Artwork templates
Use these production templates when you send artwork. They include bleed, trim, and safe area. Browse by product category:
Setup
Bleed
Extend backgrounds 0.125" (1/8") past the trim on all sides so nothing prints with a white edge.
Setup
Safe area
Keep logos and live text at least 0.125" inside the trim. Anything closer can get cut or land in a grommet.
File
Resolution
Cards and small print: 300 DPI at final size. Banners and signs: 100–150 DPI at full size.
File
Format
EPS opens in Illustrator, InDesign, or Photoshop. JPG is a preview of the die line. Export a press-quality PDF with fonts outlined and CMYK.
Apparel print types · AI-generated artwork — how to send files and the specs we need
Apparel print types
On garment products, pick a print type for each artwork location. Options follow the product and quantity: under 10 pieces is DTF; hats at 10+ default to Headwear 1 Color; bags use Promo 1 Color. Families that support a single-color job also list a 1 Color option. Default for apparel at 10+ is 1 Color. Size, placement, and type set the decoration quote.
Default
1 Color
A single-color version of Wearable, LoMelt, Blocker, Soft Shell Blocker, LoMelt Blocker, Headwear, and Promo. Not available on DTF, Neon, Neon Blocker, or Reflective. Default at 10+ pieces.
Full color
Wearable
Cotton, poly-cotton, and non-sublimated polyester. Full color, gradients, and photos. 10-piece minimum.
Short run
DTF
Direct-to-film for small quantities. No minimum. Used automatically under 10 pieces.
Heat
LoMelt
Lower press temperature for heat-sensitive and performance fabrics.
Polyester
Blocker
Stops dye migration on sublimated or patterned polyester.
Polyester
Soft Shell Blocker
Required for softshell jackets and similar coated fabrics.
Polyester
LoMelt Blocker
Low press temp plus a blocker layer for technical and sublimated fabrics.
Hats
Headwear
Sized and pressed for caps and structured hats. Bridges seams.
Bags
Promo
Bags, umbrellas, and coated promo items.
Specialty
Neon
Fluorescent colors on cotton and poly-cotton. 20-piece minimum.
Specialty
Neon Blocker
Neon on fabrics that may bleed. 20-piece minimum.
Specialty
Reflective
High-visibility prints for night, safety, and uniforms.
Preferred file: vector (PDF / AI / EPS, fonts outlined) or a transparent PNG at print size. Max 20 MB on the product page, or a cloud link for larger files.
AI-generated artwork
AI tools (ChatGPT, Midjourney, DALL·E, Firefly, Flux, and others) are a solid way to start a design. The file they give you is usually a screen image, not a print file. Follow this before you send it to EZ-INK so the job does not come back for a rebuild.
How to send files to EZ-INK
- Design Lab (apparel and simple logos). Open custom.ez-ink.com/lab, upload a PNG / JPG / SVG / WebP (about 4 MB), place it on the garment, and submit. We save the art, open a draft order on ez-ink.com, and email a checkout link. Best for shirts, hoodies, and hats. Use a transparent PNG for logos.
- Upload with your order (print products on ez-ink.com). On the product page or in your cart, attach a front file and optional back file (max 20 MB each), or paste a Drive / Dropbox / WeTransfer link. Files show on the order for our print team. If you checkout without a file, email us after with the order number.
- Email print-ready files (or anything over 20 MB) to orders@ez-ink.com. Subject line: Artwork — [your name or #EZINKxxxx] — [product]. Larger files: paste a Google Drive, Dropbox, or WeTransfer link (set the link so we can download without a login).
- Already ordered on ez-ink.com? Email the same address with the order number in the subject, or use the contact form.
In the email, include: product and size, quantity, sides (front only vs front and back), which file is front vs back, paper/finish if you know it, a deadline if you have one, and whether the file is print-ready or you want us to set it up and send a proof.
File specs
| Spec | What we need |
|---|---|
| Format | Preferred: press-quality PDF (fonts outlined). Also accepted: AI, EPS, PSD, TIFF, high-res PNG. Do not send a Canva or Google Doc link as the only file. |
| Resolution | Small format (cards, postcards, flyers, menus): 300 DPI at final size. Large format (banners, yard signs, flags): 100–150 DPI at full size is usually enough. Formula: inches × DPI = pixels. |
| Color | CMYK for print. AI tools export RGB. Convert before sending if you can — neon blues and electric greens often dull on press. |
| Bleed | 0.125" (1/8") past the trim on all sides. Backgrounds and photos must run to the bleed. Use the template on this page. |
| Safe area | Keep logos and live text at least 0.125" inside the trim (the inner guide on the template). Anything closer can get cut or land in a grommet/hem. |
| Fonts | Convert to outlines / curves, or embed them. Replace all AI-generated lettering with real type — AI text is often misspelled or warped. |
| Template layers | Place art on the artwork layer. Hide or delete DIE / SAFE / BLEED guide layers before export. Do not leave the red die line in the print file. |
Pixel size examples (add bleed on top of these): 4.25" × 11" postcard at 300 DPI = 1275 × 3300 px. 18" × 24" yard sign at 150 DPI = 2700 × 3600 px. 10" wide shirt print at 300 DPI ≈ 3000 px wide.
Prep checklist for AI art
- Generate at the largest size the tool allows, then upscale so the long edge meets the pixel size above (Photoshop Super Resolution, the tool’s own upscaler, or a dedicated upscaler).
- Do not use AI for headlines, prices, addresses, or logos. Set that type in Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, or Canva with a real font.
- Proof for AI artifacts: extra fingers, warped faces, melted type, nonsense signs, repeating patterns.
- Convert RGB → CMYK and look at the colors on screen before you send.
- Download the matching template from this library, place the image, extend the background to the bleed, keep type in the safe area.
- Export a press-quality PDF with bleed (PDF/X-1a if your app offers it). Sending the layered AI/PSD plus a PDF proof is even better.
Apparel vs. print products
- Shirts, hoodies, hats: transparent PNG, 300 DPI at print size. A typical chest print is about 10–12" wide. Design Lab is the fastest path.
- Postcards, flyers, business cards, menus: full-bleed CMYK PDF built on the template. Email that file — Design Lab is not sized for these.
- Banners, yard signs, flags: follow the template. 100–150 DPI at full size is fine for photos; keep logos as vector on top when you can.
Name your files
Use: Company_Product_Size_Side.pdf — for example Tikiyaki_Postcard_4.25x11_Front.pdf and …_Back.pdf. Front and back can also be two pages in one PDF.
Jobs we have to send back
- A screenshot or 72 DPI web image stretched to a banner or postcard
- AI misspelled headlines left in the design
- No bleed, or text sitting on the trim
- Red template / die line flattened into the print file
- Email bouncing because the attachment is over ~20 MB and there is no cloud link
Rights
You must have the right to use the image commercially (your AI tool’s terms, plus any brands, people, or photos in the prompt). EZ-INK prints the files you send; we do not clear copyrights or trademarks.
Questions? orders@ez-ink.com or contact EZ-INK.
Browse the full template library (sizes and product types).
Production templates for EZ-INK customers.