You have selected the perfect custom cooler for your upcoming event or corporate gifting program. You know your budget, you know your quantity, and you are ready to place the order. But then you hit a roadblock: “Please upload your vector artwork.”
If you are not a graphic designer, terms like “vector,” “raster,” “DPI,” and “CMYK” can be confusing. However, submitting the right type of artwork is the single most important factor in ensuring your coolers with logo look professional, crisp, and exactly how you envisioned them.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about preparing your logo for a custom cooler order, so you can proceed with confidence.
Step 1: Understand Vector vs. Raster Artwork
The most common artwork issue we encounter is receiving a low-resolution “raster” image when a “vector” file is required. Here is the difference:
Raster Images (JPG, PNG, GIF)
Raster images are made up of tiny squares called pixels. If you zoom in on a raster image, it becomes blurry and pixelated. Photographs are always raster images.
- Common file types: .jpg, .png, .gif, .tiff
- When to use them: Only for full-color photographic printing (like 4-color process on a soft cooler bag), and only if they are high resolution (300 DPI or higher).
Vector Images (AI, EPS, PDF)
Vector images are created using mathematical formulas rather than pixels. This means they can be scaled to any size — from a business card to a billboard — without ever losing quality or becoming blurry.
- Common file types: .ai (Adobe Illustrator), .eps, .svg, and sometimes .pdf (if saved correctly).
- When to use them: Almost always. Vector files are required for laser engraving (used on Custom YETI Coolers) and screen printing.
The Golden Rule: Always try to submit a vector file (.ai or .eps). If you do not have one, ask your marketing department or the designer who created your logo.
Step 2: Match the Artwork to the Decoration Method
Different coolers require different decoration methods, and each method has specific artwork requirements.
Laser Engraving (Hard Coolers)
Used primarily on premium rotomolded coolers like the YETI Tundra 45.
- What happens: A laser burns the top layer of the cooler to reveal the color underneath (or creates a dark mark).
- Artwork needed: A pure vector file. The logo must be converted to a single solid color (usually black) with no gradients, shading, or highly intricate, overlapping fine lines.
Screen Printing (Soft Coolers & Bags)
Used on most cooler bags and lunch coolers.
- What happens: Ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto the fabric.
- Artwork needed: Vector files are strongly preferred. Each color in your logo requires a separate screen, so simpler logos (1-3 solid colors) work best and are more cost-effective.
4-Color Process / Full Color (Premium Soft Coolers)
Used on products like RTIC Soft Pack Coolers.
- What happens: A digital printer applies full-color artwork directly to the product.
- Artwork needed: High-resolution raster files (300 DPI PNG or JPG) or vector files. This method can handle gradients, photographs, and unlimited colors.
Step 3: Simplify Your Logo if Necessary
Sometimes, a logo that looks great on a website does not translate well to a physical product. If your logo contains very fine text, complex gradients, or intricate details, it may become illegible when printed or engraved on a 3-inch imprint area.
Tips for simplifying:
- Remove taglines or small secondary text.
- Use a solid-color version of your logo instead of a version with gradients or drop shadows.
- If your logo is horizontal, check if you have a stacked (square) version, as this often fits better in standard imprint areas.
Step 4: What If I Don’t Have the Right File?
Do not panic! At BrandedCoolers.com, we understand that not everyone has access to original vector files.
If you only have a low-resolution JPG or PNG, go ahead and upload it with your order. Our team provides complimentary art assistance. In many cases, our in-house designers can recreate your logo in a vector format at no additional charge. If the logo is too complex to recreate easily, we will contact you to discuss options.
Step 5: Review Your Digital Proof Carefully
Once you submit your artwork and place your order, we will send you a free digital proof via email. This is a mockup showing exactly how your logo will look on the cooler, including the size, placement, and colors.
What to check on your proof:
- Is the logo spelled correctly? (You would be surprised!)
- Is the placement where you want it?
- Are the colors accurate?
- Is the logo large enough to be readable, but not so large that it looks distorted?
We will not begin production until you give explicit approval of this proof, ensuring you get exactly what you expect.
Ready to Customize?
Now that you know how to prepare your artwork, you are ready to create the perfect promotional coolers for your brand.
Browse our full selection of hard-sided coolers and soft-sided coolers, upload your logo, and let our team handle the rest. If you have any questions about your artwork before ordering, contact our team at 800-927-2630 — we are here to help!