Getting your artwork print-ready doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re ordering custom USB drives for clients, giveaways, or internal use, sending the right file types ensures your design looks as sharp in real life as it does on screen. Use the tips below to make sure your logo and artwork come through with maximum clarity and impact, while avoiding common issues that can affect the quality of your EveryUSB.
Common Artwork Issues to Check:
- Low resolution artwork
- Fonts not outlined
- Spelling errors
- Text to small
- Files locked
- Missing bleed/safety
- Lines too thin
- Missing linked files
Read on (or watch the video) for more tips and tricks to getting your artwork ready!
High-Quality File Formats: Your Key to Stunning Prints.
Great prints start with the right file format—get it right, and your design will look sharp, detailed, and professional, even on the smallest surfaces.
Make Every Pixel Count!
- Upload your artwork in top-notch file formats like .EPS, .AI, and .PDF.
- These formats are the gold standard because they preserve every detail, ensuring your design looks crisp and clear, especially on compact surfaces like USB drives.
- Think of it as giving your brand the HD treatment it deserves.
Got Raster Images? No Problem!
- If vector files aren’t in your toolkit, go for high-resolution raster formats like .PNG or .TIFF. Aim for 300 DPI or higher to avoid any loss in quality.
- Remember, the clearer your image, the more it stands out.
Avoid JPG and GIF if possible, but if that’s all you have, we’ll make it work. It’s all about putting your best graphic forward.
Fonts Matter
Fonts may seem like a small detail, but handling them correctly ensures your design prints exactly as you intended — without surprises.
Include, Embed, Outline
- Ensure all text in your artwork uses included or embedded fonts to preserve the design.
- If embedding is not possible, outline your fonts before submitting. This converts text into graphics, ensuring your typography looks exactly as intended.
- Outlining prevents font substitution and avoids unexpected changes in font style or size.
Avoid Small Print: Keep It Bold and Beautiful
When it comes to custom printing, less really is more—clean, bold designs make the biggest impact, especially on small surfaces like USB drives.
Maximize the Print Area
- Keep your text legible and your design simple.
- The less clutter, the more your logo will shine!
- Adapt your logo to best fit the space available:
For Silk Screen, Laser Engraving, Pad Print, Embossing, Extruded Lettering or Hot Stamping:
For Full Color/Direct Print, UV, Sticker Logo, Heat Transfer, Epoxy Dome & Packaging:
- Make sure that any format used has a resolution of 300DPI or greater.
- Avoid getting text too close to the edge of the print area.
Tutorial Complete
And that’s how you get your artwork ready for the best possible results. We hope this guide saves you time and helps you avoid some of the common headaches that can come with printing on small surfaces. It’s taken us years of hands-on experience to learn what works (and what doesn’t), and we’re always happy to share that knowledge. Got questions? Reach out anytime—we’d love to help with your next custom EveryUSB order.