Graphic Design

A quality screen printed product starts with quality art. Vector art files are a must for most applications. We say most applications, because in some instances a raster file may be used if it is saved correctly and the art is shown in black.

Vector files
Vector art is created on a computer using a program that draws graphics in lines, points, shapes and colors. These images are saved in a mathematical formula that allows the artist to change or modify the art’s shape, color, or size without affecting the designs clarity. Common programs used for this type of art are Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw.

Good Vector file extensions; .EPS .AI .CDR

Raster files
Raster art is basically a digital photograph. Like a photo the image is made up of dots. These dots are arranged to create a facsimile of a design that may have been scanned into a computer program, or a downloaded digital photograph. The attributes of these dots placed together cannot be changed once the art is saved. Unlike a vector art file raster files are saved as CMYK or RGB color. For a printer this means 4 film images must be printed to make the printed design facsimile look like the original. The biggest problem with raster files is that the artist can not change the size of the art without seriously degrading the clarity of the design. Common programs used for this type of art are Photo Shop or Paint.

Raster file extensions; .JPG .TIF .PSD .GIF

What does all of this mean?
For the best quality screen printing vector art is far superior to raster art. However raster files work very good for Direct Digital printing.

File Extensions. WATCH OUT!!!!!!

.GIF .JPEG .PSD .TIF .PDF .EPS

No matter what company you use when developing art, if your planning multiple uses the artist must agree to give you REAL Vector art. Anyone can fake an extension simply by changing it from TIF to EPS. This does not mean anything. The vector programs used by printers will not see it as vector art just because the extension was changed.

Ask this simple question. "What program are you using to make my art?" If they say Photo Shop then it is not going to be vector art. Look for someone using Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw.