Getting your artwork right is the single biggest factor separating a sharp-looking custom jacket from one that ends up looking like a school project. This guide covers everything — file formats, colour matching, embroidery constraints, placement zones, and how to read a proof — so your design lands exactly the way you intended.
Why Artwork Quality Matters More Than You Think
Most printing and embroidery errors trace back to the artwork file, not the factory. A low-resolution logo gets pixelated when the printer RIPs it for DTF or screen printing. A file with RGB colours produces muddy output on CMYK sublimation equipment. An embroidery file submitted as a JPEG forces the digitiser to redraw every stitch path by hand — and if they rush it, the result shows.
Submitting the right file in the right format saves a sample round, cuts two to three days off your timeline, and eliminates the most common reason quotes come back with “artwork surcharge” line items.
File Formats: What to Submit and Why
For Print (Screen Printing, DTF, Heat Transfer, Sublimation)
| Format | Recommended? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AI (Adobe Illustrator) | ✅ Best | Vector, fully editable, scalable without quality loss. Include linked fonts or convert to outlines. |
| EPS | ✅ Good | Vector. Universally accepted. Ensure fonts are embedded or converted to curves. |
| PDF (vector) | ✅ Good | Use “Save As PDF” from Illustrator or Corel, not “Print to PDF” from a browser. |
| SVG | ✅ Acceptable | Good for simple logos. Confirm the supplier’s prepress team can handle it. |
| PNG (300 dpi+) | ⚠️ Acceptable for DTF only | Must be 300 dpi at actual print size. Transparent background required. Not for screen printing. |
| PSD (300 dpi+) | ⚠️ Acceptable | Flatten all effects, keep layers labelled. 300 dpi at final size minimum. |
| JPEG | ❌ Avoid | Lossy compression creates artefacts around edges. Only use if no vector exists. |
| PNG (72–96 dpi) | ❌ Reject | Web-resolution files will pixelate badly at print size. Raster artwork from websites is almost always 72 dpi. |
For Embroidery
| Format | Notes |
|---|---|
| DST / PES / EMB | Native embroidery stitch files. If you have these from a previous supplier, share them — it saves digitising cost. |
| AI / EPS / PDF (vector) | Second best. Digitiser traces the paths to build stitch files. Clean vectors digitise in 30–60 min vs 2–4 hrs for raster source. |
| PNG / JPEG (high-res) | Usable if vector is unavailable. Digitiser redraws from scratch — expect SGD 30–80 digitising fee and longer lead time. |
Key embroidery rule: thin strokes under 1.5 mm, very fine serifs, and gradients cannot be reproduced in embroidery. If your logo has these elements, discuss a simplified embroidery version with the supplier before committing.
Vector vs Raster: Understanding the Difference
Vector artwork stores your design as mathematical paths — lines, curves, and fills described by coordinates. It scales to any size with zero quality loss. A chest logo and a full-back graphic can both come from the same vector file.
Raster artwork stores your design as a fixed grid of pixels. Enlarge it beyond its native resolution and it pixelates — the infamous “blurry logo” look. Most logos downloaded from a company website are 72-dpi raster files; they look fine on screen but fall apart when printed on a 150 mm chest placement.
How to tell which you have: open the file in a browser and zoom in to 400%. If the edges stay crisp, it is vector or high-resolution raster. If you see jagged staircase edges (“aliasing”), it is low-resolution raster — ask your marketing team or designer for the vector master.
Colour Modes and Matching
CMYK vs RGB
Most printing equipment operates in CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black). RGB (red, green, blue) is the colour mode used by screens. The two have different gamuts — some vivid RGB colours (electric blue, neon green) cannot be precisely reproduced in CMYK. Submit CMYK files to avoid colour shift surprises between your screen and the printed jacket.
Sublimation printing uses CMYK as well, but operates on a broader gamut because dye-sublimation inks are more saturated than standard CMYK inks. Still, convert your files to CMYK and let the supplier apply their sublimation ICC profile during production.
Pantone on Fabric
Pantone references are the most reliable way to communicate brand colours for screen printing and embroidery thread matching. Here is how to use them effectively:
- Use Pantone Textile (TCX) codes for embroidery thread, not Pantone Coated (C) codes. Thread manufacturers index against TCX.
- For screen printing inks on fabric, Pantone Coated (C) is the standard reference. Specify the code in your artwork brief (e.g., PMS 286 C for a navy blue).
- Fabric absorbs ink differently depending on weave density and base colour. A white polyester shell will reproduce PMS 286 C more accurately than a dark navy shell, where under-base layers are needed and colour accuracy narrows.
- Request a physical strike-off sample if brand colour accuracy is non-negotiable — especially for pantone-critical corporate identity programmes.
Thread Colour Matching for Embroidery
Madeira, Isacord, and Coats Astra are the thread brands most Singaporean embroidery houses stock. Provide your Pantone TCX reference and the supplier will pull the nearest thread match. For brand-critical orders, request a sewn-out sample before committing to the full run.
Placement Zones and Sizing Guidelines
Placement errors are irreversible once the garment is printed or embroidered. Define position using both a named zone and dimensions, not just a vague “left chest” instruction.
| Placement Zone | Typical Size Range | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Left chest | 80 mm × 80 mm | Corporate logo, event badge, school crest |
| Right chest | 80 mm × 80 mm | Name, tagline, secondary logo |
| Full front chest | 250–300 mm wide | Oversized graphic, event artwork, brand statement |
| Full back | 300–350 mm wide | Large graphic, class slogan, sponsor list |
| Upper back yoke | 150–200 mm wide | Brand name, running number for sports |
| Sleeve (upper) | 60–80 mm wide | Secondary branding, flag, year |
| Collar / neckline | Embroidery only — 40–60 mm wide | Brand name, year |
| Zip pull / zipper tape | Custom woven label | Premium finishing, brand detail |
Tip: for embroidery on a left chest, the standard hoop centres at approximately 120 mm from the left shoulder seam and 80 mm below the shoulder seam. Tell your supplier if your design needs to be placed higher or lower, especially on petite or children’s sizing.
Artwork Preparation Checklist Before You Submit
- ✅ Vector file (AI, EPS, or PDF from Illustrator) — not a raster export
- ✅ All fonts converted to outlines / curves (eliminates “font not found” errors)
- ✅ Colour mode set to CMYK (not RGB), Pantone codes noted
- ✅ Dimensions specified in millimetres at actual print size
- ✅ Placement zone specified (e.g., “left chest, centred, 80 mm wide”)
- ✅ Background removed or made transparent for print files
- ✅ A PDF preview included alongside the editable file so the supplier can see your intent without opening software
- ✅ Any colour-sensitive areas flagged with notes (e.g., “this must match our brand navy exactly — PMS 286 C”)
How to Read and Approve a Digital Proof
Every reputable Singapore custom jacket supplier will send a digital proof (also called a mock-up or virtual sample) before production. This is your last checkpoint before ink or thread touches the garment. Do not rush it.
What to Check on the Proof
- Spelling and punctuation — check every word, including taglines, names, and years. Proofread backwards (right to left) to catch errors your brain auto-corrects.
- Logo version — confirm it is the current version of your logo, not an old variant. Check that the registered trademark symbol (®) or other legal marks are present if required.
- Colours — compare against your brand guide or Pantone reference. Screen colours are approximate; if exact match is critical, request a physical strike-off sample.
- Placement and size — is the logo where you specified it? Does the size look proportional on the jacket? An 80 mm wide logo on a mock-up of a small jacket will look different on an XL.
- All placements — if you have both a front chest logo and a back graphic, confirm both appear on the proof. Suppliers may send separate proof pages for different placements.
- Sizing grid — if your order includes personalised names or numbers, confirm the supplier has sent a breakdown and that it matches your quantity split by size.
Once you approve the proof in writing (email or WhatsApp screenshot is fine), you accept responsibility for the design as shown. Raise any corrections before approval — post-approval changes may incur re-sampling fees or delays.
Common Artwork Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Submitting a Website Logo (72 dpi PNG)
This is the most frequent issue. The logo looks fine at 100% zoom on screen, but the file is only 200 × 200 pixels — approximately 70 mm at print resolution. Request the vector master from your marketing team or designer, or ask the supplier if they can vectorise it for you (expect a small artwork fee).
2. Not Converting Fonts to Outlines
If your artwork file uses a custom typeface and the supplier does not have that font installed, the text renders in a default substitute font — your design looks completely different. Always flatten or convert text to curves/outlines before saving your final file. In Illustrator: Select All → Type → Create Outlines.
3. RGB Gradients in Print Files
Gradients are tricky on fabric. For screen printing, gradients require halftone or simulated process printing — additional setup cost. For embroidery, gradients are not reproducible at all. For DTF and sublimation, gradients work well but must be in CMYK. Always discuss gradient elements with your supplier before finalising artwork.
4. Thin Strokes and Fine Detail
Hairline rules (under 0.5 mm), very fine serif fonts at small sizes, and intricate filigree patterns do not reproduce well on fabric. Print processes on textile have a looser registration than paper printing; fine details bleed or disappear. Simplify or thicken fine elements, especially for embroidery.
5. Forgetting Dark Background Contrast
A white logo on a white jacket is invisible. Check your artwork against the actual jacket colour. If your jacket is navy and your logo is dark grey, you need a light outline or a white version of the logo. Always request a mock-up on the actual jacket colourway, not just a generic template.
6. Approving a Proof Without a Physical Sample for High-Volume Orders
Digital proofs are accurate for placement and layout, but cannot perfectly predict how colours will look on the final fabric under different lighting. For orders above 100 pieces or where colour accuracy is critical, request a physical pre-production sample even if it adds 5–7 days. The cost of reprinting 200 jackets far exceeds the SGD 80–150 sample fee.
Artwork for Specific Techniques: Quick Reference
| Technique | Best File Format | Colour Mode | Max Colours | Gradient-Friendly? | Min Stroke Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen printing | AI / EPS vector | CMYK / Pantone | 6 spot colours (standard) | No (halftone possible) | 1 mm |
| DTF (Direct to Film) | AI vector or 300 dpi PNG | CMYK | Unlimited | Yes | 0.5 mm |
| Heat transfer | AI vector or 300 dpi PNG | CMYK | Unlimited | Yes | 0.5 mm |
| Sublimation (all-over) | AI / PSD / 300 dpi PNG | CMYK | Unlimited | Yes | 0.5 mm |
| Embroidery | AI / EPS vector or DST | Pantone TCX | 12 thread colours (typical) | No | 1.5 mm |
| Woven label | AI / EPS vector | Pantone TCX | 4–8 colours | No | 1.5 mm |
| Rubber patch | AI / EPS vector | Pantone | 4 colours typical | No | 2 mm |
Artwork Turnaround and What Slows It Down
A clean vector file submitted at the start of the order process adds zero days to your timeline. Here is how artwork issues eat into production time:
- Raster-only file requiring vectorisation: +1–2 working days and an artwork fee.
- Multiple rounds of colour correction: +1 day per round of revision after the initial mock-up.
- Embroidery digitising from raster source: +2–4 working days for a complex logo.
- Physical sample request (colour-critical orders): +5–7 working days for production and delivery of the sample.
- Approval delays on your end: Production cannot begin until written proof approval is received. A two-day approval delay is a two-day production delay.
For event-driven orders — National Day, school orientations, company retreats — build a minimum 1.5× buffer on your artwork timeline. If you think artwork prep will take two days, plan for three.
Internal Links for Related Topics
Before placing your order, make sure you have selected the right jacket type and printing method for your project. See our guide to custom jacket printing methods in Singapore and our step-by-step ordering guide for the complete workflow from brief to delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum resolution for print-on-fabric?
300 dpi at actual print size is the baseline for raster files. For a 150 mm wide chest print, your file needs to be at least 1,772 pixels wide. When in doubt, go higher — 600 dpi is even better. For embroidery, resolution is irrelevant because the digitiser traces the paths manually; vector quality matters more.
Can I supply a Canva file?
Canva can export a high-resolution PNG (300 dpi, transparent background) which is acceptable for DTF and heat transfer. For screen printing, you need a vector file. If your design was created in Canva, export as PDF (Print) or request the original vector source files from the designer who created the logo elements within Canva. Note that Canva’s built-in elements are not licensable for commercial garment printing without a Canva Pro licence.
Do I need to pay for digitising every time I order?
No. Once a design has been digitised, the stitch file belongs to that order and the supplier retains it on file. Reorders of the same logo reuse the existing stitch file at no additional charge. Digitising fees apply only when a new logo or a significantly modified version is submitted. Some suppliers charge digitising as a one-off, others roll it into first-order pricing.
What if I only have a physical sample of my logo (a badge, a patch, a printed card)?
The supplier can photograph or scan it and use it as a tracing reference for vectorisation. The quality depends heavily on the physical sample — a sharp, flat, high-contrast original produces a clean vector trace. A worn or embroidered original introduces more manual redrawing. Budget SGD 40–100 and 1–2 working days for this service.
How do I specify Pantone colours if I don’t know the codes?
Share your brand guidelines document with the supplier — it should list Pantone references. If no brand guide exists, share a physical reference (printed letterhead, a corporate brochure, or a previously produced garment you were happy with) and the supplier will pull the nearest Pantone match. Alternatively, visit a print or design shop that carries a physical Pantone swatch book and pick the closest match yourself.
Can the supplier help with artwork if I don’t have a designer?
Most custom jacket suppliers in Singapore offer basic artwork services — logo vectorisation, text layout, placement mock-ups — usually for a small fee (SGD 30–100 depending on complexity). For complex original design work (full back graphics, all-over sublimation patterns), you will need an independent graphic designer. Brief the designer using this article’s specs so they deliver a production-ready file from the outset.
