Design Guide

We recommend supplying vector artwork wherever possible. Vector files can be scaled to any size without loss of quality and are the standard format for professional print production.

⚠️ JPEG, Word documents, and PowerPoint files are not suitable for print. Low-resolution images taken from websites will not produce acceptable results.

For raster (non-vector) files such as PNG and JPG, resolution is critical. Low-resolution artwork will appear blurry or pixelated when printed.

💡 If you're unsure whether your file meets these requirements, email it to us at info@a4apparel.co.uk and we'll check it for free.

Using the correct colour mode ensures what you see on screen matches what gets printed on the garment.

Embroidery has specific requirements due to the nature of stitching. Please keep the following in mind when designing for embroidery:

• Minimum text height: 4mm (for legibility)
• Avoid very thin lines less than 1.5mm wide
• Gradients and photographic images cannot be embroidered — solid colours only
• Maximum stitch count affects pricing — simpler designs cost less
• We digitise all artwork in-house — a digitisation fee may apply for complex designs
• Thread colours are matched to Madeira or Robison-Anton colour charts
• Highly detailed small text or fine lines may need simplification

• Always supply vector files (AI or EPS) when possible — they scale perfectly at any size
• Ensure fonts are outlined/converted to paths so they appear correctly without needing the font installed
• Use a transparent background in your PNG file — avoid white boxes behind logos
• For dark garments, check your design has sufficient contrast
• Keep fine details simple — very thin lines may not reproduce well at small sizes
• If in doubt, send us your file and we'll advise for free