Artwork guidelines
Get your artwork print-ready
Follow these simple guidelines and your job moves straight to proofing and production, with sharp, accurate results.
The essentials
These apply to almost every job, from business cards to banners and branded clothing.
Vector files preferred
Send logos as vector files: AI, EPS, PDF (vector) or SVG. Vectors scale to any size with no loss of quality and are needed for screen printing, pad printing, engraving and cut vinyl.
300 DPI at full size
Photos and raster images (JPG, PNG, TIF) must be at least 300 DPI at the actual print size. Images taken from websites or social media are usually too low resolution.
CMYK colour
Set print files in CMYK. RGB is for screens and can shift when printed. For exact brand colours, give us your Pantone (PMS) references.
3 mm bleed
If your design runs to the edge, add 3 mm bleed on all sides and keep text and logos at least 3 mm inside the trim line.
Outline your fonts
Convert all text to outlines (curves), or embed fonts in your PDF, so nothing is substituted.
Supply at actual size
Design at the size you want it printed and tell us the position, for example “left chest, 90 mm wide”.
Garment printing
For DTG and DTF, send a PNG with a transparent background at 300 DPI. For screen printing and embroidery, a vector logo works best.
Clear background logos
Logos on a white or coloured box print as a box. Send a transparent PNG or a vector file.
Best file types by print method
| Print method | Best files |
|---|---|
| Digital printing (cards, flyers, booklets) | Print-ready PDF with bleed |
| Large format (banners, posters, signage) | PDF or TIF at full size |
| Screen printing and pad printing | AI, EPS or vector PDF |
| Embroidery | AI, EPS, vector PDF or a high-resolution PNG |
| DTG and DTF garment printing | PNG with transparent background, 300 DPI |
| Laser engraving and cut vinyl | AI, EPS, SVG or vector PDF |
Sending your files
- Upload your files during checkout, or email them to info@expressprint.co.za with your order number.
- Large files: use a file-sharing link such as WeTransfer or Google Drive.
- Include any notes on size, position, colours and quantities.
Please note: colours on screen can look different in print because of screen settings and materials. For rush and same-day orders we need print-ready artwork. Changes after submission may carry a design fee. Always check your proof carefully, because approved errors cannot be reprinted free of charge.
Need help with your artwork?
Our designers can redraw your logo, fix your file or design from scratch. See our artwork and design packages.
