v0.17 — Applying Player Info Layers

Last Updated: May 5, 2026

FINISHING LAYERS

Overview

In this lesson, you will learn how to build and apply the player information layer—the numbers, last name, and logos that make the Master file look complete and game-ready.

You will start from the Adult Large “source of truth,” pulling player-info symbols directly from the Symbols panel. Along the way, you will see how to correct sizing and graphic style issues, then place each element into the correct clipping masks and alignment guides so everything sits cleanly on the garment.

Finally, you will learn how to align the artwork mathematically to the sew line and then grade the player information down to smaller sizes. You will practice resizing, centering, and checking alignment across sizes so the player layer behaves consistently throughout the full size run.

STEP-by-STep guide

1. Start with the player information layer and verify the source symbols 0:24

• This segment is focused on the player information layer, which is the key visual layer clients care about most.

• The goal is to make the Master look complete and alive by turning on and placing this layer correctly.

• Start from the AdultLarge version and pull the artwork from the Symbols panel rather than relying on copied artwork.

• Treat the symbol as the source of truth:

  • If something looks off, check the symbol first.

  • Compare the front and back pieces to make sure they match exactly.

• If a piece is slightly off, replace it with the symbol version so both sides line up cleanly.

2. Fix any hidden styling issues before aligning artwork 4:25

• If the size or position is slightly off, inspect the layer for hidden styling problems.

• A graphic style or even a tiny stroke can shift the artwork unexpectedly.

• Remove unnecessary graphic styles from the layer if they are affecting alignment.

• Once removed, re-check the placement against the cut line and design box.

• Hide unnecessary helper layers when you no longer need them, but keep the design box visible if it helps with placement.

3. Build the shooting shirt layout differently from a jersey 9:38

• This piece is a shooting shirt, so it should not be treated exactly like a jersey.

• Shooting shirts may use different placement logic for:

  • numbers

  • last name

  • sleeve graphics

  • front logo placement

• Evaluate what looks best visually for this garment type instead of forcing jersey rules onto it.

• If a number or graphic doesn’t look right, consider alternate treatments such as:

  • changing the number style

  • using a different color treatment

  • hiding competing sleeve stripes or cuff stripes

4. Simplify the design by removing competing sleeve elements 16:27

• If sleeve stripes or cuff stripes compete visually with the player information, turn them off.

• Keep those elements available in the file, but hidden, so they can be turned back on later if needed.

• Switch the number to an alternate version when the default version doesn’t fit the layout.

• Test the change by updating the number and confirming the artwork still behaves correctly.

• The goal is to make the player information read clearly without visual clutter.

5. Place and adjust the last name and front logo 22:54

• Adjust the last name until it fits the available space cleanly.

• Make small size changes if needed, but keep the nameplate readable and balanced.

• On the front, switch the artwork to the correct logo version.

• Fine-tune spacing and centering by eyeballing the placement when necessary.

• Keep the overall layout consistent with the reference design, but adapt it to the shooting shirt format.

6. Use clipping masks to keep artwork contained inside the panel 35:01

• Once the front, back, and side elements are positioned, move them into the correct structure.

• Use clipping masks so artwork stays inside the intended panel boundaries.

• Replace the old side panel with the new one inside the clipping mask.

• Do the same for the front and back player information areas.

• This prevents any design elements from showing outside the graphic area.

7. Align the layout mathematically using guides and reference points 43:17

• Use the existing artwork as a reference to calculate alignment.

• Measure and reuse:

  • rotation

  • height

  • width

  • x-axis offsets

• Use the guide lines and the design box to center pieces precisely.

• Align the player information to the correct bottom or top reference depending on the layer.

• The idea is to do the math once, then reuse that logic to keep spacing consistent across sizes.

8. Test the player information behavior before grading 47:26

• After placing the artwork, test it by changing values like:

  • last name

  • number

  • left sleeve content

• Confirm that the layers are linked correctly and update as expected.

• If a layer behaves strangely, check whether it should be a logo, number, or alternate version.

• Visually compare the result with and without background blocks to make sure the layout still reads correctly.

9. Add registration points and set the grading rules 52:32

• Player information does not grade up the same way all layers do.

• Add a registration point inside the player information symbol so the artwork can align consistently.

• Use the sew line as the reference, not the cut line.

• The registration point helps each size sit at the correct height relative to the garment.

• This is what makes the artwork look uniform across sizes even when the panel shapes differ.

10. Grade the player information across sizes 01:05:56

• Start applying the player information to the remaining sizes.

• For each size, paste in the correct side panels and player information pieces.

• Some sizes will need to be graded differently depending on whether they are:

  • adult

  • youth

  • larger or smaller than the base size

• Keep sleeves aligned to the bottom where appropriate.

• Use the same structure, but adjust the placement based on the size-specific panel shape.

11. Handle size-specific differences and verify the final result 01:21:49

• The 2Ds, 3Ds, and large 1D through 3XL are complete, and now the player information is being graded.

• Turn off the background when needed so you can access the artwork more easily.

• Remember that the symbol container controls the visible area, so the artwork can be placed top, middle, or bottom as needed.

• Some sizes will look slightly different because the panel shapes are not identical.

• The important part is that each size is aligned correctly within its own container.

12. Use quick controls and finish the workflow 01:30:14

• The workflow includes quick controls and dropdowns to speed up design changes.

• Examples include:

  • reversible / none toggles

  • flag / no-flag options

  • quick layer visibility controls

• These shortcuts make it easier to switch between design states without manually hiding layers.

• Final takeaway:

  • build the player information layer

  • verify it against the symbol source

  • align it mathematically

  • grade it across sizes

  • test the linked behavior

• Once that is done, the Master is complete.