One of the most common questions new customers ask ShopAce is: what format should my logo be in for embroidery? The short answer is: vector format if possible, and we handle the rest. But understanding a bit more about how the digitising process works will help you set realistic expectations and avoid surprises when you see your proof.
Start With a Vector File
Vector files (formats like AI, EPS, and PDF) define your logo using mathematical paths rather than pixels. This means they can be scaled to any size without losing quality. When we digitise your logo for embroidery — converting it into a stitch file — a clean vector file gives the digitiser the most accurate starting point. Every curve, line, and shape in your logo is precisely defined, which produces the cleanest embroidery result.
If you don’t have a vector version of your logo, a high-resolution PNG or JPG (ideally at least 300dpi at the intended embroidery size) also works. We can digitise from raster files, though very fine detail may need to be simplified to translate into thread. If your only version is a low-resolution web file, let us know — we may need to make adjustments.
How Digitising Works
Digitising converts your logo image into a stitch file — a set of instructions that tells the embroidery machine how to recreate your design in thread. A skilled digitiser maps out the stitch direction, density, type (satin stitch, fill stitch, running stitch), and colour sequence that will produce the best result on the target fabric.
This isn’t automatic — it’s a craft. A well-digitised logo lays flat without puckering, renders fine detail at the correct scale, and uses thread tension appropriate to the garment fabric. At ShopAce, digitising is handled in-house, and we’ve digitised thousands of logos across every industry and logo style.
The digitised file is yours to keep. Once your logo is digitised, the stitch file is stored in our system and used for every future order. You don’t pay for digitising again when you reorder.
Colour Considerations for Embroidery
Embroidery uses thread colours rather than ink colours. Thread comes in a standardised range — Madeira, Isacord, and similar brands produce catalogues of hundreds of thread colours. Your logo’s Pantone or hex colours are matched to the closest available thread colour. For most standard brand colours, a close match is achievable. For very specific or unusual brand colours, some compromise may be necessary.
Most logos use 1–6 colours in embroidery. More colours are possible but add complexity and machine setup time, which increases cost. Gradients and colour blends that look natural in print can’t be reproduced in thread — embroidery works in solid colour blocks. If your logo relies heavily on gradients, discuss this with the ShopAce team during ordering.
Size Matters in Embroidery
Standard left-chest embroidery sits within a space of roughly 80–100mm wide by 60–80mm tall. At this size, logos with clean shapes, readable text, and simple geometry embroider beautifully. Problems arise when detail is too fine for the stitches to reproduce accurately at the target size — thin lines may thicken slightly, very small text may lose legibility.
The rule of thumb: any text in your logo should be at least 5–6mm tall in the finished embroidery to remain legible. Thin lines should be at least 1–1.5mm wide. If your logo has very fine elements, the digitiser will simplify them slightly to ensure a clean result — and you’ll see this in the proof before production.
Frequently Asked Questions — Logo Design for Embroidery
Q: What file format should I send for embroidery?
A: AI or EPS (vector) files are ideal. High-resolution PDFs and PNGs (300dpi+) also work. Low-resolution web images (screen grabs or small JPGs) may not produce clean results.
Q: Do I need to prepare the file in any specific way?
A: Just send us your best available logo file. We handle the digitising process — you don’t need any specialist software or knowledge.
Q: How long does digitising take?
A: For standard logos, digitising is typically completed within 1–2 business days of receiving your order. Complex or detailed logos may take slightly longer.
Q: Will my brand’s exact Pantone colours be matched?
A: We match thread colours as closely as possible to your Pantone or hex specifications. Thread colour isn’t identical to Pantone ink, but a close match is achievable for most standard brand colours.
Q: What happens if my logo has very fine detail?
A: Very fine detail may be simplified slightly in the digitising process to ensure clean embroidery at the target size. You’ll see the digitised design in the digital proof and can request adjustments before production.
Q: Can I use the same digitised file for multiple garment types?
A: The same stitch file can often be used across multiple garment types if the size and fabric type are similar. We may re-digitise if the fabric or size differs significantly from the original.
Get Your Logo Embroidered at ShopAce
Send us your logo at whatever quality you have — we’ll do the rest. Order at shopace.com.au or email your artwork to support@shopace.com.au. Our digitising team will prepare a proof for your approval before any production begins.