Minimum Line Weight & Negative Space by Formula

Every formula has a minimum positive line weight (the areas that print) and a minimum negative space (the open areas between them), both measured at the size the transfer prints. Most screenprinted transfers need at least 1pt of positive line weight and 2pt of negative space. Direct to Film, UV DTF stickers, and tagless labels go down to 0.5pt positive and 1pt negative. Stretch, Puff, Neon, full color, Luxe, and Blocker formulas need more. Find your formula below, then check your file with the steps that follow.

Minimum positive line weight and negative space for each formula

Positive line weight is the thickness of any area meant to print. Negative space is any area meant to stay open between printed areas, like the gap inside a small letter or between two outlines.

Printing full color or Luxe on white garments? The 3pt minimum does not apply. The white shirt itself acts as the underbase, so no file changes are needed.

If your formula says "Contact support", email support@613originals.com with your file and the formula before you order.

How to check your file before you upload

1. Set the art to the exact size you want printed. We print the file at the size submitted, so what you upload is the size you get.
2. Convert all fonts to outlines. In Illustrator, convert strokes to shapes and text to outlines. Editable fonts can be swapped for a default font when the file is opened, which changes how your design looks.
3. Measure the positive line weight. Find the thinnest printed area and compare it against the "Positive line weight" number for your formula.
4. Measure the negative space. Check the inside of small letters, the space between close outlines, and any distressed texture first. Compare the narrowest spot against the "Negative space" number.
5. For raster files (PNG, JPG, PSD), work at 300 DPI. At 300 DPI, 0.5pt is about 2 pixels, 1pt is about 4, 2pt is about 8, 3pt is about 13, 4pt is about 17, and 5pt is about 21.
6. Check every placement size separately. The same logo at left chest size has thinner positive line weight and tighter negative space than it does on a full front.

If you resize a Direct to Film design in the gang sheet builder, check it again at the new size. Shrinking a design shrinks its positive line weight and negative space.

What happens if your art is below the minimum

If the positive line weight or negative space is below the minimum for your formula, your order goes on hold before it moves to production, and support emails you. The email tells you which part of your order is below spec and gives you your options.

Option 1: Revise the file. Adjust your artwork to meet the minimum for your formula, then reply to the email thread with the corrected file.

Option 2: Add an outline (full color formulas). Our team can add an outline in white, black, or a PMS color around the affected areas to bring them up to the minimum. Let us know your preference in your reply. For full color, we will also ask what color garment the design is going on.

Option 3: Proceed as-is. We print the file as submitted, and you accept that areas below the minimum may print inconsistently, fill in, or lose detail.

A few things to know:

• Reply directly to the email thread with your file or your decision.
• We print the revised file at the size submitted.
• Ship dates are based on when we receive a final, print-ready file. The sooner you reply, the better we can hold your turnaround.

If you want your file fully reviewed rather than spot checked, select Standard Artwork Review at checkout. More on this in what happens if my artwork fails the preflight check.

Why these minimums exist

When positive line weight or negative space is too thin, printing can't pick it up cleanly. Thin lines can drop out, and tight gaps can fill in with ink. Some formulas need more room for a specific reason:

• Neon, full color, and Luxe print over a white base layer so the color shows up on dark garments. Lines thinner than 3pt aren't wide enough to hold that white base, so they can print faint, washed out, or not show up at all.
• Blocker formulas use a Blocker ink to stop dye from bleeding through on dark garments. Areas thinner than the minimum may not get Blocker ink, which can let dye seep through and cause color bleeding or distortion.
• Stretch transfers stretch with the garment. Thin lines can crack, fade, or fill in during heat pressing and stretching.
• Puff needs the most negative space. Thin lines and tight negative space can leave spotty puff, missing detail, or ink spreading into areas it shouldn't.

How to fix art that is below the minimum

Pick whichever costs the design the least.

• Thicken the line or open the negative space to the minimum for your formula.
• Print it bigger. A larger placement gives your positive line weight and negative space more room.
• Use a simpler version at small sizes. Drop fine texture or small taglines from pocket and sleeve prints.
• Switch formulas. If your design is mostly fine detail, ask support which formula holds it best.
• Need the art redrawn? 613 prints what you submit and does not create artwork. For vector redraws, contact Art Services at artservices@613originals.com. For new artwork from scratch, work with a graphic designer.

Converting points to inches, millimeters, and pixels

A point is 1/72 of an inch.

Still stuck

Email support@613originals.com or call (201) 316-1919, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM ET.