AI Tech Pack Print and Pattern Specifications: Placement, Repeat, and Color Separation
How to specify print and pattern details in your AI tech pack — repeat types, placement guides, color separations, and print technique specifications.
Why print specs need precision
Print and pattern specifications are where many tech packs fall short. Vague instructions like 'floral print all over' leave too much to the factory's interpretation. A proper AI tech pack specifies the exact repeat type, scale, placement, color count, and printing technique.
Skema3D's AI tech pack generator includes dedicated print specification sections when your garment involves printed fabrics or applied graphics. The AI generates placement guides, repeat specifications, and technique callouts based on your description.
Print repeat types
Understanding repeat types helps you specify the right one in your AI tech pack.
Print repeat types for tech pack specifications
| Repeat Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Straight repeat | Motif repeats in aligned rows and columns | Geometric patterns, stripes |
| Half-drop repeat | Alternating rows offset by half the repeat height | Most florals, organic patterns |
| Brick repeat | Alternating rows offset by half the repeat width | Paisleys, scattered motifs |
| Mirror repeat | Motif flips horizontally or vertically | Symmetrical borders, engineered prints |
| Engineered/placed | Custom layout specific to garment panels | Statement prints, branded panels |
Print technique specifications
Different print techniques have different capabilities and cost implications that your AI tech pack should specify.
- Screen print: cost-effective for 1-6 colors, requires color separation, best for spot color and bold graphics
- Digital print (DTG): unlimited colors, no setup cost per color, best for photographic and complex artwork
- Sublimation: for polyester fabrics only, all-over print capability, vibrant colors, no hand feel
- Discharge print: removes dye from fabric and replaces with print color, soft hand on dark fabrics
- Rotary print: for yardage, continuous repeat, high-volume production, 8-16 color capability
Placement specifications in AI tech packs
For placed (non-repeat) prints, your AI tech pack should specify exact placement on the garment: position measured from reference points (HPS, center front, side seam), print dimensions (width x height), and orientation. Skema3D generates placement diagrams on the flat sketch showing exactly where the print goes.
For all-over repeat prints, specify the repeat size (e.g., 12 x 12 inch repeat), the placement of the repeat relative to the garment (centered on front, continuous across seams), and any pattern matching requirements at seams.
Color specifications for prints
Every printed color needs a reference — Pantone numbers for screen printing, CMYK values for digital, or RGB values for sublimation. Your AI tech pack from Skema3D includes a color specification section for each printed element with appropriate color references for the specified print technique.
Start generating your printed garment AI tech pack at /ai-tech-pack-generator. Include the print description, technique preference, and placement in your prompt.