Vector Art Creation Guidelines for Screen Printing and Table Throw Art

Compatible Files

Illustrator 10 - CS3 (AI, or EPS). If you are using a different program other than Illustrator as long as it can export an EPS file we should be able to work with it.


WE REQUIRE ALL FILES TO BE CONVERTED TO .EPS WITH OUTLINED TEXT

For instructions on how to outline text see Basic Guidelines below...

File Name: Give file name an “.eps” ending (example: Sign.eps)

Format: Illustrator EPS

Compatibility: Illustrator 10


Basic Guidelines:

Convert Text To Paths:

Creating paths will eliminate font errors or problems.

Illustrator – Type: Create Outline

Corel – Arrange: Convert to curve


Convert All Lines – To Outlines:

Plotters only cut shapes not strokes. (A 3pt. line is invisible to a plotter)

Illustrator – Object: Path>Outline Path
Or place a small object inside of larger object creating a boarder.

Corel – Arrange: Convert to curves
All shapes in Corel are invisible to plotter until converted to curves.


Limitations of Vinyl & Screens

Files that contain unnecessary info take longer to prepare for printing. Especially in Illustrator files, make sure there are no straying elements outside of the document area.

Page Layout Checklist:

  • Lines should NOT be under ¼” thick
  • Cap heights should be NO smaller than 3/8”
  • No overlapping objects, fills do not knock out background
  • Please make sure that final art is submitted without bleeds or registration and crop marks unless otherwise requested

If a line goes through a shape, it will cut that line on the plotter. Overlapped shapes give you overprint colors where screened.

No Gradients or Placed Pictures

  • Screen printing cannot produce gradients.
  • Make sure ALL fills are solid.
  • Images placed in Illustrator will not cut on plotter, they must be vector art.

Maximum Imprint Areas for Table Covers and Throws

  • Table Covers: Maximum image print area is: 24”H x 48”W
  • Throws: Maximum image print area is: 15”H x 48”W
  • Front Panel and Full Cover printing available.

Naming Files

  • Use only alphanumeric characters, and underscores when naming files to be uploaded.
  • Do not use symbols or spaces in file names: #, $, or &, etc...
  • Example: HeaderGraphics#1.tiff (wrong) - Using these type of characters to name your file will result in the file NOT being accessible from our Server, which will cause Delays in Production of your Graphics, having to Re-name and Uploaded your files again.

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