// Print method · Screen printing
Screen Printing Artwork Requirements for Apparel
Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh screen, with one screen for each colour. It is the most cost-effective method for larger runs with a small number of solid colours.
The artwork must be ready for separation: each colour becomes its own screen.
Updated 25 October 2026
How screen printing works
The printer makes one screen (a stencil) for each colour. Each ink is printed in turn and lined up with the others. This is called registration. Gradients and photos are printed as halftones: patterns of small dots.
File checklist
- Vector artwork is best for solid shapes and text. Ask your printer which vector format they accept. A PDF with vector content works for many printers.
- Raster artwork: at least 300 dpi at print size.
- Colours: name each colour (for example with a Pantone reference). Keep the number of colours to the number in your quote. Each colour is one more screen and one more cost.
- Fine detail: very thin lines and small dots may not hold in the screen. Ask your printer for their minimum.
- Gradients: these become halftones. Ask your printer which halftone line screen (lpi, lines per inch) they use.
- Dark garments: the printer may add a white underbase screen.
Common problems
- More colours in the file than in the quote.
- Low-resolution logos that print with jagged edges.
- Soft gradients that break up when they become halftones.
What the AOP101 audit checks
Choose "Screen / Discharge / Stamp" as the print method and enter your print size. The audit flags resolution below 300 dpi at that size. It checks the colour mode (CMYK passes, RGB gets a warning), the real file type and PDF bleed. It does not check colour separations. Your printer checks those.
Check screen print artwork at its real print size. 20 free credits, no card.