5: File Types & Set Up

FILE TYPES AND SET UPS IN SUPER SIMPLE LANGUAGE

Artwork setup is the moment most designers realise digital printing has a few more steps than expected. Here’s the easiest breakdown, no jargon, no overwhelm.

File Types

You only need to remember two:

TIFF: best quality for printing
 JPEG: okay for simple designs, but can lose detail

Ignore every other format.

DPI (Clarity)

DPI = how crisp your design prints.

150–300 DPI is the safe zone.
 Under 150 = blurry.
 Over 300 = unnecessary.

Scale

What you see on your screen rarely matches how it prints.

To get scale right, you need to set:

• the physical size of your artwork
• the repeat size (if it’s a pattern)
• the orientation

Even 1 cm off becomes obvious on cushions or curtains.

Repeats

To create a seamless repeat, you must check for:

• clean edges
• no lines
• no distortion
• no ghosting

If anything is misaligned, it will show instantly on fabric.

Colour Profiles

Screens use RGB.
Printers use CMYK.

Colours shift between the two.
Getting them right involves profiles, calibration and specialist software.

Why This Matters

Even at its simplest, artwork setup still needs:

• accuracy
• testing
• technical tools
• experience

Most designers can figure it out… but it’s rarely worth the time or stress.

This is where I come in and handle all the setup so your designs print perfectly, first time.

Ready to explore digital printing for your next projects? 

My Signature Styling service helps you design and source bespoke, sustainably printed fabrics delivered to your door.

Check out my Service & Pricing Guide HERE