Setting up your artwork for grand format printing can be difficult but here are some best practices to achieve a successful dye sublimation print.
FILE FORMAT
We prefer PDF file format for vector images but please make sure all layers are flattened to avoid transparently issues. We also accept TIFF, JPG or PNG files but since these files are raster we require them to be to print size at 150 DPI or 50% scale at 300 DPI.
VECTOR VS RASTER
Vector files are created using points, lines, and shapes defined by mathematical formulas. Because of this, they can be resized to any dimension without losing quality. This makes them ideal for logos, illustrations, and other designs that need to remain crisp at any size.
Raster files are made up of tiny squares called pixels. They work best for detailed images like photographs, but their quality can degrade and appear blurry if they are enlarged too much.
Whenever possible, vector files are preferred because they maintain sharp, high-quality results regardless of size or application. If raster files are used, they should be at least 100 PPI (pixels per inch) at full scale to ensure the best possible print quality
RGB VS CMYK COLOR MODE
CMYK stands for cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black). This color mode is used for physical print media. Colors are produced by layering different percentages of ink on paper.
RGB stands for red, green, and blue. This color mode is used for digital displays such as computers, phones, and televisions. Colors are created by combining light.
RGB files can be converted to CMYK for printing. However, some bright or highly saturated colors—such as neon or very vivid tones—cannot be accurately reproduced using the standard four-color CMYK printing process.
For the best and most predictable print results, we recommend creating your artwork in a CMYK color space from the start.
EMBED YOUR IMAGES
Embedding Linked Images in Adobe Illustrator
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Select the linked image or element in your document.
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In the Quick Actions panel on the right side of the workspace, click Embed.
Alternative Method:
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Open the Links Panel.
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Select the linked element.
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Click the menu icon (≡) in the panel.
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Choose Embed Image from the dropdown menu.
Once embedded, the image becomes part of the Illustrator file, ensuring that all elements remain intact when the file is shared or sent for production.
OUTLINE YOUR TEXT
To prevent font issues, you can convert text to outlines in Adobe Illustrator. This turns the text into vector shapes, so the design will appear correctly even if the font is not installed on another computer.
To outline fonts in Adobe Illustrator:
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Select all live text in your document.
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Click Type in the top menu.
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Select Create Outlines from the dropdown menu.
Shortcut:
Select the text and press Shift + Ctrl + O (Windows) or Shift + Command + O (Mac).
Once outlined, the text can no longer be edited as a font but will display exactly as designed.
PANTONE COLOR MATCHING
Using Pantone color matching is the most reliable way to ensure that your dye-sublimated product matches other printed elements in your design or set.
Pantone colors are standardized, allowing designers and printers to reference the same color values and achieve consistent results across different materials and print methods. When color accuracy is critical, we recommend specifying Pantone (PMS) colors in your artwork whenever possible.
If you need a specific PMS color this must be called out before your artwork is submitted. We only match using Pantone Solid Coated color book. PMS color matching is available at an additional charge per color.
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER...
ARTWORK SCALE
Artwork should be built at 100% scale. Example a 10×10 Print should be built to 120″x120″. There are exceptions to this. Prints over 16 ft wide should be in vector art at 50% scale to accommodate for illustrators art board restrictions.
WHAT COLORS CAN I PRINT?
Grand format printing is not limited to a certain number of colors like screen printing. Fill the entire print area with colors, patterns, and whatever else you would like!
BLEED / TRIM
Do not add bleed or trim lines. Do not resize files.
RESOLUTION
Minimum print quality 150 DPI. The easiest way to see if you have a resolution problem is to zoom in on the file at 100% scale and check for pixelation. Vector image will not pixelate but low resolution JPEGS when enlarged will almost always print pixelated. If possible use RAW photo files to enlarge for print.
GRADIENTS
Working with gradients in sublimation can be difficult. Many RIP softwares don’t recognize gradients and will do their best to emulate a gradient pattern. If you are unsure of how a gradient will print please request a printed sample.
STRETCH
If your graphic is being printed on stretch fabric we will either provide a template with the stretch factor removed or remove the stretch at the time of print.