How to Convert a Logo for Screen Printing
Screen printing requires vector artwork with separated color layers. Follow these steps to convert any PNG or JPG logo to a screen prepared for downstream print review SVG.
Steps
- 1
Direct protected-preview input accepts PNG, JPEG, or WebP; other source formats must be exported first.
- 2
Open the SVG in Illustrator or Inkscape and verify that each ink color is a separate path or group.
- 3
Clean up stray paths and set each color to a solid fill (no gradients — screen printing uses spot colors).
- 4
The protected preview is available without an account; editable SVG export requires paid or complimentary access.
Free Protected Preview
Protected Vector Preview
No account is required to create or view the protected preview. The preview accepts one PNG, JPEG, or WebP file up to 4 MiB; other source formats must be exported or converted to one of those formats first. Editable SVG export requires paid or complimentary access. Review the exported SVG in the appropriate downstream software; non-SVG formats and machine instructions require separate conversion.
Open Protected Vector PreviewAbout How to convert a logo for screen printing
Screen printing uses separate ink screens — one per color. Each screen deposits one ink color onto the garment. For a three-color logo, three screens are made, one for each color layer. The artwork file must define these layers cleanly, with no overlapping colors and precise path boundaries.
Vector SVG files are ideal for screen printing because each color region is a discrete path. The printer's prepress team can isolate each color, apply the correct Pantone or process ink, and create registration marks for precise layer alignment.
If the vectorizer merges adjacent color areas that should be separate colors, open the SVG in a vector editor and manually separate those regions. For logos with trapping requirements (slight path overlap between adjacent colors to prevent gaps), adjust in the vector editor before sending to print.
Most screen print shops accept SVG, AI, or EPS files. If your printer requests EPS, open the SVG in Illustrator and save as EPS with the appropriate compatibility settings.