Artwork guidelines
Prepare your artwork ready to print
Follow these easy steps and your job goes straight to proofing and production, giving you crisp, accurate results.
The basics
These apply to nearly every job, from business cards to banners and branded clothing.
Vectors are preferred
Send logos as vector files: AI, EPS, PDF (vector) or SVG. Vectors scale to any size without losing quality, and they’re needed for screen printing, pad printing, engraving and cut vinyl.
300 DPI at actual size
Photos and raster images (JPG, PNG, TIF) need to be at least 300 DPI at the real print size. Pictures pulled from websites or social media are usually too low in resolution.
CMYK colour mode
Save print files in CMYK. RGB is meant for screens and can shift when printed. For exact brand colours, send us your Pantone (PMS) references.
3 mm bleed
If your design goes right to the edge, add 3 mm bleed on every side and keep text and logos at least 3 mm inside the trim line.
Convert your fonts to outlines
Turn all text into outlines (curves) or embed the fonts in your PDF so nothing gets swapped out.
Send it at actual size
Design at the size you want it printed and let us know the position, for example “left chest, 90 mm wide”.
Printing on garments
For DTG and DTF, send a transparent-background PNG at 300 DPI. For screen printing and embroidery, a vector logo works best.
Logos with a clear background
Logos placed on a white or coloured box will print as a box. Send a transparent PNG or a vector file instead.
Best file types for each print method
| Print method | Best files |
|---|---|
| Digital printing (cards, flyers, booklets) | Print-ready PDF with bleed |
| Large format (banners, posters, signage) | PDF or TIF at full size |
| Screen printing and pad printing | AI, EPS or vector PDF |
| Embroidery | AI, EPS, vector PDF or a high-resolution PNG |
| DTG and DTF garment printing | PNG with transparent background, 300 DPI |
| Laser engraving and cut vinyl | AI, EPS, SVG or vector PDF |
Sending your files
- Upload your files at checkout, or email them to info@expressprint.co.za with your order number.
- For large files, use a file-sharing link such as WeTransfer or Google Drive.
- Add any notes on size, position, colours and quantities.
Please note: colours on screen can look different in print due to screen settings and materials. Rush and same-day orders need print-ready artwork. Changes made after submission may incur a design fee. Always check your proof carefully, as approved errors cannot be reprinted free of charge.
Need help with your artwork?
Our designers can redraw your logo, fix your file or design something from scratch. See our artwork and design packages.
