K & L Graphics
Graphic Art & Color Separations
Contract Screen Printing
Digital Art Requirements We primarily work on the PC system, however we do work with Macintosh as well. Our art department uses Adobe Photoshop CS3, Adobe Illustrator CS3, Corel Draw X3. If the file was created in Photoshop, we prefer it saved as a PSD file, with the artwork 100% to size and the resolution at a minimum of 300 dpi . If sending an Illustrator file, Freehand file, or Corel Draw File, we prefer CDR, AI, EPS, or PDF files. If your art was created in a different program please save it in an EPS, or PDF file and always convert all fonts to outlines or curves. Photoshop files should be saved as PSD files. Resolution is important when dealing with Photoshop files. To get a crisp image on your shirt we need at least 300 dpi (dots per inch) if the file is 100% to size. The document must be created at this resolution or higher. Increasing the resolution from a lower resolution file will not improve the quality of the design. Preferred formats If you do not have a file in one of these formats, send us your file in the format you have for evaluation. |
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What kind of art is needed for screen print? Vector Graphics are best. All files should be submitted in an Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw vector format. If either of these programs are not available than most generic vector formats will work. If a raster file is submitted, it must have been created at a minimum of 250 dpi at the size the image will print. Please note, web art or an image from the internet is never usable as is. These files are 72 dpi and cannot be re-sampled. Quark, Publisher, Power Point, Word, Excel, MS Paint, etc., are not normally usable formats. Quotes on separation charges and redraw fees are recommended and available upon request. |
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What is the difference between a raster file and a vector file? A VECTOR FILE is an image composed of paths or outlines. The computer recognizes the shape or outline of each object. Vector files can be scaled to any size without affecting the quality of the image. Vector file are best suited for spot color designs including most logos. The terms outlines, curves, fonts, and spot colors are commonly used when discussing this file type. When using fonts, all fonts must be converted to outlines. This will prevent the font from being changed if our computer doesn't have the same font loaded on it. These files are usually created in Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw. Common file extensions are pdf, eps, ai and cdr. A RASTER FILE or BITMAP FILE is an image composed of pixels. The entire image is made up of tiny squares each having it's own color such as Red, Green or Blue. Raster files are best suited for photo realistic images and not recommended for spot color images. The terms resolution and separations are commonly used when discussing this file type. Photo realistic art is art that incorporates scanned in imagery, digital photos, or art that is built in a pixel based program such as Photoshop or Photopaint. Raster files can not be increased in size without reducing the quality of the print. This includes any art built in a vector based program that incorporates imported or placed photographic elements. In order to reproduce a photographic image, we require a file with a resolution of 300 dpi. These files are usually scanned, taken from the web or created in Adobe Photoshop. Common file extensions are .jpg, .gif, .tif, .bmp, .png and .pdf. |
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Vector Spot Color
(.ai, .eps, .cdr, .pdf) Files are entirely composed of paths or outlines. All fonts are converted to outlines or curves. They can be sized up or down without any changes in quality. This file type can be printed on light or dark garments. This is by far the most common way logos and designs are submitted for most basic screen printing jobs and usually don't incur any art fees to process them. |
Vector or Raster Spot Process
(.ai, .eps, .cdr, .pdf) Art that uses half tones of a spot color to make gradients in an image but is NOT an actual photograph is usually classified as "spot process". Many corporate logos utilize this blending and shading to give depth to flat images. These files can be complicated vector graphics created in Illustrator, Corel Draw or non-photograph raster images created in photoshop. These files can be printed on light or dark garments but, depending on the design, may require some color separation fees.
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Raster 4 Color Process Photographic images that will be printed on light or white garments. 300 dpi native resolution is required to archive a clean print and process color separations Usually done with 4-5 colors including Cyan, Magenta, Process Yellow and Process Black.
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Raster Simulated Process Photographic images that will be printed on colored or black garments. 300 dpi native resolution is required to archive a clean print and simulated process color separations. Usually done with 6-8 screens.
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