VECTOR ART

Give every color its place.

Prepare color-separated artwork with the intended print method and production requirements in mind.

Illustrative vector color separation concept

Illustrative design concept

A CONSIDERED APPROACH

Built around the way
you’ll use it.

Screen printing and other production methods rely on clearly planned colors and layers. Separation requirements vary, so supply your printer’s specifications for spot colors, underbase, registration and any halftone treatment.

01

Print method

Tell us the process and garment color before separation is planned.

02

Color limits

Specify a target number of inks or the printer’s approved palette.

03

Printer specifications

Share requirements for trapping, underbase and registration marks.

BEFORE YOU START

A clearer brief.
A better starting point.

Use your clearest source artwork. Include the finished size, application and required date. Confirm price, deliverables and timing before placing an order.

✓ Source artwork

✓ Finished dimensions

✓ Fabric or material

✓ Required format

✓ Deadline & quantity

Illustrative service concept

CHOOSE BY APPLICATION

Where this service
makes a difference.

01

Spot-color screen printing

Organize artwork around the selected inks and the printer’s production requirements.

02

Dark garment graphics

Identify whether the printer requires an underbase and how it should be prepared.

03

Layered graphic production

Keep the color structure clear for the next production stage.

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

Small choices.
A different finished result.

These decisions help define the project before the artwork or production plan is approved.

Vector Color Separation: decisions to confirm

Decision	What to specify	Why it matters
Ink count	Agree the target number of inks before preparation.	More visible colors do not always mean the same number of production separations.
Underbase needs	Ask the printer how the garment color affects the setup.	Underbase treatment depends on the process and desired result.
Halftones and trapping	Provide printer-specific requirements for tonal areas and edge overlap.	There is no single setting that fits every screen-print workflow.

ILLUSTRATIVE PROJECT BRIEF

Put the details into context.

A limited-color graphic for dark T-shirts. Include garment color, ink limit and the printer’s instructions for underbase, registration and tonal areas.

BEFORE YOU SAY YES

Review the details.
Then take the next step.

A screen preview is one part of approval. Check the details that matter to the actual application.

01

Against the reference

Compare wording, proportions, linework and colors with the approved source.

02

At output size

Check small elements and line weights at the actual print or production dimensions.

03

With the next supplier

Confirm color setup, fonts, background treatment and the requested file format.

04

Before release

Open the delivered artwork in the intended workflow and verify that necessary assets are included.

ABOUT THIS SERVICE

Vector Color Separation
questions, answered.

More questions about your design? Include the specific application and your artwork when you prepare your brief.

Request this project ↗

Can you decide the screen-print settings without my printer?

The printer’s specifications should guide production settings. Supply their requirements for inks, underbase, halftones and file handoff.

Are color separations embroidery files?

No. Separations organize graphic colors for a print workflow. An embroidery project needs a separate stitch plan.

Which delivery format should I request?

Use the format specified by the print or production partner. Explain whether they need editable artwork, outlined text, a transparent background or a specific color setup.

What counts as a change in scope?

A new composition, additional illustration, changed wording or a different production requirement may change the work. Define revisions and deliverables in the project agreement.

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