Published
The file you send us has a big effect on how your logo looks once it is stitched or printed. A small image that looks fine on a phone screen can turn out fuzzy on a shirt.
Sending the right artwork at the start means fewer emails back and forth and a cleaner result on the garment. Here is what we look for.
Send a vector file if you have one
Vector files are built from lines and shapes rather than pixels. They can be scaled to any size without losing quality. The best formats to send are:
- PDF, saved from design software with the artwork kept as vector
- Adobe Illustrator (.ai)
- SVG
Whoever designed your logo should have these files. Ask them for the original artwork rather than a screenshot or an image saved from your website.
If you only have a JPG or PNG, send the largest version you can find. A clear photo of your shop sign or business card is still a starting point. Our design team can usually rebuild a low-resolution logo so it is ready for production.
Colours
For embroidery, each colour in your logo is matched to a thread. Solid colours work best. Gradients and shading do not carry over well to thread, so we may suggest a simpler version for stitching.
For DTF printing, full colour is no problem. Supply your artwork in the RGB colour range. DTF transfers are printed exactly as supplied, so check the colours and size before you send the file.
If you have brand colour codes, such as Pantone references, include them. They help us find the closest thread or print match.
Think about the garment colour too. A navy logo will disappear on a navy polo. Many businesses keep a white or light version of their logo for dark garments. For DTF prints on black garments, knock out the black areas of the design so the fabric shows through.
Fine detail and small text
Fine lines and small text need the most attention. On a left-chest logo, a tagline or phone number under the company name can be too small to stitch cleanly. The stitches run together and the words become hard to read.
It often works better to leave the tagline off the chest logo, or to use it at a larger size on the back. For DTF prints, avoid elements thinner than about 6 pixels so they print cleanly.
Sizes on garments
Where the logo goes affects how much detail it can hold.
- Left chest: the most common spot on polos, shirts and jackets. It suits a compact version of your logo.
- Cap front: the space is short and curved, so a wide logo has to shrink a lot. A stacked or square version often works better.
- Sleeve: a narrow space, best for a simple icon or a short name.
- Back: the largest area, with room for a full logo, a tagline or a detailed design.
If your logo is long and thin, it helps to have a stacked version as well. We can help you put one together.
What to send us
When you enquire, include:
- Your logo file, in the best format you have
- The garments you want branded, and their colours
- Where each logo should go
- Whether you want embroidery, DTF printing or our advice on which suits
- Quantities and sizes, if you know them
Approve your proof
Before we embroider or print anything, we send you a proof to approve. Check the spelling and colours carefully. Once you sign off, we go ahead with your order, and most orders are completed within 10 business days.
If you want to talk through your artwork first, call us on 02 4228 3508.
Common questions
- What is the best file format to send for my logo?
- A vector file such as a PDF, Adobe Illustrator (.ai) or SVG file is best. Vector artwork can be resized without losing quality, so the same file works for a small chest logo and a large back print.
- What if I only have a low-resolution image of my logo?
- Send the largest version you have. The HTG Group design team can usually rebuild a low-resolution logo, or work from a photo of your sign, so it is ready for embroidery or printing.
- Will I see a proof before my order is made?
- Yes. You approve a proof before anything is embroidered or printed. Check the spelling and colours carefully before you sign off.