One Color Imprint Artwork Requirement FAQ

One Color Imprint Artwork Requirement FAQ

The Most Common Imprint is a One Color Imprint

The most common imprint in print media is a one color imprint and the majority of questions we receive are about items we produce that customers would like with a one color imprint. This should provide answers to those frequently asked questions about simple, one color artwork and what we need to produce your finished piece.

To provide us with artwork ready to go with no extra cleanup and/or design charges, please follow these simple guidelines. Single Color artwork always needs to be black and white. For example, even though you want the finished piece to be a one color red imprint, the artwork still needs to be provided as black and white.

This flag is an example of good one color black artwork.:

The original pdf file of the flag can be downloaded below to see the vector qualities of this artwork:


Example of Black and White Vector Quality Artwork (Flag)


We prefer vector quality eps, pdf, or Adobe Illustrator (.ai) files, however we can use non vector pdf, jpg, or tiff files if the resolution is at least a minimum of 300 dpi (dots per inch) or higher at 100% size of the imprint area. The logo should be in black on a white background. Web images are generally 72 dpi or 96 dpi (very low resolution) and are almost never acceptable unless clean up and conversion work is done and that most always adds additional costs.

There is a common misconception that all pdf files are vector. The pdf output is based on the original file. If you are starting with a non-vector file, it will remain a non-vector file once saved as pdf. If your original file is vector it can be saved as a vector pdf using common design software such as Adobe Illustrator.

The reason we cannot use low resolution raster images is that they will not reproduce well and you will be disappointed with the finished result. Garbage in, garbage out is the key phrase here. The following graphic shows the difference when a raster image is increased in size from its original size as compared to the same image in vector format and how it appears when enlarged. The raster image is bitmapped and grainy, however the vector image retains all crispness and clean lines.

To read more about the differences between vector and raster images, please visit our blog post, Vector and Raster graphic Images - What's The Difference?

If you provide us with a color image and need it to be used for a one color imprint, the following examples show two color images and what needs to be done to make it usable black and white vector artwork.


Before and after example of a 2 color image converted to all one color black:

Before and after example of a 7 color image converted to all one color black:

If you do not have suitable artwork to use for a one color imprint and would like to see what is involved in converting your artwork to usable artwork, please visit our blog post, Artwork Clean-up and Conversion Fees by PromoteSource


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