Artwork Prep Toolkit

DESIGN
TEMPLATES.

Shape guides, size charts, file format rules, and a submission checklist — everything you need to get your artwork production-ready before it ever reaches our design team.

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Fewer Proof Revisions

Starting inside the right shape and bleed guide means your first proof is usually your last.

Faster Turnaround

Clean, correctly-formatted files skip the back-and-forth and go straight into production queue.

Predictable Results

What you design inside the template is what gets manufactured — no surprise cropping or scaling.

Pick A Shape To Start

Every shape template includes a 1/8" bleed margin and a safe-zone guide for text and fine detail.

3" DIA
Standard Circle — 3" Diameter
Circle
Shield
Rectangle
Hexagon
Custom Die-Cut
Patch Width 3.0"

Accepted File Formats

Vector files always digitize cleaner than raster — send the real thing whenever you have it.

.AI / .EPS Best

Native vector files with outlined text and layered colors. Ideal for embroidery digitizing and PVC mold cutting.

.SVG Best

Clean vector export from tools like Illustrator or Figma. Keep paths simple and avoid embedded raster images.

.PDF Good

Fine for reference or as a vector container, but flatten-check it first — some exports rasterize text.

.PNG Okay

Usable at 300dpi or higher with a transparent background. Fine detail may get simplified during digitizing.

.JPG Avoid

No transparency and compression artifacts make edges messy. Only send if it's the only reference you have.

.PSD Okay

Workable if layers are organized and flattened text is also included as an outlined vector layer.

Submission Checklist

Check off each item as you prep your file — track how ready your artwork is.

Artwork placed inside the shape template

Nothing important sits outside the safe zone or gets cut by the bleed edge.

Text converted to outlines

Fonts are outlined or rasterized so nothing shifts if we don't have the same typeface installed.

Colors flagged with names or PMS codes

Even approximate color names help our team match thread or PVC ink accurately.

Fine lines checked against minimum width

Lines thinner than 1pt at final size may not stitch or mold cleanly — thicken them now.

Backing type decided

Iron-on, sew-on, velcro, or adhesive — let us know so it's built into the proof.

File exported at full resolution

Vector when possible, or 300dpi+ raster sized to the actual finished patch dimensions.

0 / 6 Complete

Placement Mockups

Common placements and the size range that reads clearly at each one.

Jacket Chest
Sleeve
Cap Front
Backpack Panel

Jacket Chest

The most common placement. Works well from 2.5" to 4" — big enough to read from a distance, small enough not to overwhelm the chest panel.

Sleeve

Best kept compact, 2" to 3", since the curved surface can distort larger or heavily detailed designs.

Cap Front

Front panel space is tight — 2" to 2.5" wide keeps the design legible without crowding the seam.

Backpack Panel

Flat, roomy surface that handles larger patches well, typically 3" to 5" depending on the panel size.

Grab A Template

Each pack includes bleed guides, safe zones, and a layered starter file.

Circle Template

2", 3", and 4" diameter guides with bleed and safe zone.

.AI · .SVG · .PDF

Shield Template

Classic badge shield in three standard proportions.

.AI · .SVG · .PDF

Rectangle Template

Name-tape and banner ratios for horizontal layouts.

.AI · .SVG · .PDF

Custom Die-Cut Guide

Blank outline rules for building your own shape from scratch.

.AI · .SVG

Template FAQ

Can't find your answer here? Reach out — we're happy to help.

Do I have to use a template?

No, but it speeds things up considerably. If you skip it, our design team will still fit your art to a shape and confirm sizing on your proof.

What's the difference between bleed and safe zone?

Bleed is the outer edge where the patch gets cut — background elements should extend to it. Safe zone is the inner area where text and fine detail should stay to avoid getting trimmed.

Can I request a custom shape not shown here?

Yes — use the Custom Die-Cut Guide as a starting point, or send us a rough sketch and we'll build the outline for you.

Do templates differ by patch type?

The shape and bleed rules are shared, but minimum line widths and color limits vary slightly by patch type — check the relevant patch page's spec sheet.

What software do I need to edit these?

Adobe Illustrator is ideal for the .AI files, but the .SVG versions open fine in free tools like Inkscape or Figma.

Have art but no template yet?