What is a Working File?
File Types Explained
Confused by terms like vector files, CMYK, or raster images? Don’t worry. You don’t need a design degree to get your print-ready artwork right. We’re here to explain the basics so your custom apparel, clothing, or branded merch comes out crisp, clear, and exactly as you imagined.
Working Files
A working file is a file that can be edited and adapted for print. This means we can recolour, resize, or tweak your design when needed. Having a proper working file is crucial for achieving sharp, high-quality results.
Common working file extensions:
- .ai (recommended)
- .psd
- .eps
- .svg
- Sometimes .pdf
Why .ai is ideal: It’s a vector file, which can be resized infinitely without losing quality.
For .psd files: The size of the artwork and number of layers matters. Small files without layers can result in blurry or pixelated prints. If you’re unsure what kind of file you have, contact us and we’ll check it for you.
Vector Files vs Raster Files
Vector File
- Retains core elements of your artwork
- Can be resized and edited without quality loss
- Ideal for logos, text, and intricate designs
- File types: .ai, .eps, .svg, sometimes .pdf
Raster File
- Made of pixels, like a photo
- Enlarging the file increases pixel size, causing graininess or pixelation
- File types: .jpg, .bmp, .gif, .png
Our Requirements
We require working/vector files for printing. Raster files can sometimes be converted, but this takes extra time and costs $60+gst. Complex designs may incur additional charges.
Colour Profiles
When preparing your design, there are two main colour settings:
RGB
- Red, Green, Blue
- Used for digital screens (monitors, TVs, phones)
- Ideal for online or digital use
CMYK
- Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
- Used for printing
- Ensures colours appear correctly on the final print
Design Tip
Artwork created in RGB may look slightly different when printed. For best results, set your artwork to CMYK from the start.
Artwork & File FAQ's
What artwork files do you need?
What artwork files do you need?
For the best print results, we recommend supplying a working file or vector file of your artwork.
The preferred file types are:
- .AI (Adobe Illustrator) - recommended
- .EPS
- .SVG
- .PDF (sometimes suitable)
These files contain the original design information, allowing our team to resize, adjust colours and prepare your artwork correctly for printing.
What is a vector file?
What is a vector file?
A vector file contains the original artwork built from paths and shapes rather than pixels. This means it can be resized without losing quality.
Vector files are ideal for logos, text and detailed designs because they stay sharp whether printed small on a left chest logo or large across the back of a hoodie.
Common vector file types include:
- .AI (Adobe Illustrator)
- .EPS
- .SVG
- Some .PDF files
What is a raster file?
What is a raster file?
A raster file is an image made up of pixels rather than editable design elements.
Examples include:
- .JPG / .JPEG
- .PNG
- Screenshots
- Photos of artwork
- Images downloaded from the internet
Raster images can sometimes be printed, but they have limited editing options and may become blurry when scaled. Changing colours, removing backgrounds or adjusting details may require the artwork to be recreated.
I only have a PNG or JPG file. Can you still print it?
I only have a PNG or JPG file. Can you still print it?
Possibly.
High-resolution raster files can sometimes work, depending on the design and printing method. However, small images, screenshots or logos downloaded from websites are usually not suitable for professional printing.
If your artwork needs to be converted into a working file, our design team can help. Artwork conversion may incur an additional fee, depending on complexity.
We’ll always let you know before any additional work begins.
I only have a screenshot of my logo. Is that okay?
I only have a screenshot of my logo. Is that okay?
Unfortunately, no.
Screenshots are low-resolution raster images and don’t contain the original design information needed for high-quality printing.
If this is the only version you have, send it through and we can let you know what’s possible.
Do I need a different file for embroidery?
Do I need a different file for embroidery?
Embroidery requires artwork to be converted into a stitch file before production. Vector artwork is still preferred as it helps us create the most accurate embroidery design. Our team will prepare your artwork and confirm any adjustments needed before stitching begins.
What resolution should my artwork be?
What resolution should my artwork be?
For raster files, we recommend artwork is supplied at 300 DPI at the final print size.
The larger and clearer the original file, the better the final print quality will be.
Should my artwork be RGB or CMYK?
Should my artwork be RGB or CMYK?
For printing, artwork should ideally be supplied in CMYK colour mode.
RGB is used for digital screens like phones and computers, while CMYK is used for print production. Colours can shift slightly when converting from RGB to CMYK, so preparing artwork in CMYK from the beginning gives the most accurate result.
Do you check artwork before printing?
Do you check artwork before printing?
Yes.
Every order includes an artwork check before production. Our team will review your files to make sure they’re suitable for your chosen print method and contact you if anything needs adjusting.
I’m not sure if my artwork is suitable. What should I do?
I’m not sure if my artwork is suitable. What should I do?
Send it through!
Whether you have a vector file, a PNG, a photo, or just a screenshot, our team can take a look and let you know what’s needed to get the best possible print result.