Why Art Files Matter More Than You Think
Bad artwork doesn't just look bad - it costs real money. Here's what happens when files aren't print-ready.
The 12-Point Art File Checkup
Every file we review goes through our comprehensive 12-point inspection. Here's exactly what we check.
File Format
AI, EPS, PDF, SVG - we verify you're using the right format for your product and print method.
Resolution (DPI)
300 DPI minimum for print. We flag anything below threshold and show you the quality difference.
Color Space
CMYK for print, RGB for digital. We check your color mode and flag conversion issues.
Pantone Matching
If you have brand Pantone colors, we verify they're correctly specified and will print true.
Bleed & Margins
Proper bleed areas (0.125") and safe zones to prevent cut-off logos or text.
Font Integrity
All fonts outlined or embedded? We check for missing fonts and text rendering issues.
Text Legibility
Minimum 6pt text, proper contrast ratios, and readability at final print size.
Scale & Proportion
Your design sized correctly for the product? We verify dimensions match the print area.
Print Method Match
Screen print, embroidery, DTG, sublimation - each has different file requirements.
Visual Contrast
Will your design pop on the product color? We check contrast and visibility.
Brand Consistency
Logo proportions, color accuracy, and brand element placement across items.
Production Ready
Final sign-off: layers organized, no hidden elements, export settings correct.
How It Works
From upload to print-ready in four simple steps. No hoops, no hidden fees.
Submit Your Files
No file is too messy. We've seen it all - from napkin sketches to Canva exports. Send us what you have and we'll work with it.
What Your Report Looks Like
Here's a sample of what you'll receive. Every issue is identified, rated by severity, and paired with a clear fix.
File Format
Adobe Illustrator (.ai) - Vector format, excellent for all print methods
Resolution
Vector-based, resolution independent - scales to any size without quality loss
Color Space
Currently in RGB - needs conversion to CMYK for print production
Pantone Colors
Brand blue specified as PMS 2728 C - verified and correct
Bleed Area
No bleed added - required for edge-to-edge printing on apparel tags
Font Integrity
2 fonts not outlined - may render incorrectly on production systems
Text Legibility
Tagline at 5pt - below minimum 6pt for readable print
The 8 Most Common Art File Mistakes
We've reviewed thousands of files. These are the issues we see over and over - and how to fix them before they cost you.
Low resolution (under 300 DPI)
Always design at 300 DPI or higher for print
RGB color mode for print
Convert to CMYK before sending to print
Missing bleed areas
Add 0.125" bleed on all sides for edge-to-edge designs
Text too small (under 6pt)
Keep body text at 8pt minimum, fine print at 6pt
Fonts not outlined
Convert all text to outlines/curves before exporting
JPG instead of vector
Use AI, EPS, or PDF for logos and line art
Wrong Pantone conversion
Use Pantone Color Bridge for accurate CMYK equivalents
Thin lines that disappear
Minimum 0.5pt stroke weight for all lines
File Format Cheat Sheet
Not sure which file format to use? Here's the definitive guide.
| Format | Best For | Scalable? | Print Quality | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .AI / .EPS | Logos, line art, vector graphics | Yes | Excellent | |
| Multi-page layouts, print-ready files | Yes (vector) | Excellent | ||
| .SVG | Web graphics, simple logos | Yes | Good | |
| .PNG | Photos with transparency | No | Good (300 DPI) | |
| .TIFF | High-quality photos for print | No | Excellent | |
| .JPG | Photos (no transparency needed) | No | Varies | |
| .PSD | Layered design files | No | Good |
RGB vs CMYK vs Pantone
The #1 reason prints don't match expectations. Here's the difference and when to use each.
RGB
Red, Green, Blue
- Screens & digital
- Wider color range
- Not for print
- Colors shift when printed
CMYK
Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key
- Standard for print
- Accurate reproduction
- Works everywhere
- Slightly smaller gamut
Pantone (PMS)
Pantone Matching System
- Exact color matching
- Brand consistency
- Premium printing
- Higher cost per color
Pro Tips from Our Design Team
Submit files 2-3 weeks before production
Gives time for revisions without rushing.
Always keep your original editable files
Never overwrite your source - save print versions separately.
Request a physical proof for large orders
Screen colors lie. A printed proof catches issues digital can't.
Name your files clearly
logo-primary-cmyk-2026.ai beats final-final-v3-REAL.jpg every time.
