Raster vs vector artwork for printing
A raster image, such as a JPEG, PNG or screenshot, is a grid of pixels. Enlarge it and the edges go soft and blocky. A vector file describes shapes as paths, so it scales to any size with sharp edges, and every color is a separate shape you can edit. Screen printing needs one film or screen per color, cutting machines need clean paths, and digitizers work faster and more accurately from vector art.
Manual vector redraw or auto-trace?
Design software can trace an image automatically. On simple, high-contrast art that can be a reasonable start. On a small or blurry logo, auto-trace produces lumpy curves, extra points and shapes that don't line up. A manual redraw rebuilds each shape with clean curves, matches fonts where they can be identified, and restores the symmetry the low-quality image lost. Ask the provider which method they use and whether the price covers rebuilding text.
Fonts: if the logo uses a commercial font, the redraw will usually convert the lettering to outlines. Using the font file itself is subject to its license, and matching a font by eye is not the same as licensing it.
Color separation types for screen printing
Separation splits the artwork into one layer per ink, so each can be output to film and burned to a screen. The common types:
| Separation type | Used for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spot color | Logos and flat-color designs | Each ink is a solid layer; colors are often specified with PMS spot color references |
| Simulated process | Photographic or detailed art on dark garments | Halftones in a set of spot inks; needs a printer who knows the press setup |
| Four-color process (CMYK) | Photo-like images, mostly on light garments | Fine halftones; harder to hold on press than spot color |
| Index separation | Detailed art with a limited set of inks | Uses square dither patterns instead of halftone dots |
Give the separator your press details: the mesh counts you use, the halftone line count your screens can hold, whether you print an underbase on dark garments, and how you want trapping handled. Separations made without your press setup in mind can look fine on screen and fail on press.
Vector file types to ask for
- AI or EPS, for print shops working in vector design software
- SVG, for cutting machines and web use
- PDF with the vector content preserved, for sharing and proofs
- High-resolution PNG with transparency, for DTF and DTG workflows that print from raster files
What to send for a redraw or separation
- The best available version of the artwork
- Intended print size
- Print method: screen, DTF, DTG, vinyl
- Garment color, for separations
- Ink colors or color references
- Number of screens or colors allowed
- Your press details for separations
- Confirmation that you have rights to the artwork
A vector redraw is also the best starting point when the same logo needs to be embroidered, for example as a left chest logo.
Vector art and separation questions
Can any image be turned into vector art?
Most logos and flat-color designs can be redrawn. Photographs don't convert to clean vector shapes; for screen printing they are usually handled with simulated process or four-color process separations instead.
Which file should I ask for if I print DTF?
DTF and DTG usually print from a high-resolution PNG with a transparent background. Ask for the vector file as well, so you have a scalable master for other print methods.
How is a vector redraw priced?
Usually by the time the redraw takes, which depends on how much detail and lettering has to be rebuilt by hand.
Got a blurry logo and a print date? Send the file and the print method.
Send artwork for a quote