a fee for digitizing your art, however if you're ordering more than one dozen pieces, that fee is waived.  The normal work flow is: 1. You send the art.  2. We digitize it and create a sample called a sew-out.  3. We either mail you the sew-out, or scan it and send you an electronic proof.  4. Once approved we begin production of your project.

Art Sizing

There are some pretty specific size restrictions involved with screen printing and embroidery.  Our staff is well versed on what these limits are, and normally will size the art accordingly.  But if you have a particular size you need things, please make that known when you send your art.  For best results, send the art at actual size, and place that size somewhere on the art for the designer to see.  If you have no idea what size to make your art, here are a few guidelines.

For screen printing, a left chest print is typically 4"w X 3"t.  For a full back or full front print the size is 12"w X 14"t.  Hoodies have a much smaller imprint area, typically 12"w X 8"t.  Also, bear in mind the garment sizes you require.  A design that is 14"t, will not fit on a Youth Small garment.  And once the screens are produced, they cannot increase or decrease in size so youth garments may require an entirely different set-up.  For sleeve prints, there are two options.  Short sleeve can accept a print 4"w.  Long sleeves can be up to 14t".

Embroidery pretty much follows the same guidelines as screen printing, with the exception of caps.  The front of the cap can be no larger than 4.5"w X 2.15"t.  For any other questions concerning sizing or placement of your design, please call your representative for assistance.