Screen print — Tier 1 separated files #

Tier 1 is for shops who send separated artwork the way we print it.

If you follow this page, you’ll get:

• fewer holds
• fewer questions
• cleaner repeat runs
• faster turnaround
• Tier 1 pricing

File format #

• Adobe Illustrator (.ai)
• Save at final print size.
• Convert all fonts to outlines.
• Remove unused swatches.
• Before sending: check Separations Preview in Illustrator.

If it’s not a Spot Color, it will not print.

Use our CTS template #

Use our template for placements and artboards:

• Left chest
• Full front
• Full back
• Sleeves
• Pocket / small print

Download: CTS template

Registration marks #

Registration marks are not optional for Tier 1.

Requirements:

• Registration marks must be designated as Registration Color
• Marks must have proper spacing ( 0.5" from the top of the art to the bottom of the reg mark.)
• All artboards must share the same registration alignment
• Underbase and top colors must be aligned perfectly

Download: Registration marks script

Spot colors + labeling #

Non negotiable for Tier 1 Customers

• Every printed color must be a Spot Color
• Spot color names must match what’s on the proof
• Pantone references should be clear and consistent

Download Label script

Ink Colors #

We publish two references for ink colors:

• Standard ink colors (recommended defaults)
• In-stock ink list (what we currently have on the shelf)

If you call for a color that is not standard / not in stock, we can still match it — but will charge an ink mixing fee.

Underbase rules (our standard) #

For non-white garments, include an underbase.

Our standard:

• Underbase is on its own artboard/layer
• 1pt choke on the perimeter only -- good for most cases
• .5pt choke and .5 stroke where needed -.25pt choke and .25 stroke if you must due to art constraints
• Underbase should be solid (no internal chokes unless discussed)
• Remove dark colors from printable base layer where appropriate
• Shirt show-through should be intentional (not accidental)
• For raster art (PSD) choke 2-3 px @ 300 DPI

If you’re unsure, ask before submitting. Holds are normal. Surprises are expensive.

Sizing guidelines (quick reference) #

These are typical starting points. Always size for the actual garment. Order samples from your supplier if you are unsure. We always need at least 1/2" from seams to avoid printing problems. We can often size larger depending on the job, but this serves as a starting reference.

• Left chest: 3–4" wide (typical)
• Pocket / short sleeve: 3"w × 3"h
• Long sleeve: 3"w × 15"w (placement dependent)
• Toddler full front/back: 5"–8" wide (typical), max height 10"
• Youth full front/back: 8"–11" wide (typical), max recommended height 13"
• Adult full front/back: 12"w × 15"h
• Youth hoodie full front: 5"h (because of pocket)
• Adult hoodie full front: 8"h (because of pocket)

Pocket / tote rotation #

For pocket prints and tote bags, artwork is always loaded on press upside-down.

If we request it for the placement you chose:

• rotate the art 180° in the template
• keep registration marks aligned

If you’re not sure whether to rotate, message us before you submit.

Final preflight (Tier 1 checklist) #

Before you submit:

• spot colors are properly designated
• spot color labels match the proof
• registration marks are correct and aligned
• underbase is included + choked to our standard
• halftones/gradients have LPI called out (if you want someting higher than 55lpi)
• unused swatches removed
• Separations Preview looks correct