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Send the original artwork or the clearest available file. Avoid repeated screenshots or heavily compressed copies. Keep an editable original.
HomeArtwork guide
THE ARTWORK GUIDE
Great results start
with a clear brief.
Give your artwork the right start. From the first file to the final proof, here’s what to prepare for embroidery, vector art, patches and stickers.
Have an imperfect file? Start with what you have.
FROM FILE TO FINISH01 Clear artwork02 Defined details03 Finished piece
One design. Thoughtfully prepared for every finish.
Illustrative design study01 / A BETTER START
Three things every brief needs.
You don’t need to know every technical term. These details give us a useful starting point.
The finished size
Give width and height in inches, millimetres or centimetres. Include the placement and exact wording; “small logo” leaves too much to guess.
The final use
Tell us what you are making, the fabric or surface, quantity where relevant, required file format and deadline. Mention any production specifications.
02 / CHOOSE YOUR SERVICE
Different products.
The right details for each.
Use the relevant guide below to prepare your artwork and review the result with confidence.
01
Embroidery digitizing
From artwork to stitches.
Tell us where the design will be stitched so its size and detail can be planned for the fabric.
What to send
- Your clearest artwork and the final width × height, with units.
- Fabric and placement: for example, a polo chest, cap front or towel.
- Required machine format, such as DST, PES or JEF; include your machine model if unsure.
- Exact lettering, colour references and any flat, appliqué or 3D puff requirements.
What to check
Confirm spelling, dimensions, orientation and thread colours. Test the delivered file on the intended fabric and stabilizer before a production run.
Keep in mind A logo prepared for a polo may need adjustments for a cap or a different size. Mention every intended use.
Explore embroidery digitizing02
Vector artwork
Clean paths. Clear detail.
Explain how the artwork will be printed, cut or resized, and which details must stay faithful to the original.
What to send
- The original file or largest available source image, plus a clear visual reference.
- The intended use and final dimensions: print, signage, cutting or another process.
- Required output: AI, EPS, SVG or PDF, along with any printer specifications.
- Exact wording, font names or outlined text, colour references and background instructions.
What to check
Inspect curves, small details, spelling and colours at the intended size. Open the delivered file in the receiving print or cutting workflow.
Keep in mind A PDF can contain a flat image. Changing a file extension does not turn pixels into editable vector paths.
Explore vector artwork03
Custom patches
Plan the patch, front to back.
The artwork, patch construction and way it attaches all affect the finished result.
What to send
- Artwork, finished width × height, outline shape and quantity for each design.
- Preferred patch type, such as embroidered, woven or PVC; ask if you need guidance.
- Backing or attachment preference, border style and the item it will attach to.
- Colour references, delivery destination and the date the patches are needed.
What to check
Check actual dimensions, spelling, colours, border, backing and quantities. Confirm the proof or sample process and delivery destination before production.
Keep in mind Fine lettering and complex detail may need simplifying at a small size. Review that decision before approving the proof.
Explore custom patches04
Stickers & labels
Designed for the right surface.
Describe where the sticker will live, not only how it should look.
What to send
- Artwork or exact text, finished dimensions, shape and quantity per design.
- Cut preference: individual die-cut, kiss-cut or a sticker sheet.
- Application surface and exposure to water, sunlight, heat or outdoor conditions.
- Preferred material, finish, background and any supplier-specified bleed or safe area.
What to check
Check trim lines, borders, text and colours at actual size. Confirm material, adhesive, finish, quantities and care instructions for the intended surface.
Keep in mind Keep important text inside the safe area. Confirm bleed and cut-line requirements for your chosen product before exporting.
Explore stickers & labels03 / FILES, WITHOUT THE GUESSWORK
Send the source.
Specify the output.
The file you send and the file you need back may be different. Tell us both when you can.
| File type | When it helps | Before you send it |
|---|---|---|
| JPG · PNG · TIFFRaster images | A visual source or reference for your design. | Use the largest original available. Enlarging a small image does not recover missing detail. |
| AI · EPS · SVGVector artwork | Sharing existing paths, shapes and lettering. | Include linked artwork and an outlined text copy when available. Keep your editable master. |
| PDFArtwork or reference | A layout, visual reference or production specification. | Identify the correct page or design. A PDF may contain vectors, raster images or both. |
| DST · PES · JEFEmbroidery output | Specifying the stitch-file format your workflow requires. | Confirm your machine’s format and finished size. For an edit, include the existing file and describe the changes. |
These are examples, not a complete upload-format list. Follow the quote form’s accepted file types and size limit. If your source cannot be uploaded, ask how to share it.
Small details that prevent big mix-ups.
Name your files clearly. Use design name, size and version so the approved artwork is easy to identify.
Separate different designs. List sizes, quantities and colour variations for each design rather than combining instructions.
Mark references as references. Explain which file is the artwork to reproduce and which shows placement, colours or inspiration.
04 / READY TO SEND?
A final check.
A clearer project.
Tick off the details you have prepared. Include them with your artwork in the quote form.
This checklist is for your own use; it does not upload or submit anything.
Request your quoteYour artwork checklist
0 of 6 readyUse the checklist to make your brief easier to review.
05 / A LITTLE MORE CLARITY
Artwork questions,
answered.
Still unsure what to send?
Talk to the DigitEMB teamWhat if I only have a screenshot or a small image?
Send the clearest version you have and explain the intended size and use. Keep the original if you can find it. Ask about redrawing or simplification; a small image may not contain enough detail to reproduce fine lettering accurately.
Is a vector file the same as an embroidery file?
No. Vector artwork describes shapes and paths. An embroidery file contains stitch instructions planned for the design, fabric and finished size. Tell us whether you need artwork for printing or a file for your embroidery machine.
Can I use the same artwork at several sizes?
Include each required size in your brief. Vector paths can scale, but small lettering and fine lines still need checking at the final output size. Embroidery may need different stitch settings when its size, fabric or placement changes.
How should I specify colours and fonts?
Include colour references and the exact spelling of all text. Share font names or an outlined copy when available, keeping your editable original. Screen colours are a reference; confirm the intended thread, print or material colours during proof review.
Do I need to prepare bleed or a cut line?
For stickers and printed artwork, ask for the specifications for the chosen product or production workflow. Include an existing template if you have one. Do not guess bleed, safe-area or cut-line measurements.
What should I check before approving a proof?
Check spelling, dimensions with units, orientation, colours and all requested options. For patches and stickers, confirm quantities, materials, backing or adhesive and delivery details. A screen preview does not replace an embroidery test on the intended fabric.
LET’S MAKE SOMETHING
Your artwork.
Our next project.
Choose your service, share your file and tell us what you have in mind.