Custom Patch Artwork & Design File Guide | Format, Specification, Requirements & Common Errors

Part 1: Supported File Formats & Priority Ranking

1. Preferred Vector Files (Highest Recommendation)

• Common formats: AI, EPS, SVG, CDR
• Advantages: Infinite zoom clear, accurate lines, convenient for factory typesetting and plate making
• Applicable: Embroidery, woven, PVC, 3D foam and all craft patches

2. High-Definition Bitmap Files (Alternative Choice)

• Recommended format: PNG (transparent background), JPG, TIFF
• Requirement: Resolution no less than 300 DPI, original image size close to actual patch size
• Reminder: Low-resolution screenshots, compressed pictures and blurred photos are strictly not recommended

3. Unacceptable File Types

Part 2: Basic Global Design Specifications

1. Color Mode Requirement

• Production standard: CMYK color mode
• Reason: RGB is for electronic screen display; CMYK matches printing, dyeing and thread color of physical products, effectively reducing color deviation
• Operation reminder: Convert RGB files to CMYK before sending to factory

2. Size & Contour Marking

• Mark the actual finished size clearly (maximum length and width)
• Draw complete outer contour line for irregular patches, define cutting range
• Reserve 1–2mm safe margin inside the contour to avoid cutting off patterns

3. Background Processing

• Transparent design: Use PNG transparent background, remove extra background clutter
• Solid background: Unify background color, no messy color blocks or watermarks
• Do not retain redundant text, logos and draft marks outside the patch range

Part 3: Craft-Specific Design Rules

1. Flat Embroidered Patches

• Minimum line width: ≥ 1.5mm; too thin lines will cause thread breakage and missing stitches
• Small text: Font height ≥ 4mm; overly tiny fonts cannot be fully embroidered
• Hollow design: Hollow spacing ≥ 3mm; narrow hollows are easy to be blocked by threads
• Stitch area: Avoid large-area single-color blank, match reasonable stitch density

2. 3D Foam Embroidery Patches

• Pattern block width: ≥ 3mm to prevent foam collapse
• Prohibit large-area scattered small patterns, ensure overall support
• The raised area must be completely covered by threads, no exposed foam
• Lines and text follow the standard of flat embroidery, cannot be too delicate

3. Woven Patches

• Minimum line width: ≥ 1mm, finer than embroidery, suitable for delicate patterns
• Tiny text: Font height ≥ 2.5mm, excellent reduction for small characters
• Color limit: Control within 8 colors as much as possible; excessive colors increase production difficulty
• Pattern transition: Avoid sharp corner mutation, use smooth transition lines

4. PVC Rubber Patches

• Minimum line & gap: ≥ 2mm, prevent mold sticking and deformation during demolding
• Deep hollow: Do not design overly deep and narrow grooves, easy to accumulate sundries
• Layered pattern: The height difference of concave and convex surfaces is controlled within 1–2.5mm
• Overall shape: Avoid slender strip structure, easy to bend and deform

Part 4: Color Design & Matching Rules

1. Color quantity: Clearly mark color numbers or color cards, the more colors, the higher the production cost
2. Color separation: Adjacent different colors cannot be too narrow, prevent color overlapping during production
3. Gradient effect: Embroidery and woven patches are not suitable for complex gradients; PVC can realize simple gradient
4. Special colors: Metallic gold, silver, fluorescent colors need to be marked separately, with extra process requirements

Part 5: Text & Font Design Notes

1. Choose bold fonts preferentially; slender, hollow and artistic cursive fonts are not friendly to patch production
2. All text must be converted to curves/outlines in vector files, to avoid font loss and garbled code
3. Text cannot be close to the edge, reserve enough space to prevent being cut
4. Multi-line text keeps uniform line spacing, not too dense

Part 6: Common Design Errors & Negative Cases

1. File Problem Errors

• Low DPI bitmap, blurred after enlargement → pattern fuzzy on finished product
• RGB color mode → obvious color difference between finished product and design draft
• Mixed redundant background and watermarks → affect cutting and overall appearance

2. Line & Pattern Errors

• Line width lower than the minimum standard → broken threads, incomplete patterns
• Excessively dense hollow and narrow gaps → thread blockage, mold defect
• Large-area ultra-small scattered patterns → uneven embroidery, poor shaping

3. Size & Layout Errors

• No contour line for irregular shapes → cutting position deviation
• Pattern too close to the edge → partial pattern cut off
• Unmarked actual size → finished size does not meet requirements

4. Text Errors

• Font not converted to curve → text garbled
• Font too small or too thin → cannot be presented normally

Part 7: Pre-Delivery Inspection Checklist

1. Confirm file format: Priority AI/EPS/SVG vector, or 300DPI high-definition PNG/TIFF
2. Check color mode: Has been converted to CMYK
3. Verify size: Mark actual finished size and outer contour
4. Check lines & text: Line width and font height meet craft standards; text converted to curves
5. Clean up layout: No extra background, watermarks and irrelevant elements
6. Special process remark: Mark 3D effect, metallic color, special edge separately

Part 8: Designer & Buyer Practical Suggestions

1. Communicate craft first before designing, formulate design scheme according to process limitations
2. Try to provide vector files, which is the most conducive to accurate production
3. Do not pursue overly complex details blindly; balance beauty and production feasibility
4. Ask the supplier for design parameter templates, refer to standard line and size requirements
5. For complex designs, apply for digital proof first, confirm effect before mass production

Final Summary Core Rule

Frequently Asked Questions