Our printing FAQ page is a great place to get your questions about our services answered! If you don’t see your question here, email us or use our contact form. Need a faster response? Call us today at 860.681.3117
Q: In what format do you need art files sent?
L.F.: Your file format should be saved as a vector (either a .AI or .EPS file) in four-color (CMYK), with the resolution set to 300dpi (dots per inch). If your logo or art file is one color, we can use an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, but it must not be a flattened image (a .jpg) and saved as a .PDF file. The preferred minimum pixel size of the artwork file should be 3,000px wide by 3,000px height. The software we use is Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Please DO NOT send image files from your website or social media profiles. These types of files are typically too low in both resolution and physical size to use in screen printing, and may result in your final artwork appearing choppy (pixelated), causing your print job to look somewhat fuzzy and unprofessional.
Q: What does “resolution” mean?
L.F.: The term “resolution” refers to the quality, clarity, and sharpness of the image when it is created and saved into a particular format. Logos, lettering, and images from either a website or social media profile are usually between 72dpi and 150dpi; this is too low for good quality screen printing. We prefer images with the resolution set to 300dpi (dots per inch).
Q: What’s the difference between “vector” and photos? My logo guy sent me a .jpg
L.F.: Raster images are created using editing programs such Adobe Photoshop, Gimp, Microsoft Paint, etc.. Photos and some clipart images that are created and saved in these programs work using tiny, 1-pixel squares to create the image by graduating both color and light/dark values, and then saving the images in a different raster format (i.e., .jpg or .jpeg, .gif, .png, .bmp). Depending on your program, you can see these little squares when you zoom in by more than 800%. These images are sometimes faster for loading when viewing websites and social media posts, but don’t work well in printing.
Vector images are created using line-drawing programs such as Adobe Illustrator (and old Freehand). These programs create images using paths, then save as either .AI, .EPS, or .PDF. When you look close-up at an image created and saved in this manner, you will see very clean lines rather than small squares. These paths make the image very clean for our plates, are much easier to scale both larger and smaller, and result in your artwork and lettering looking more professional and easier-to-read.
Q: What is your normal turnaround time for a print job?
L.F.: Our timeframe for your project turnaround is 14 business days from the time we have received approved printable artwork, shirts, and a 50% deposit. If you supply the tee-shirts, please include an extra 2% when you send us your shirts. Limited Freedom Clothing is not responsible for client-supplied tee-shirts. If you need your project quicker, a 50% rush fee will be applied.
Q: Can I make changes after the design and proof have been approved?
L.F.: Changes can be done after a proof has been approved by either yourself or a representative from your business, but an additional 10% charge may be applied. If you need changes after the project has started printing, there will be an additional 50% charge applied to your order.
Q: What style of tee-shirts do you use?
L.F.: We prefer using a Gildan Tee-Shirt. However, we base the shirt we use on the need of our client.
Q: Can you design a new logo or clean up my existing logo?
L.F.: Yes! We can do brand new logo designs, clean up or retrace your existing logo to make it print-ready for any type of print. Additional charges may apply.