Art File Requirements
For Screen Printing
- Vector Art files saved in AI, PDF, or EPS* formats.
- Fonts in file converted to outlines or include all font files used
- Colors in file saved as spot colors
- Colors in file - Clearly marked with Pantone or OSI number
- File saved at size to be printed
- Supporting image files saved in Photoshop (pad) at 300 dpi.
Files not following guidelines may result in poor quality imprints and may have art charges applied in order to achieve acceptable results.
* A pixel based or photographic image saved as ai, EPS or PDF is not considered a vector file.
For Digital Printing and Process Screen Printing
- Files saved as Photoshop EPS, tif, gif or psd.
- Fonts in file converted to outlines or include all font files used
- File saved at 300 dpi or higher*
- File created and saved at size to be printed
* Files less than 300 dpi usually results in an imprint of lesser quality. Original low resolution files re-saved to 300 dpi will also result in a less than satisfactory print
FOR EMBROIDERY AND APPLIQUE
- Files saved as ai, eps, PDF, or psd
- Fonts in file converted to outlines or include all font files used
- File saved at required size or larger
- Colors used should be clearly marked with thread or Pantone number
- Pixel based files (jpg or psd) saved at 200 dpi or higher
Designers FAQ
If you don't see your question answered here, please feel free to contact us.
Does OSI accept electronic files?
Well shucks yes! OSI will gladly accept electronic files via flash drives, CDs or via e-mail or the internet. For larger files, please consider using our FTP upload. Please include fonts used or convert all font into outlines.
Close | Close All | Open AllWhat graphic programs are used by the art department?
Can you translate my ideas onto paper?
Yes. Our talented staff can translate your ideas or sketches into a tangible form at a rate of $50 an hour.
Close | Close All | Open AllCan I use a logo I got from a web site?
Probably not. Web images are usually 72dpi. They may look OK on your screen, but they are less than a third of the size we need to print with. On a shirt it will look blurry. Try enlarging a small image by 300% on a copying machine and you'll see what we mean.
Close | Close All | Open AllWhy can't I use a Jpeg or a Gif?
Jpeg compression is a lossy format. It works by sampling large areas of color and approximating the average. This creates a lot of artifacts or digital noise, especially in areas where different colors meet. The results can look good on a computer screen, but those low resolution images look muddy and blurry when printed.
Gif images tend to be made for viewing in small sizes on a computer. Gif files use a different type of compression. If you look at them closely, you may notice that curves and angles tend to look jagged, so unless you want want that reproduced on your shirt you should stay clear.
PNG files behave in the same way that Jpegs and Gifs do, depending on which way you save them. Again, not very useful for screen printing.
Close | Close All | Open AllCan you change the text in my artwork?
Yes, but... We need to know the name of the font that you used to make it. Many typefaces look similar, but trying to find an exact match for all characters can be a very time consuming and sometimes impossible task. If the font you desire is available under a free license or is already in our collection, then we can change all the text you want. If it isn't, you'll either have to provide us with a temporary copy of the typeface, specify another typeface, or allow us to chose a similar one.
Close | Close All | Open AllI've got a sketch, can you scan it, clean it up and use it?
Yes, but art charges will usually apply, depending on how finished it is. Show us what you have and one of our sales reps can give you an estimate on the amount of time it will take our art department to make it (even more) spectacular.
Close | Close All | Open AllI've got an image, can't you just autotrace it with a computer and make some changes to it?
Sometimes. Certain types of drawings and images lend themselves to this process, but often times thee end result is not as clean or symmetrical as the original. Text will almost always convert poorly.
Close | Close All | Open AllCan OSI design for applications other than apparel?
Yes. Our experienced staff can definitely create designs for applications in offset printing, digital printing and the internet, including e-commerce.
Close | Close All | Open All
