How to Prepare Your Artwork File for Custom Silk Printing
Quick answer: To prepare artwork for custom silk scarf printing, set up a square canvas in CMYK color mode, which our silk printing process requires. For raster artwork, we recommend 300 DPI at the final print size: about 7,700 × 7,700 pixels for a 25.6 in (65 cm) scarf and 10,500 × 10,500 for a 35 in (89 cm) scarf. We recommend high-resolution TIFF files, or vector artwork in AI or print-ready PDF format. Give color references in Pantone TCX, not Pantone C.
Most artwork problems in custom silk printing are discovered at the worst possible moment, when the scarf arrives and something is wrong. Resolution that looked fine on screen. Colors that drifted. A detail that disappeared. Every one of these is preventable.
Preparing artwork for silk is not the same as preparing it for paper. The scale is larger, the dye behaves differently, and color on a natural fiber does not follow the rules of ink on a coated page. If you are still working on the design itself, start with our guide on designing for silk.
What shape and size should the artwork be?
Square. Every scarf in the Custom Studio is a square, so prepare your design on a 1:1 canvas at the finished size of the scarf.
| Scarf | Finished size | Pixels at 300 DPI |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket square | 12.2 × 12.2 in (31 × 31 cm) | About 3,700 × 3,700 |
| Small square | 20.9 × 20.9 in (53 × 53 cm) | About 6,300 × 6,300 |
| Classic square | 25.6 × 25.6 in (65 × 65 cm) | About 7,700 × 7,700 |
| Large square | 35 × 35 in (89 × 89 cm) | About 10,500 × 10,500 |
The sum is simple: multiply the size in inches by 300 (or in centimeters by 118).
What resolution does the file need?
For raster artwork, such as paintings, photographs, scans and digital illustrations, we recommend 300 DPI at the final print size. That means real pixels, not a label in the file properties. To check, open the file in your image editor, set the canvas to the scarf size with resampling turned off, and read the DPI. Below about 200 DPI the print will look soft, and the file should be rebuilt from a higher-resolution source.
Vector artwork is resolution-independent: it has no fixed pixel size and scales to any scarf without loss. Any images embedded in a vector file should still meet 300 DPI at the final print size.
What file formats are accepted?
- Painted, photographic or mixed-media artwork: a high-resolution TIFF.
- Graphic and logo-based designs: vector artwork in AI or print-ready PDF format, with all fonts, linked files and embedded images included.
- Screenshots and low-resolution previews are not suitable as production files. If your artwork is in another format, email us and we will advise.
Should artwork be in RGB or CMYK?
CMYK. Please prepare your artwork in CMYK color mode, as this is the color format our silk printing process requires. If your design was created in RGB, convert it to CMYK before you send it and check the colors afterwards, as some colors may appear different in CMYK. If you are unsure which CMYK color profile (ICC profile) to use, please contact us before you finalize your file.
How should color references be provided?
If a specific color is critical, give it as a Pantone TCX reference, the textile system. Pantone C is made for coated paper and will not predict how a color behaves on silk. Read our guide to color accuracy in custom silk printing.
Even with the right reference, expect silk to look a little richer than a swatch, because silk reflects more light than cotton.
Please note that colors may appear slightly different when printed on silk compared with a digital screen, due to differences in screen settings, fabric texture and the printing process.
Do I need to add bleed for the hem?
Each hem uses a small finishing allowance at the edge of the silk, and the amount depends on your scarf size and finish. You can include it in your artwork, or supply your artwork at the finished size and we extend the edge in your chosen hem color to create it. The Custom Studio shows the allowance for the size and finish you choose, and our team confirms it before production. Finished dimensions may vary slightly due to the finishing process.
Whichever you choose, keep text, logos and the inner edge of any border at least 0.4 in (1 cm) inside the finished edge, so nothing important sits against the hem.
What about text in the design?
Convert all text to outlines before you send the file. In Adobe Illustrator, select the text and choose Type, then Create Outlines. This stops fonts being substituted.
How do I upload artwork in the Custom Studio?
- Upload a preview of the complete design as a JPEG or PNG, up to 20 MB.
- Confirm that you own the artwork or have permission to reproduce it, including any logos, trademarks or crests.
- Enter the pixel size of your full-resolution file, or tick the box for vector artwork.
- Paste a link to the full-resolution file from Google Drive, Dropbox or WeTransfer, and give support@lovesilk.com access. You can also email files after ordering.
Our production team reviews every artwork before printing and tells you if anything needs attention.
Ready to start? Choose your size, silk and finish and see your price right away. Upload your artwork in the Custom Studio →
Not sure your file is ready? Email it to support@lovesilk.com and ask.
Frequently asked questions
What resolution does artwork need for silk scarf printing?
For raster artwork, we recommend 300 DPI at the final print size: about 7,700 × 7,700 pixels for a 25.6 in (65 cm) scarf. Vector files are also suitable, provided any embedded images are of sufficient resolution.
Should artwork be in RGB or CMYK for silk printing?
Please prepare your artwork in CMYK color mode, as this is the format our silk printing process requires. If your design is currently in RGB, we recommend checking the colors after conversion, as some colors may appear different in CMYK.
What file format should I use for custom silk scarf artwork?
We recommend high-resolution TIFF files or vector artwork in AI or print-ready PDF format.
Does my artwork need to be square?
Yes. Every scarf in the Custom Studio is a square, so use a 1:1 canvas.
Which Pantone system should I use for silk printing?
Pantone TCX, the textile system, not Pantone C.
Will the printed colors look exactly like my screen?
Colors may vary slightly between digital screens and printed silk. Fabric texture, screen settings and printing conditions can influence the final appearance.
Do I need to include bleed in my artwork?
Your scarf needs a finishing allowance, which depends on the size and finish you choose. You can include it in your artwork or supply the artwork at the finished size, and our team confirms the allowance before you finalize your production files.
Related reading: The complete guide to ordering custom silk scarves in the United States · Designing for silk · Custom silk scarf size guide · Color accuracy in custom silk printing