Artwork Guidelines for Express Print South Africa

At Express Print South Africa, we strive to deliver high-quality printed products that meet your expectations. To ensure a smooth production process and achieve the best results, it is essential to provide ready-to-print artwork that adheres to our guidelines. Below are comprehensive artwork guidelines to help you prepare your files correctly.

Ready-to-Print Artwork

For any rush orders, we require ready-to-print artwork. This means that your files should be finalized and formatted according to our specifications before submission. We do not offer design services or make adjustments to artwork files; therefore, any changes or modifications requested after submission will incur additional charges.

File Formats

For t-shirt printing, we specifically require the following file formats:

• PNG Files: These files should have a transparent background and a resolution of at least 300 DPI (dots per inch). PNG files are ideal for direct-to-garment (DTG) printing and ensure that your design maintains its quality when printed.
• Vector Files: We accept vector files in formats such as AI (Adobe Illustrator) or EPS. Vector graphics are preferred for pad printing and screen printing as they can be scaled without losing quality. Ensure that all text is converted to outlines to avoid font issues during production.

Color Considerations

Please note that colors may appear differently on screen compared to how they will look when printed. This discrepancy can be due to various factors, including screen calibration, lighting conditions, and the materials used for printing. We recommend using the Pantone Matching System (PMS) for color accuracy. However, we will not be held responsible for any color variations between your digital artwork and the final printed product.

Artwork Specifications

To ensure the best results, please follow these specifications:

1. Resolution: All artwork should be provided at a minimum resolution of 300 DPI. Low-resolution images may result in pixelation or blurriness when printed.
2. Dimensions: Submit your artwork at the actual size you want it printed on the product. For example, if you want a design that is 10 inches wide on a t-shirt, provide the file at that exact width.
3. Color Mode: Use CMYK color mode for all artwork files intended for printing. RGB color mode is suitable for digital displays but may not translate accurately to print.
4. Bleed Area: If your design extends to the edges of the product, include a bleed area of at least 0.125 inches (3mm) around all sides of your artwork. This ensures that there are no white edges after trimming.
5. Text and Fonts: Convert all text to outlines or rasterize text layers in your design software before submission to avoid font substitution issues.

Submission Process

When you are ready to submit your artwork:

• Upload your files directly during the order process or send them via email to info@expressprint.co.za.
• Include any specific instructions regarding placement or sizing if applicable.

Final Notes

By following these guidelines, you help us ensure that your order is processed efficiently and meets our quality standards. Remember, we do not provide design services; therefore, it is crucial that you submit print-ready artwork from the outset.If you have any questions about our artwork guidelines or need clarification on any aspect of the submission process, please feel free to contact us at 073 625 5637 or via email at info@expressprint.co.za.Thank you for choosing Express Print South Africa! We look forward to bringing your designs to life with exceptional quality and service!

When preparing files for printing, it’s essential to understand the different file formats required for various printing methods. Each format has its own advantages and is suited for specific applications. Below is a comprehensive guide detailing the best file formats for different types of printing.

1. Digital Printing

• PDF (Portable Document Format): Widely regarded as one of the best formats for digital printing, PDFs retain the original formatting and layout, ensuring that your printed material looks exactly as intended. They are compatible across various devices and software, making them ideal for documents, flyers, and other printed materials.
• JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): Commonly used for photographs and detailed images, JPEGs are compressed files that can lose some quality during saving. However, they are suitable for many print projects if saved at high quality.
• PNG (Portable Network Graphics): PNG files support transparency and are lossless, meaning they retain image quality. While they are great for digital use, PNGs can be used in printing but may not be ideal for high-resolution requirements.

2. Screen Printing

• Vector Files (AI and EPS): For screen printing, vector files such as Adobe Illustrator (AI) or Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) are preferred. These formats allow designs to be scaled without losing quality, making them perfect for logos and graphics that need to maintain sharpness at various sizes.
• PDF: As with digital printing, PDFs are also suitable for screen printing when they contain vector graphics or high-resolution images.

3. Pad Printing

• Vector Files (AI and EPS): Similar to screen printing, vector formats are ideal for pad printing due to their scalability and ability to maintain detail.
• TIFF (Tagged Image File Format): TIFF files are excellent for high-quality images with no lossy compression. They are commonly used in industries requiring detailed graphics.

4. Large Format Printing

• TIFF: For large format prints such as banners or posters, TIFF files provide high resolution and clarity, ensuring that images remain sharp even when enlarged.
• PDF: PDFs can also be used for large format prints, especially when they contain vector graphics.

5. General Guidelines

• Resolution: Always ensure that raster images (JPEG, PNG) have a resolution of at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) to avoid pixelation in the final print.
• Color Mode: Use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) color mode for all print files. RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is suitable for digital displays but may not reproduce accurately in print.
• File Size: Be mindful of file sizes; larger files may not be suitable for emailing. Use file-sharing services if necessary.
• Bleed Area: For designs that extend to the edge of the product, include a bleed area of at least 0.125 inches (3mm) around all sides to prevent white edges after trimming.
• Text and Fonts: Convert all text to outlines or embed fonts in your files to avoid font substitution issues during printing.

Important Note on Color Variations

Please be aware that colors may not appear exactly as they do on your screen due to differences in display settings and printing processes. We will not be held responsible for any color variations between your digital artwork and the final printed product. It is advisable to request a physical proof if color accuracy is critical to your project.By following these guidelines and using the appropriate file formats, you can ensure that your printed materials meet professional standards and achieve the desired impact. If you have any questions about file formats or need assistance preparing your artwork for print, feel free to contact us at Express Print South Africa!