Guide
What File Do I Need for T-Shirt Printing?
Worried your artwork is not right for printing? You do not need to be a designer. Here is what makes a file print well, and what to do if all you have is a logo from your website or a photo on your phone.
If in doubt, just send us what you have. Our design service can usually sort it, and we will always check it before anything is printed.
The short version
The best files are vector artwork (a PDF, AI, EPS or SVG) or a high-resolution PNG with a transparent background. If you have one of those, you are good to go. If you do not, send the best version you have and we will take a look.
Best file types
Vector files (PDF, AI, EPS or SVG) are ideal because they scale to any size without going blurry, which is perfect for logos. A high-resolution PNG or JPEG works well too, as long as it is large and sharp.
Avoid tiny images pulled from a website or social media, as they are usually too small to print cleanly.
Resolution, size and backgrounds
For a photo or pixel-based image, aim for 300 dpi at the size it will print. As a quick test, if it looks blurry or blocky when you zoom in on screen, it will look the same on the garment.
A transparent background (a PNG saved without a backing colour) is best for logos, so the design sits cleanly on any garment colour without a white box around it.
Only have a logo or a photo? We can help
If your artwork is not quite print ready, our design service will tidy it up, redraw a logo, remove a background or set it up properly for the garment. Send whatever you have, even a rough sketch or a screenshot, and we will work it up for your approval.
Common questions
Is a JPEG okay?
Often yes, as long as it is large and sharp. A vector file or a transparent PNG is better for logos, but send what you have and we will check it.
My logo is low-resolution. What now?
Send it over. We can usually redraw or tidy up a low-resolution logo so it prints cleanly, as part of our design service.
I do not have a file at all. Can you help?
Yes. Tell us your idea or send a rough sketch and our design service will set something up for you to approve.
Do you check my artwork before printing?
Always. We check your artwork before it goes to print and get in touch if anything needs sorting, so there are no surprises.
Ready to get your order moving?
Tell us what you need and we will come back with a price and a realistic turnaround. No job too small, from a single shirt to a full team or staff kit.