Your Artwork Is the Blueprint
In custom label manufacturing, the quality of your finished product starts with the quality of your artwork file. A well-prepared vector file produces a crisp, professional label. A low-resolution JPG screenshot produces a fuzzy disappointment.
This guide covers everything you need to know to prepare production-ready artwork for PVC drip molding, silicone labels, and embroidery digitizing.
File Format Requirements
Preferred: Vector Files
Vector graphics define shapes mathematically rather than as pixels, meaning they can be scaled infinitely without quality loss. For label production, vectors are essential because:
- CNC mold-making machines trace vector paths directly
- Embroidery digitizing software converts vector outlines to stitch paths
- Color separations for multi-color molding require clean shape boundaries
Acceptable vector formats: AI (Adobe Illustrator), EPS, CDR (CorelDRAW), PDF, SVG
Acceptable: High-Resolution Raster
If vector artwork isn't available, we can work with raster images — but they must meet minimum resolution requirements.
Minimum requirements for raster files:
- Resolution: 300 DPI at actual print size (not 72 DPI web resolution)
- Format: PNG or PSD (with layers) preferred; high-quality JPG acceptable
- Color mode: CMYK preferred for production, RGB acceptable
Not acceptable: Screenshots, phone photos of logos, images pulled from websites (typically 72 DPI), or heavily compressed JPGs with visible artifacts.
Design Specifications by Product Type
PVC Drip Molding Labels
The drip molding process injects liquid PVC into CNC-machined mold cavities. Each color in your design requires a separate mold cavity and injection step.
Design constraints:
- Minimum line width: 0.2mm (0.5mm recommended for reliable production)
- Minimum spacing between colors: 0.3mm
- Minimum text size: 5pt sans-serif, 7pt serif
- Maximum color count: No hard limit, but 2-4 colors is most cost-effective
- Color specification: Pantone Solid Coated codes preferred
Design tips:
- Avoid very thin isolated lines — they're fragile in mold production
- Design colors to be touching or separated by at least 0.3mm (not partially overlapping)
- Include a 1-2mm clear margin around the design perimeter for mold manufacturing
Silicone Heat Transfer Labels
Silicone labels are molded flat on a carrier sheet, then applied to garments via heat press. The design constraints are slightly looser than PVC because silicone flows more readily in the mold.
Design constraints:
- Minimum line width: 0.3mm
- Minimum text size: 6pt sans-serif
- 3D relief height: 0.5-2.5mm (specify your preference)
- Finish: Matte (standard) or glossy (UV coated)
Embroidery Patches
Embroidery digitizing converts artwork into stitches. The medium has its own constraints.
Design constraints:
- Minimum text size: 6pt sans-serif for flat embroidery, 10pt for 3D puff
- Maximum color count: 12-15 colors per design (limited by machine needles)
- Fine details: Thin lines and small text render poorly in puff embroidery
- Gradients: Embroidery uses solid thread colors; gradients must be simulated through stitch density variation
Design tips:
- Simplify complex logos for embroidery — what works in print doesn't always work in thread
- Use bold, clear shapes for best results
- Trust our digitizer's recommendations — they know what stitches well and what doesn't
Color Specification
Pantone Matching
We maintain a library of Pantone-matched PVC compounds and embroidery threads. For solid colors, we achieve over 95% color accuracy. Submit your Pantone Solid Coated codes with your artwork.
Metallic Colors
Available in gold, silver, rose gold, copper, and holographic. Metallic colors in PVC are achieved through hot stamping foil applied to raised surfaces. In embroidery, metallic threads are available for accent details.
Translucent and Glow Effects
Silicone labels can be produced in translucent colors (for a "gummy" aesthetic) or with glow-in-the-dark pigments. These effects are specified separately from standard Pantone codes — mention them in your order notes.
The Pre-Production Workflow
- You send artwork — Vector preferred, raster acceptable at 300+ DPI
- We review — Our design team checks for production feasibility and flags potential issues within 24 hours
- Mold design — For PVC labels, we create a 3D mold design showing how your artwork translates to tooling
- Digital proof — We send a production simulation showing dimensions, color placement, and 3D relief
- Your approval — Production begins after you sign off on the proof
- Physical sample — Optional but recommended for first-time orders (5-7 days)
Common Artwork Mistakes to Avoid
- RGB-only files with no CMYK conversion — Colors may shift unexpectedly in production
- Embedded fonts not outlined — If we don't have your font, text may default to a system font
- Design elements too close to the edge — Always include 2mm+ margin
- Extremely fine gradients — Not reproducible in PVC or embroidery
- White text on transparent backgrounds — White areas need to be explicitly defined, not assumed from background transparency
Get a Free Artwork Review
Not sure if your file is production-ready? Send it to us. Our design team reviews artwork at no charge and responds within 24 hours with either approval or specific recommendations for adjustments. This review alone often saves weeks of back-and-forth and prevents costly production errors.