Base Print Files ​

Base print files refers to print-ready pattern files for sublimated garments that do not yet have any artwork on them. They must be well organized and free of any unused shapes, guides, or layers. They should be laid out identically across sizes, so that template creation and modification is fast and error-free. They should have labeled and correctly-sized zones.

Layers ​

Layers should be organized into Zones, Static, and Template. For example:

Layers in the Template group must be named correctly so that they will match the same layer names in the layout file.

Best Practices ​

Follow these recommended best practices to ensure a simple and error-free template, designer, and production experience.

Artboard ​

The artboard width should be set to the narrowest fabric width that you plan on supporting for this garment (e.g. 56").

Labels ​

Add a text layer to each component to easily identify it.

• Include the garment identifier, component name, and size. For example, STYLE123 - FRONT - LG.

  • In multi-lingual sales and production environments, include the component name in all applicable languages.

• Use a font that has a SIL Open Font license and is widely and freely available, such as Roboto Mono.

• All labels should have a white rectangle underneath them so that they are visible on dark backgrounds.

• Always place the label in the bottom right corner of the component. If a component is rotated, the label should rotate along with it. That way the orientation of the cut fabric components is still easily identifiable.

Static Layers ​

Use this layer group to add objects that the end-user won't be able to interact with: laser lines, sew lines, guides, labels, and tags.

Layout of Components ​

Ensure the order and rotation of the components is the same across all files. In the example below the banding, shoulders, and collar come first, followed by left sleeve, right sleeve, front, and back. This same order would exist across all sizes of this garment.

Some of the larger sizes may not have room to fit some components side-by-side:

In these instances, it is perfectly fine to place one below the other. The important thing is that all of the components have the same rotation and general order across sizes.