Understanding the Importance of Vector Files in T-Shirt Printing

[Eliza_M]

I’ve been working on a few T-shirt printing projects lately and noticed how much of a difference vector graphics make compared to raster images. Vectors keep designs crisp, clean, and scalable; especially important when printing larger graphics or logos. I’m curious to hear how others here manage their artwork conversion process. Do you prefer creating designs directly in Illustrator or converting them from other formats? Also, what’s your go-to method for maintaining color accuracy between digital designs and printed results? Looking forward to learning from your experiences and workflow tips when it comes to creating the perfect vector file for t-shirt printing.

 

[TedG]

These are great questions and I'm curious on how others do it too, and / or tips and tricks that anyone wants to share regarding screen printing requirements. I do graphic design mostly for creating signage and sometimes heat press designs on t-shirts and other fabric using VE Master Plus software. So the design work is for a vinyl cutter, so it needs to be vectorized and broken out per color.
When doing t-shirt designs (to be printed by a screen printing company, not me) I do the same thing assuming they need to control the color "layers", but I don't know for sure what they actually do with my work. I export the design in vectorized .eps and .AI files for them to work with. I don't know exactly how they "use" them, maybe I'm doing too much? I don't get too much into color control, but would like to know how others handle that too.

 

[Eliza_M]

Sounds like you’re already doing things right. Screen printers typically separate colors themselves, so providing clean vector EPS/AI files is perfect. You’re not overdoing it—just ensure spot colors are labeled clearly for smoother production.

 

[jfiscus]

As long as you have high quality artwork, raster isn't that bad to work with. You just need to set up your channels correctly and understand separations. I worked in offset printing for years and dealt with separations for platemaking from both raster/vector artwork. It's all of the special effects and transparencies (like drop shadows and glows) that can drive you nuts getting to separate correctly.

 

[monroesigns]

jfiscus is right, with the added "drive you nuts" of the client who thinks you can use the logo file on their website, in .png, to create anything larger than a 3" x 2" print, sign, etc. "But it looks fine on my phone!"

 

[d fleming]

Been printing t-shirts since the days of hand drawn and cut film to dark room to computers. So, old school. I have always been the designer and I design all my t-shirt art in vector graphics. I then have to separate, spread or choke each piece so all colors overlap a bit and produce film as I print on a manual spider. These days I make films on an epson workforce printer that prints 13x19 sheets. I do send out dtf files for short runs or full color gradients. I never guarantee colors to perfectly match from plastisol to digital, same for cut vinyl vs printed.

 

[Stacey K]

I order plastisol transfers and DTF transfers. Everything is vector with the exception of some rasters. I try as much as possible to stick to the standard ink colors offered and I have ink color samples printed on both black and light gray tshirts for all standard colors - this helps greatly. For DTF full color I will often print a sample on my HP Latex to size and it gives me a pretty good idea before I send it out.

I have an order for 255 tshirts so I'm going to order just the minimum sheets and test them before I order the whole 255. Most of the companies I work with want CMYK files and thus far I have only had a couple color discrepancies and they were partly my own fault.

 

[victor bogdanov]

I print DTF, 99% is raster - no problems. Standard files for DTF are raster PNG