How to prepare artwork for merch printing without derailing production

Why artwork defines the setup

The print setup is the cost that does not depend on the number of pieces, but on the number of preparations the workshop must run before starting to print. Embroidery: the workshop must digitise the logo, assign threads, calibrate machine tension and verify registration. Screen-print: the workshop must burn the screen, calibrate pressure and register colour. Sublimation: the workshop must adjust the printer colour profile and calibrate the heat press. Laser engraving: the workshop must vectorise the file and adjust power and speed.

If the artwork you deliver forces it to redraw, the setup is charged twice. If the artwork forces a palette change because the colours are not in Pantone Coated, the setup is charged twice. If the artwork has typography that cannot be embroidered below 6 mm in height, the workshop returns the file and you lose three days. Corp-Merch.MX reviews the artwork before accepting any order; if the file fails the review, it is returned with written observations.

Artwork review happens in under 24 business hours. We cover six points: editable format (AI, EPS or PDF with outlined text), palette in Pantone Coated or separated CMYK, typefaces outlined or attached, size at 1:1 scale, margins and safe zones, and signed colour proof. If any of these points fails, the artwork is returned without production.

Specifications per printing method

Embroidery works with one-colour-per-stitch vector files. Corp-Merch.MX recommends a maximum of 12 colours per design and typography with a minimum height of 6 mm. Gradients cannot be embroidered — they are converted to a maximum of three flat tones. The file must arrive as AI or EPS with text outlined, and the embroidery areas marked on a separate layer with Pantone Coated thread code.

Screen-print works with flat vector files and colour separations. Each colour is a screen; each screen costs setup. Corp-Merch.MX recommends a maximum of six colours for runs above 500 pieces. For runs below 100, screen-print up to eight colours can be accepted with an extra charge. The file must arrive with each colour area separated in CMYK or Pantone layers.

Sublimation works with raster image at 300 dpi minimum, in Adobe RGB colour profile or CMYK with ISOcoated v2 profile. Corp-Merch.MX requires the file as PSD, TIFF or PDF with the print areas marked. Sublimation has no colour limit but requires a calibrated heat press. Laser engraving works with closed vector, single layer, no fills or gradients. Typefaces outlined and closed areas.

DTG (direct-to-garment digital print) works with raster image at 300 dpi in RGB profile. It is the method with the least palette restriction but has the same restrictions as any textile print — dark colours on dark backgrounds lose contrast. For DTG on dark textile, a white base layer is required with an extra charge.

Common mistakes that derail the artwork

• Delivering a JPG or PNG as final artwork. The workshop needs editable vector. JPG is rejected without review.
• Typography not outlined. When the workshop does not have the font installed, it substitutes with a similar one. The brand loses identity.
• Palette in RGB when the method is screen-print. RGB cannot be separated into screens; the workshop converts with approximation and the final colour is not the approved one.
• Embroidery with gradients. Embroidery thread does not gradient; it is converted to flat and the design intent is lost.
• Typography with height under 6 mm in embroidery. The stitch cannot reproduce letters that small; characters are lost or become illegible.
• Design without a safe zone. If embroidery touches the seam, the machine destroys it. The safe zone is non-negotiable.
• Changing the artwork after approval. Each change after sign-off forces a new setup with an additional charge.

FAQ — artwork for printing