Artwork & Logo Guide
Artwork & Logo Setup Guide for Custom Tote Bags (Screen, DTG & DTF Printing)
If you’re a business owner, brand, or retail shop ordering wholesale custom tote bags, the quality of your final product depends heavily on how your artwork is prepared.
Incorrect file formats, low resolution images, or unconverted fonts can result in blurry or pixelated prints, incorrect colors, production delays, and extra costs. This artwork setup guide for custom tote bags explains exactly how to prepare your logo or design for Screen Printing, DTG, and DTF printing to ensure consistent, professional results every time.
Why Proper Artwork Setup Matters for Custom Tote Bags
Getting your artwork right before production saves time and money. Well-prepared files allow printers to deliver sharp, vibrant, and durable prints that accurately represent your brand.
Poor artwork preparation often leads to reprints, color inconsistencies, and delays, especially for wholesale orders.
Essential Artwork Rules for All Tote Bag Printing Methods
No matter which printing method you choose, these foundational rules apply to all custom tote bag printing projects.
Vector vs. Raster Files – What Printers Prefer
– Vector files such as AI, EPS, and Vector PDF are recommended for logos, text, and clean graphics
– Vector artwork can be scaled infinitely without quality loss
– Always use vector files for brand logos
– Raster files such as PNG, PSD, and TIFF are suitable for photographs, gradients, and detailed artwork
Resolution and Artwork Sizing Requirements
– Artwork must be created at a minimum of 300 DPI at actual print size
– Low-resolution files will appear blurry or pixelated on fabric
– Artwork should always be sized to the final print dimensions
Color Mode for Logo and Artwork Printing
– CMYK should be used for all commercial printing
– For screen printing with spot colors, Pantone (PMS) codes should be provided
– RGB files may cause color shifts when printed
Fonts and Text Preparation
– All fonts must be converted to outlines or curves
– This prevents font replacement issues
– Ensures your logo prints exactly as approved
Artwork Setup by Printing Technique
Different printing methods require different file preparation.
Screen Printing Artwork Setup
Screen printing is ideal for large orders and simple designs.
– Artwork must be separated by color
– Each color requires a separate screen
– Fewer colors reduce setup costs
– Ultra-thin lines and very small text should be avoided
Best for bold logos and high-volume wholesale tote bags.
DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Artwork Setup
DTG printing works best for small runs and full-color designs.
– High-resolution PNG file required
– Transparent background
– Minimum 300 DPI
For dark tote bags, printers automatically apply a white underbase.
DTF (Direct-to-Film) Artwork Setup
DTF printing is known for durability and fine detail reproduction.
– High-resolution PNG
– Transparent background
– 300 DPI recommended
Ideal for intricate logos and complex artwork.
Final Artwork Checklist Before Production
Before sending your files to a wholesale custom tote bag supplier:
– Vector files should be scalable and fonts outlined
– Raster files must be at least 300 DPI
– Files should be prepared in CMYK or Pantone
– Backgrounds must be transparent for DTG and DTF
Proper artwork setup is the foundation of high-quality custom tote bag printing. Following these guidelines helps prevent errors, reduce delays, and ensure your brand looks professional on every tote bag.
Always confirm final file requirements with your printing partner before placing your order.
Before sending your files to a wholesale custom tote bags supplier, review this checklist to ensure your artwork is production-ready and meets professional printing standards.
| Requirement | Vector Files | Raster / Photo Files |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | Scalable (no quality loss) | 300 DPI at print size |
| Fonts | Outlined / Vectorized | Outlined / Embedded |
| Color Mode | CMYK or Pantone (PMS) | CMYK |
| Background | Transparent AI / PDF | Transparent PNG (DTG / DTF) |
Frequently Asked Questions About Artwork Setup for Custom Tote Bags
What is the best file format for custom tote bag printing?
The best file format for custom tote bags printing is a vector file such as AI, EPS, or vector PDF. Vector files provide clean edges, accurate color separation, and unlimited scalability without quality loss. For photographic or complex designs, high-resolution PNG files at 300 DPI may also be used, depending on the printing method.
Should I use vector or PNG files for screen printing tote bags?
Vector files are always preferred for screen printing because they allow precise color separation and sharp print results. PNG files may be accepted only if they are high resolution and simple in design, but vector files deliver the most consistent and professional outcome for screen printed tote bags.
Why must artwork be prepared in CMYK instead of RGB?
RGB color mode is designed for digital screens, while CMYK is used for physical printing. Artwork created in RGB can appear different once printed. Preparing your logo in CMYK or Pantone colors ensures accurate color reproduction on custom tote bags and prevents unexpected color shifts during production.
What resolution is required for tote bag printing?
All raster artwork must be prepared at a minimum of 300 DPI at the final print size. Lower resolution files may appear blurry or pixelated on fabric. Vector files do not require a specific resolution, as they can be scaled without losing quality.
Do I need to outline fonts before sending artwork to print?
Yes, all fonts must be converted to outlines or curves before submitting artwork. Outlining fonts prevents font substitution issues and ensures your text prints exactly as designed, even if the printer does not have the original font installed.
What is the difference between DTG and DTF printing for tote bags?
DTG printing applies ink directly onto the fabric and works best for small runs and full-color designs. DTF printing transfers ink from a film to the fabric and offers higher durability and better performance for intricate details, making it suitable for complex logos and designs.
Can I print white ink on dark-colored tote bags?
Yes, both DTG and DTF printing use a white underbase when printing on dark-colored tote bags. This white layer allows colors to appear vibrant and accurate. Your artwork file only needs a transparent background for this process.
How does logo size affect print quality on tote bags?
Logos that are enlarged beyond their original size can lose sharpness and appear pixelated. Artwork should always be created at the final print size, with raster files set to 300 DPI, to ensure clean lines and professional print quality.
What should I check before submitting artwork for production?
Before submitting artwork, confirm that vector files are scalable with fonts outlined, raster files are at least 300 DPI, colors are set to CMYK or Pantone, and backgrounds are transparent for DTG or DTF printing. Reviewing these details helps avoid delays and reprints.