How Should You Prepare Your Logo and Artwork for Custom Printing?
The most common question we get before any order — shirts, embroidery, banners — is “what file do you need?” Here’s the simple answer, plus what to do when you don’t have the perfect file.
What file type is best for printing?
A vector file — AI, EPS, SVG, or a vector PDF. Vectors are built from math instead of pixels, so the same logo prints crisp on a business card or a four-foot banner. If your logo was made by a designer, you almost certainly have a vector somewhere; ask for the “source” or “original” files.
What if you only have a JPG or PNG?
Send the largest, highest-resolution version you have — a big PNG with a transparent background is the next best thing to a vector. Small images pulled from a website or a social profile are usually too low-resolution to print cleanly at size, but they’re a starting point for a redraw.
What if all you have is a photo or an old shirt?
That’s more common than you’d think — and it’s fine. We can redraw your logo from a photo, a scan, or an old printed piece into a clean, print-ready vector. It’s a one-time fix that makes every future order easy.
Does embroidery need a different file?
Embroidery uses a stitch file created through digitizing — we convert your logo into machine instructions for thread. You don’t need to provide that; send your regular logo and we handle the digitizing. Very fine detail and tiny text have limits in thread, so we’ll flag anything that won’t stitch cleanly.
Quick checklist before you send artwork
Send the biggest file you have (vector first, big PNG second). Include your exact brand colors if you have them. Tell us where the design goes (front, back, sleeve, left chest). And if you’re missing any of that — send what you’ve got and we’ll take it from there. That’s the whole checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What file format do you need for custom printing?
A vector file (AI, EPS, SVG, vector PDF) is ideal; a large PNG with transparent background is the next best option.
Can you work with just a photo of my logo?
Yes — we can redraw your logo from a photo or old print into a clean, print-ready vector.
Do I need a special file for embroidery?
No — send your regular logo and we handle the digitizing into a stitch file.
Can you fix a blurry logo?
In most cases yes — low-resolution logos can be redrawn as vectors so they print crisp at any size.