How to prepare artwork for embroidery digitizing

Send the highest-quality artwork you have (vector AI/EPS/PDF is best; a large PNG or JPG is fine), state the exact finished size in inches, name the garment and fabric, list thread colors, and tell your digitizer which machine format you need. Keep text at least 0.25" tall.

The checklist

1. Send the best source file you have

   Vector files (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF) are ideal. Otherwise send the largest PNG or JPG available. Low-quality images are OK — we can redraw them — but they may add time or cost.

2. Give the exact finished size

   State the width or height in inches, e.g. “3.5 inches wide.” Size changes everything: stitch count, density, and which details can be kept.

3. Name the garment and fabric

   Structured cap, polo, T-shirt, fleece, towel or canvas jacket — each needs different underlay and density.

4. Tell us the placement

   Left chest, cap front, sleeve or full back. Caps need a different build from flat garments.

5. Check your text size

   Letters should be at least 0.25" (6 mm) tall; smaller text tends to fill in. Thin, script and serif fonts need to be larger still.

6. Simplify fine details

   Hairlines, tiny gaps and gradients don’t translate well to thread. Your digitizer will simplify — flag anything that must stay exactly as-is.

7. List thread colors

   Give Pantone numbers or thread codes (Madeira, Isacord, Robison-Anton). Otherwise we match the artwork as closely as possible.

8. Name your machine format

   DST, PES, EXP, JEF… Not sure? Give us the machine brand and model.

9. Mention special effects

   3D puff, appliqué, metallic thread or a specific stitch style — tell us upfront so the quote is accurate.

Not sure which format? See our embroidery file format guide.

What to avoid

• Screenshots of tiny logos from websites — send the original if possible.
• Artwork with drop shadows or photographic gradients, unless you want a photo-style result.
• “Make it the same as last time” without the previous file or size.

FAQ