Artwork guidelines
Get your artwork print-ready
Follow these simple guidelines and your job goes straight to proofing and production, giving you sharp, accurate results.
The basics
These apply to nearly every job, from business cards to banners and branded clothing.
Vector files are best
Send logos as vector files: AI, EPS, PDF (vector) or SVG. Vectors scale to any size without losing quality, and they’re required for screen printing, pad printing, engraving and cut vinyl.
300 DPI at full size
Photos and raster images (JPG, PNG, TIF) need to be at least 300 DPI at the actual print size. Pictures pulled from websites or social media are usually too low in resolution.
CMYK colour
Set print files in CMYK. RGB is designed for screens and can shift when printed. For exact brand colours, send us your Pantone (PMS) references.
3 mm bleed
If your design runs right to the edge, add 3 mm of bleed on every side and keep text and logos at least 3 mm inside the trim line.
Outline your fonts
Convert all text to outlines (curves), or embed the fonts in your PDF, so nothing gets swapped out.
Supply at actual size
Design at the size you want it printed and tell us where it goes, 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.
Logos with clear backgrounds
A logo placed on a white or coloured box will print as a box. Send a transparent PNG or a vector file instead.
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
- Add your files at checkout, or email them to info@expressprint.co.za with your order number.
- For large files, use a file-sharing link such as WeTransfer or Google Drive.
- Include any notes on size, position, colours and quantities.
Good to know: 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 made after submission may carry a design fee. Always check your proof carefully, as approved errors can’t be reprinted free of charge.
Need help with your artwork?
Our designers can redraw your logo, fix your file or design something from scratch. Take a look at our artwork and design packages.
