Vectorize Image for Screen Printing
Screen printing requires vector artwork with separated spot colors. Vectorizing your image produces clean paths with flat fill colors — exactly what screen printers need to create accurate film separations and print screens.
About Vectorize image for screen printing
Screen printing is a stencil-based process where each color in the design is printed through a separate mesh screen. This means the artwork must be broken into discrete color layers — exactly what vectorization produces. An auto-traced SVG from a raster image gives you flat, solid color fills on separate paths that can be isolated into spot color separations.
For multi-color designs: after vectorizing, open the SVG in Illustrator and use the Separations Preview panel to verify each color is on its own layer or object. Name colors with their Pantone (PMS) equivalents for accurate press matching. Communicate the total color count to your screen printer — each additional color adds cost.
For single-color designs: vectorize to a single-path, single-color SVG. This is the simplest and lowest-cost screen print setup — ideal for one-color apparel, tote bags, and promotional products.
Screen printing suppliers typically request EPS or PDF files with outlined text, embedded or indicated Pantone colors, and no raster elements in the artwork. Export from the vectorized SVG to EPS via Illustrator before submitting. Many screen printers also accept SVG or PDF directly.