Artwork and File Formats

Hi Friends,

A question that we have been getting on a regular basis is "Can you print a .jpg image?" Well..... yes and no; and let me explain what I mean by that. Each way a person decides to print an image has limitations and while we want to claim we're number one in all areas, we too have print limitations. We prefer to receive all images "print-ready" and that means in vector format vs raster format.

Vector graphics are typically used for vinyl cutting and embroidery, where raster graphics are more commonly used with direct to garment and digital printers. We use a combination of vinyl cutting and digital printing which allows us to print most images.

Hopefully you're not still confused. But don't worry, I'll explain a little further. Vector art is a series of points (sometimes called nodes), and outlines (sometimes called paths). These nodes and paths create shapes which then can be filled or outlined with color. Each shape on a vector image can be selected and modified individually and it can be enlarged without effecting the sharpness of the image. A vector image is resolution-independent and can be resized, moved, and we can change colors easily without losing the quality of the graphic. Because of all of this, it allows us to print a solid image onto our vinyl cutter and weed around the nodes for an awesome heat transfer ready for you.

Raster graphics are created with a series of small dots called pixels. A pixel is assigned to a specific location and color value. It does not move from its assigned location that is why .jpg images can be easily distorted and does not resize easily. An image can look jagged if it is printed in low resolution. Photographs are an example of raster graphics. Although raster artwork is becoming more and more popular in digital printing, it is not recommended to enlarge these images. Enlarging raster artwork will make your image blurry and pixelated. The more you enlarge the image the more it will lose its sharpness and clarity.

Raster Formats not recommended for Fee & Tee's:

Adobe Photoshop (.PSD)

Joint Photographic Experts Group (.JPG or .JPEG)

Portable Network Graphics (.PNG)

Desktop Color Separation (DCS 2.0)

While CorelDRAW can create graphics in both Vector and Raster format, we do not accept (.CDR) formats. This format is great for both vinyl cutting and embroidery.

Our preferred formats are Portable Document Format (.PDF) and Adobe Illustrator (.AI) these two formats are also hybrids and can create Vector and Raster Images. While we can convert some images from the formats above there is no guarantee that all the images can be converted or any guarantee of the clarity of the converted image. A one time $15 non-refundable artwork fee is also added to the order for conversion. All converted files as well as artwork made by Fee & Tee's, LLC will remain the property of Fee & Tee's unless otherwise noted.

For your business to succeed it is important to provide your customers with eye-catching designs that they want. To do this you need to understand how to create and process great artwork for your chosen design method. If you have questions, feel free to email us or send your image either through email or through our quote tab on our website.

Until next time,

Fee