How to Prepare Your Artwork for Screen Printing in Las Vegas

Whether you're ordering custom t-shirts for a Las Vegas event, uniforms for your business, or merch for your brand, one thing determines the quality of your final product more than anything else — your artwork file.

At Nu World Graphics, we've been screen printing in Las Vegas since 1998. The number one cause of order delays and reprints? Artwork that isn't print-ready. This guide walks you through exactly what you need to submit so your job goes straight to press.

1. Use Vector Files Whenever Possible

Vector files are the gold standard for screen printing. Unlike raster images (JPEGs, PNGs), vector art is built from mathematical paths — meaning it scales to any size without losing sharpness.

Preferred file formats:

• .AI (Adobe Illustrator) — ideal

• .EPS — widely accepted

• .PDF (vector-based, not flattened)

• .SVG — acceptable for simple graphics

If your logo or design was created in Illustrator or a similar program, you're already ahead of the game.

2. If You're Using a Raster File, It Must Be High Resolution

Not all artwork can be vector. Photos and detailed illustrations are often raster-based — and that's fine, as long as the resolution is right.

The rule: Your file must be at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) at the actual print size.

A common mistake: sending a file that looks fine on screen but is only 72 DPI. That file will print blurry and pixelated. If you're not sure about your file's resolution, send it to us and we'll check it for you.

3. Set Up Your Colors Correctly

Screen printing prints one color at a time — each color requires its own screen. That's why color setup matters.

What to do:

• Use solid, flat colors whenever possible

• Convert your colors to Pantone (PMS) if color accuracy is critical

• Limit your color count to keep costs down — most simple designs work great in 1–4 colors

• Avoid gradients and shadows unless you're ordering a specialty print (like simulated process)

  
  

What to avoid:

• RGB or hex colors (these are for screens, not ink)

• Auto-generated color separations from low-quality files

• Overlapping transparent layers that haven't been flattened

  
  

4. Outline Your Fonts

If your design includes text, convert all fonts to outlines before sending your file. This prevents font substitution issues when we open your file on our end.

In Adobe Illustrator: Select All → Type → Create Outlines

If you don't outline your fonts, we may see a different font — or a blank box — where your text should be.

5. Know Your Print Location and Size

Before you finalize your file, confirm where and how big you want the print:

Location	Standard Size
Center Chest	Up to 12" wide
Full Front	Up to 14" wide
Full Back	Up to 14" wide
Left Chest	3"–4" wide
Sleeve	3"–4" wide

Set your artwork up at the actual print size in your file. Don't send a 2-inch logo and ask us to blow it up to 12 inches — it won't hold quality unless it's vector.

6. Use a Transparent or White Background

If your design is meant to print on a colored shirt, remove the background from your file. A white box behind your logo will print as white ink on dark garments — which is usually not what you want.

Save your file with a transparent background (use PNG or AI with no background layer) so we can see exactly what's getting printed.

7. When in Doubt, Ask Us First

We'd rather spend five minutes reviewing your file before production than reprint an order after the fact. If you're unsure about any of this, send us your artwork before you place your order and we'll give you a free file assessment.

Quick Artwork Checklist

Before you send your file, run through this:

• ✅ Vector file (.AI, .EPS, .PDF, .SVG) — or raster at 300 DPI minimum

• ✅ Colors set to Pantone or solid fills

• ✅ Fonts converted to outlines

• ✅ Background removed or transparent

• ✅ File sized at actual print dimensions

• ✅ Color count confirmed

  
  

Ready to Print?

Nu World Graphics has been helping Las Vegas businesses, schools, and organizations bring their designs to life since 1998. We offer screen printing, embroidery, DTF transfers, and contract printing — all from our Las Vegas facility.

Get a quote today at nuworldgraphicslv.com