Your Graphic and Web Design Cheat Sheet | Inkdnylon
Graphic and web design terms can feel confusing when all you really want is a clean logo on embroidery, screen printing, DTF printing or promotional products. Inkdnylon Custom Apparel created this simple cheat sheet so Chicago and nationwide customers can understand the basics, send the right files and get sharper prints and stitches on every order.
1. What are pixels
A pixel is the smallest square inside a digital image. Your photo or logo is made from thousands of these tiny squares. The number of pixels in the width and height determines how large and how sharp the image can appear on screen or in print.
For example, a 125 x 125 image is one hundred twenty five pixels wide and one hundred twenty five pixels tall. If there are not enough pixels, the image will look blurry or blocky when it is enlarged.
For embroidery, DTF printing, DTG printing, vinyl printing and promotional products, higher resolution artwork usually means cleaner, more professional results.
2. What does vector mean
A vector file is built from points and paths instead of pixels. You can think of it like a connect the dots drawing that can grow or shrink without losing quality. When you zoom in on a vector logo, the edges stay crisp. When you zoom in on a pixel logo, the edges become fuzzy.
That is why decorators love vector artwork for logos on polos, hats, uniforms and branded merch. It gives you sharp edges on everything from business shirts to promotional drinkware.
Vector files are usually created in Adobe Illustrator and saved as .ai, .eps, .svg or print ready .pdf. If your logo only exists as a small .jpg from an email signature or social media profile, it will usually need to be redrawn as vector before production.
3. What is the difference between CMYK and RGB
CMYK and RGB are color modes used in design. Choosing the right one helps your colors stay accurate from screen to print.
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key which is black. CMYK is used for printing. That includes screen printing, business cards, flyers, packaging and most promotional products.
RGB stands for Red, Green and Blue. RGB is used for digital screens such as phones, tablets and computer monitors.
If artwork is created in RGB, it can look bright and bold on a screen but will shift in color when converted to CMYK for print. At Inkdnylon we always check color mode before production so your logo prints as close as possible to what you expect.
4. Design terms that help when talking to a web or graphics team
Here are a few helpful terms that make communication easier when you are working with a web designer, graphic artist or the Inkdnylon production team.
Responsive design
A website layout that adjusts automatically for desktop, tablet and mobile screens. Buttons, menus and images rearrange themselves so the site is easy to use on any device.
Above the fold
The part of a webpage that you see before scrolling. Your most important information and calls to action should be here for maximum visibility.
Resolution
The number of dots per inch in an image. For web, seventy two dpi is standard. For printing, three hundred dpi or higher is recommended.
Web safe fonts
Fonts that display correctly on most computers and devices, such as Arial, Georgia and Times New Roman.
Hex colors
Six character color codes used on the web, like #ff0000 for bright red. Hex codes help keep your brand colors consistent online.
5. What is Pantone
Pantone is a standardized color matching system used by designers and printers around the world. Each Pantone color has a number so your decorator can reproduce the same shade every time, even on different print runs or products.
If your logo red is Pantone 187, for example, printers use that number to mix inks or choose thread that is as close as possible to that color. Pantone is especially helpful for embroidery thread, screen printing inks and branded promotional products where color consistency matters.
6. What are the differences between common file types
Different file types are better for different uses. Here is a quick guide to the formats you will see most often when working with Inkdnylon.
JPEG
Ideal for photos and images with gradients. JPEG files use compression to keep file sizes smaller, which makes them good for web and email.
PNG
Lossless image format that keeps higher quality and supports transparent backgrounds. Great for logos on websites and mockups.
GIF
Supports simple animation and small file sizes. Used mostly for moving graphics and basic web images.
Other important formats:
PDF
A universal format that can display vector and raster content together. Often used for print ready files, proofs and final documents.
PSD
A layered file created in Adobe Photoshop. Good for complex photo edits and web graphics.
AI
A vector file created in Adobe Illustrator. This is one of the best formats to keep for long term logo and branding work.
If you only have low resolution JPEGs and need vector artwork for embroidery, screen printing or promotional products, Inkdnylon can redraw and prepare your file so it is ready for production.
7. What is the difference between a proof and a print ready file
A proof is a preview version of your artwork. It is usually a smaller file that is easy to email and fast to open. The goal of a proof is to show placement, spelling, colors and overall layout so you can approve it before production.
A print ready file is the high resolution production version of your artwork. It is sized correctly, set to the right color mode and often includes crop marks, registration marks or color bars. These files can be large and sometimes need to be sent using file transfer tools instead of regular email.
At Inkdnylon, every embroidery, screen printing, DTF, DTG and promotional product order includes a clear proof before we move to production. That way you know exactly what you are getting before anything is stitched or printed.
Ready to bring your artwork to life
Design does not have to be complicated. When you understand pixels, vectors, CMYK vs RGB, file types and proofing, you are already ahead of most people placing custom apparel orders.
Whether you need custom t shirts, polos, corporate uniforms, school spiritwear, nonprofit merch or promotional products, Inkdnylon can help you:
- Convert low resolution logos into clean vector artwork
- Prepare print ready files for embroidery and printing
- Create digital mockups on apparel and promotional goods
- Decorate and fulfill orders from Chicago to customers nationwide
If you are unsure which file type you have, or need help getting your artwork production ready, send it to us. Our digitizing and vector team will review it and recommend the best path forward.
Business Hours
Monday to Friday 8 AM to 8 PM
Saturday 10 AM to 8 PM
Sunday 8 AM to 2 PM
Appointments required between 8 AM and 12 PM. Please call before arriving.