Artwork Guidelines

Everything you need to know about preparing your artwork for the best print quality. Follow these guidelines for fast, accurate production.

300

Minimum DPI

AI/EPS/PDF

Best Formats

CMYK

Color Mode

Outlines

Convert Text

Accepted File Formats

We accept most common graphic formats. Vector files are preferred for the best quality.

Format	Type	Quality	Description	Tips
.AIRecommended Adobe Illustrator	Vector	Excellent	Industry standard for vector graphics. Infinitely scalable with crisp edges.	Convert text to outlines, embed linked images
.EPSRecommended Encapsulated PostScript	Vector	Excellent	Universal vector format compatible with most design software.	Save in version 10 or later for best compatibility
.PDFRecommended Portable Document Format	Vector/Raster	Excellent	Preserves vector data when saved correctly. Universal compatibility.	Save as PDF/X-1a for print; embed fonts and images
.SVG Scalable Vector Graphics	Vector	Excellent	Web-native vector format. Good for simple graphics.	Convert text to paths; may not support all effects
.PNG Portable Network Graphics	Raster	Good	Supports transparency. Good for photos and complex graphics.	Minimum 300 DPI at actual print size; use transparent background
.JPG/JPEG Joint Photographic Experts Group	Raster	Acceptable	Common format but uses lossy compression. No transparency support.	Use highest quality setting; minimum 300 DPI; avoid multiple saves
.PSD Adobe Photoshop	Raster	Good	Preserves layers and editing capability. Large file sizes.	Flatten layers or keep organized; embed fonts
.TIFF Tagged Image File Format	Raster	Excellent	High-quality raster format without compression.	Use LZW compression to reduce file size; 300+ DPI required

Vector vs. Raster Graphics

Understanding the difference helps you choose the right format

Vector Graphics

AI, EPS, PDF, SVG

Scales infinitely without quality loss

Made of mathematical paths and curves
Can be scaled to any size
Best for logos, text, and illustrations
Small file sizes
Easy color separation for screen printing

Raster Graphics

PNG, JPG, PSD, TIFF

Made of pixels - resolution dependent

Made of individual pixels (dots)
Resolution-dependent (can't scale up)
Best for photographs and complex images
Larger file sizes at high resolution
Great for DTF and sublimation printing

Resolution Requirements

For raster images, resolution determines print quality

Minimum Pixel Dimensions

Print Size	Minimum	Recommended
Small (4" x 4")	1200 x 1200 px	1800 x 1800 px
Medium (8" x 8")	2400 x 2400 px	3600 x 3600 px
Large (12" x 12")	3600 x 3600 px	4800 x 4800 px
Full Front (12" x 16")	3600 x 4800 px	4800 x 6400 px

* Based on 300 DPI minimum, 450 DPI recommended for optimal quality

DPI Explained

72 DPIScreen Only

Web resolution. Will appear blurry/pixelated when printed.

150 DPIMinimum

Acceptable for large format prints viewed from a distance.

300 DPIStandard

Industry standard for quality printing. Required minimum.

450+ DPIOptimal

Premium quality with extra detail. Best for fine artwork.

Color Modes

Choosing the right color mode for your print method

CMYK

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key (Black)

Subtractive color model used in physical printing. Colors may appear less vibrant on screen but will print accurately.

Best for: Professional printing, screen printing color separations

Pros:

Accurate print colors
Industry standard for print
Fewer surprises in output

Cons:

Smaller color gamut than RGB
Colors look duller on screen

RGB

Red, Green, Blue

Additive color model used by screens. Wider color range but requires conversion for traditional printing.

Best for: DTF printing, sublimation, digital printing

Pros:

Wider color range
Vibrant on screen
Better for full-color photos

Cons:

Must convert to CMYK for some methods
May shift during conversion

Spot Colors (Pantone)

Pantone Matching System

Pre-mixed ink colors for precise matching. Essential for brand consistency.

Best for: Screen printing, exact brand colors

Pros:

Exact color matching
Consistent across orders
Required for specific brand colors

Cons:

Additional cost per color
Limited to solid colors

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these frequent issues to ensure smooth production

Low Resolution Images

Problem: Images appear pixelated, blurry, or jaggy when printed.

Solution: Always use 300 DPI minimum at the actual print size. If unsure, provide the largest version available.

RGB for Screen Printing

Problem: Colors shift unexpectedly when converted, especially bright greens and blues.

Solution: Convert to CMYK before submitting, or specify Pantone colors for exact matching.

Text Not Converted

Problem: Fonts appear different or missing when opened on another computer.

Solution: Convert all text to outlines/curves, or embed fonts in the document.

Missing Bleed

Problem: White edges appear around designs that should extend to the edge.

Solution: Extend your design 0.125" beyond the cut line for full-bleed prints.

Thin Lines & Small Text

Problem: Fine details disappear or become illegible in the final print.

Solution: Minimum line weight: 0.5pt. Minimum text size: 6pt for print, 8pt for embroidery.

Wrong Color Space

Problem: Bright, neon colors that can't be reproduced in print.

Solution: Design within CMYK gamut for most print methods. DTF and sublimation have wider gamuts.

Download Templates

Use our templates to ensure your design fits perfectly

T-Shirt Template

Front, back, and sleeve print areas

AI, PDF, PNG

Hoodie Template

Front pouch, back, and hood print areas

AI, PDF, PNG

Polo Template

Left chest and back print areas

AI, PDF, PNG

Hat Template

Front panel and side embroidery areas

AI, PDF, PNG

Need Help With Your Artwork?

Our design team can help prepare your files or create custom artwork

Use Design Lab Contact Our Team