Vector or raster
A vector file is made of lines and shapes, not pixels, so it can be scaled without losing quality. AI, EPS, SVG and PDF work for print if the logo is vector inside them. JPG and PNG are raster files: at small sizes they work for digital print, but pad and screen printing and engraving need vectors, because a cliché, screen or laser path is made from the logo.
Pantone, CMYK and screen colours
A screen shows colour as light and print as ink, so on-screen blue is never exactly printed blue. In pad and screen printing every colour is mixed separately, so the most accurate reference is a Pantone (PMS) code, for example Pantone 2728 C. Digital, transfer and sublimation printing use CMYK, where the tone can vary slightly.
How large a logo fits
The print area depends on the product and technique. The supplier data median is about 30 × 25 mm for pad printing, the same for laser engraving, about 110 × 100 mm for screen printing and about 80 × 80 mm for digital print. Each product page shows the exact maximum with its print options.
| Technique | Works well for | Colours | Typical print area | Print, 100 pcs | Set-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pad printing | Plastic and curved surfaces: pens, lighters, small gadgets | 1 colour per pass | ~ 30 × 25 mm | €0.54 | €27.00 |
| Laser engraving | Metal, wood, bamboo, leather. Never wears off | Tone of the material | ~ 30 × 25 mm | €0.75 | €17.00 |
| Screen printing | Bags, umbrellas, large flat areas, bottles as rotary print | 1 colour per pass | ~ 110 × 100 mm | €0.78 | €37.00 |
| Transfer printing | Textiles and bags, colourful logos in small runs | 1 colour or full colour | ~ 90 × 80 mm | €1.67 | €17.00 |
| Digital printing | Photos and gradients: notebooks, covers, flat areas | Full colour | ~ 80 × 80 mm | €0.90 | €43.00 |
| Doming | Domed epoxy sticker: keyrings, badges | Full colour | ~ 35 × 35 mm | €1.26 | €40.00 |
| Embossing | Leather and faux leather, covers. Relief without ink | No ink | ~ 70 × 70 mm | €1.19 | €70.00 |
| Sublimation | White polyester and coated mugs, image over the whole area | Full colour | ~ 130 × 120 mm | €1.46 | €27.00 |
| Ceramic printing | Mugs, fired in and dishwasher proof | 1 colour or full colour | ~ 50 × 50 mm | €2.40 | €37.00 |
Typical print area by technique, median of supplier data.
Fine lines and small text
- Text should be at least 2 mm high, smaller text becomes illegible in pad printing.
- Lines at least 0.3 mm. Thinner ones disappear in pad, screen printing and engraving.
- Engraving is single-colour: shadows, gradients and photos do not work, the logo must work in one colour.
- For a long logo check whether the product has a tall or a wide print area. A slim pen suits a horizontal logo.
If the logo does not fit, a shorter version or just the symbol often works better. The article on print techniques helps you choose the technique.
Products with a large print area
Jute shopping bag
Cobuoy floating cork keyring
Impact AWARE™ Recycled cotton tote 145g
Keyring, spirit level | AverySend the logo with your inquiry and we will check the file and tell you if anything needs changing.
Request a quoteFrequently asked questions
Is a PDF always a vector file?
No. A PDF can also contain an image. If the logo becomes jagged when enlarged, it is raster.
Will the print match our brand colour exactly?
With pad and screen printing very closely, based on the Pantone code. With digital print and on coloured materials the tone can vary slightly.
Can we see the logo before production?
Yes. Before production we send a print proof showing the logo position and size for approval.
Figures: Kaubad.ee catalogue, prices excluding VAT and indicative.