How-to guide
How to prepare artwork for bag printing
Good artwork files avoid delays, colour mismatches and blurry prints.
Quick answer
Send the logo as vector artwork (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) with text converted to outlines, colours specified in Pantone, the intended print size in cm, and a simple mock-up showing placement.
Updated by the Vago team
Key takeaways
- Use vector files
- Outline the fonts
- Specify colours
- State size and position
- Add bleed for all-over prints
Step by step
Use vector files
Vector artwork scales to any size without losing sharpness. Raster images such as JPG or PNG need to be redrawn.
Outline the fonts
Convert text to outlines so the printer's computer does not substitute a different font.
Specify colours
Give Pantone (PMS) references for spot colours, or note CMYK for full-colour digital prints.
State size and position
Give the print width and height in cm and mark where it goes on each panel.
Add bleed for all-over prints
For paper bags and edge-to-edge designs, extend the background 3–5 mm beyond the edge.
Tips
- Send a one-colour version of the logo for embroidery and embossing
- Check that thin lines and small text are large enough for the printing method
Mistakes to avoid
- Sending a screenshot or a logo taken from a website
- Leaving fonts live in the file
- Assuming screen colours will match printed colours exactly
Terms used in this guide
- Vector artwork
- A logo file made of shapes (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG) that scales without losing quality.
- Pantone colour matching
- Matching fabric, trims and print colours to a standard colour code.
- CMYK
- The four ink colours — cyan, magenta, yellow and black — used in full-colour printing.
- Bleed (artwork)
- Extra artwork that extends beyond the cut or print edge so no blank margin appears.
- Mock-up
- A digital preview of the bag with your branding.
Terms explained
Trade terms used on this page, in plain language.
- Pantone colour matching
- Matching fabric, trims and print colours to a standard colour code.
- Vector artwork
- A logo file made of shapes (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG) that scales without losing quality.
- Piping
- A corded edge trim that defines a bag's shape.
- CMYK
- The four ink colours — cyan, magenta, yellow and black — used in full-colour printing.
- Embroidery digitising
- Converting a logo into a stitch file that an embroidery machine can sew.
Questions buyers ask
Something else? Ask on WhatsApp and the production team will reply.
Can you work from a JPG logo?
Usually yes — the logo can be redrawn as vector artwork — but a vector file is faster and more accurate.
What file format is best for embroidery?
A vector file. It is converted into a stitch file (digitised) by the manufacturer.
Request a quote for custom bags
Share quantity, size, material and branding. We reply with specifications, MOQ and pricing, and arrange a sample first.