by: Jason Littlewood

Many people who send there image files to us to have there custom flags printed either send the incorrect file or don't know which file to send.

I will tell you which files are best to send to ensure you get a smooth run this will result in you having a custom flag printed quickly and accurately.

About sending bitmap images

Bitmap images which are also known as raster images are made up of lots pixels in a grid. Pixels are tiny dots of individual color.

Bitmap images are resolution dependent. Resolution refers to the number of pixels (dots) in an image and is usually know as DPI (dots per inch)

We can print using bitmap images just along as the dpi is 300+ and the images are to scale. Without high resolution the image becomes blurry and the pixels begin to show as the image is resized.(you see the jagged edges)and when the image is printed it will be very noticeable on your custom flag.

Here are some popular bitmap formats

BMP, GIF, JPEG, JPG, PNG, TIFF, PSD (Adobe Photoshop).

Here are some popular bitmap programs

• Microsoft Paint

• Adobe Photoshop

• Corel Photo-Paint

• Jasc Paint Shop Pro

• Ulead PhotoImpact

Quick note:

So just remember if you send your image in one of the formats above it has be 300+dpi and to scale.

About sending vector images

Vector images are the best for printing and every screen printer loves them.

Why?

Vector-based images are resolution independent which means your image can be resized, we can increase and decrease your image without losing any of its definition and also they will print to the highest accuracy and quality.

Vector images, picture elements are defined mathematically as lines or curves and can have solid, gradient or patterned color fills.

So when we resize your image to fit the custom flag it does not affect the out come of the image meaning it stays clear and smooth and doesn't become pixilated (having jagged edges)

An example of a vector based object is TEXT.

IMPORTANT: to remember when sending vector base artwork is to convert all lines to curves this usually applies to the text you have in your artwork as we and many other screen printers don't carry a lot of fonts.

Here are some popular vector formats

AI (Adobe Illustrator), CDR (CorelDRAW), CMX (Corel Exchange)

Here are some popular vector programs

Adobe Illustrator , CorelDRAW

Quick Note

Your vector image does not have to be to actual size when you send it in which case the file will be smaller and can usually be sent by email.