Artboard

An artboard is the workspace in graphic design software where the custom design for garment printing is created. It's the area where artwork is arranged before it's transferred to print. In the custom garment printing industry, artboards are used to set the exact size, layout, and positioning of designs before they are sent to production. Each artboard represents a print area, such as the front chest, back, sleeve, or label placement on a garment.
Artboards are a core part of professional artwork preparation and play a critical role in ensuring accuracy, consistency, and efficiency during the printing process.

How Artboards Are Used in Apparel Artwork

In programs such as Adobe Illustrator or similar vector-based software, designers can create multiple artboards within a single file. Each artboard may correspond to a different print location or garment size.

For example:

One artboard for a front chest logo
Another for a full-back print
Additional artboards for sleeve prints or neck labels

This structured approach helps printers clearly identify what needs to be printed and where, reducing errors during setup and production.

Key Features of Artboards

Precise Sizing and Scale

Artboards are set to the actual print size, ensuring artwork is produced at the correct dimensions. This prevents scaling issues that could result in oversized or undersized prints.

Clear Layout Control

Artboards allow designers to keep designs neatly organised, especially for complex jobs involving multiple placements or garment styles.

Multi-Design Management

Using multiple artboards within one file allows all related artwork to be supplied together, improving workflow and reducing confusion.

Benefits of Using Artboards Correctly

Proper use of artboards provides several advantages in custom garment printing:

Accurate print sizing across different garments
Faster setup times for screen printing, DTF, or DTG
Reduced risk of production errors
Clear communication between designers and printers

For Australian businesses ordering uniforms, event apparel, or bulk promotional garments, correctly set artboards help ensure consistency across large print runs.

Artboards and Printing Methods

Artboards are particularly important when preparing artwork for:

Screen printing, where separation and placement accuracy are essential
DTF printing, which requires precise sizing for transfer sheets
Embroidery digitising, where stitch areas must be clearly defined
Sublimation, where artwork may need to align with garment panels

Each method relies on accurate artboard setup to achieve professional results.

Common Industry Practices in Australia

In the Australian custom apparel industry, printers often request artwork files with clearly labelled artboards. Labels may include print location, size, or colour information, helping streamline production and minimise back-and-forth approvals.

Artboards are also used to generate digital proofs, allowing customers to visualise placement before printing begins.

Practical Tips for Artboard Setup

To ensure print-ready artwork:

Set artboards to the exact print dimensions in millimetres
Keep one print location per artboard
Avoid placing artwork outside the artboard area
Use guides or templates when available

These practices help printers move efficiently from artwork to production.

Why Artboards Matter in Custom Printing

Artboards are a foundational element of professional artwork preparation. When used correctly, they ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency throughout the garment printing process. For any custom apparel project, well-structured artboards contribute directly to high-quality, reliable print outcomes.