Guides
Which file formats do you need for textile printing?
In short
For textile printing and embroidery, vector files (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF) are the first choice because they can be scaled without loss. Pixel files (JPG, PNG) only work at very high resolution. AI and EPS are the preferred formats at most print shops.
Vector files: the best choice
Vector graphics consist of mathematical curves and points, not pixels. This means they can be scaled to any size without loss of quality – from a letterhead to a poster, from a chest logo to a back print. Typical formats are AI (Adobe Illustrator), EPS, SVG and print-optimised PDF. If a graphic designer or agency created your logo, you should have these files.
Pixel files: only at high resolution
JPG and PNG are pixel files – at too low a resolution they become blurry or pixelated when enlarged. For printing, at least 300 dpi at the actual print size is required. A logo that is only 200 pixels wide and is to be enlarged to 30 cm is not suitable. PNG files with a transparent background are better than JPG, since the white background of a JPG would be printed too.
What embroidery requires
For embroidery, the logo is converted into an embroidery file (e.g. DST, PES) – the print shop usually does this itself. The basis is a clean vector file or a high-resolution pixel image. The clearer the original, the better the embroidery result. Very fine details, thin lines under 1 mm or delicate fonts can only be transferred to embroidery to a limited extent.
At a glance
| Format | Type | Suitability for printing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI | Vector | Very good | Adobe Illustrator, preferred format |
| EPS | Vector | Very good | Universally compatible |
| SVG | Vector | Good | Open, web-optimised |
| PDF (vector) | Vector | Very good | Must be saved as a vector path |
| PNG (300 dpi+) | Pixel | Limited | Transparent background preferred |
| JPG | Pixel | Poor to limited | White background, compression |
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if I only have a JPG logo?
You can send in your logo – we will check whether it is suitable for printing. If needed, the logo can be vectorised. Depending on complexity, this is simple or more involved work. A conversation with us will clear this up quickly.
Is a logo from my website enough?
Website logos often have too low a resolution for textile printing. Typical web graphics are 72–96 dpi, but printing requires 300 dpi. If you take your logo from the website, check the actual pixel size first – it is often too small for clean results.
Which format should I send in?
AI or EPS are ideal. If you do not have these formats, use a PDF made of vector paths. Alternatively: a PNG with a transparent background and at least 1000 pixels wide. You can attach the file directly to your enquiry – we will get in touch if anything is missing.
