How to Prepare Artwork
for Custom Apparel

Get Print-Ready Artwork the First Time

Avoid production delays by submitting artwork that’s ready to print. Whether you’re ordering one shirt or hundreds, following these guidelines helps ensure crisp, vibrant results.

Quick Artwork Checklist

Before uploading your design, make sure it meets these requirements:

  • Resolution: 300 DPI at the final print size
  • Preferred Files: AI, EPS, Vector PDF, SVG, or PNG with a transparent background
  • Background: Transparent (no white box around the artwork)
  • Colors: Light ink on dark garments, dark ink on light garments
  • Pantone Colors: Include PMS color codes in your order notes for accurate brand color matching
  • Need Help? Email clinton@imprintedapparelstore.com—we’re happy to clean up your artwork.
Why Artwork Quality Matters

The most common cause of production delays is artwork that isn’t print-ready.

Low-resolution files, incorrect formats, and missing transparent backgrounds often require revisions before printing can begin. Supplying the correct files from the start helps keep your order on schedule and ensures the best possible print quality.

File Formats

Not all file types produce the same print quality. Choosing the correct format can make a significant difference in the finished product.

Vector files are preferred whenever possible because they can be scaled to any size without losing quality. If a vector file is not available, a high-resolution PNG with a transparent background is usually the next best option.

File Type Recommendation Best For / Notes
AI, EPS, Vector PDF, SVG Recommended
  • Company logos
  • Text
  • Line art
  • Illustrations
  • Brand graphics
  • Can be scaled without losing quality
PNG Recommended
  • Best raster option for most apparel artwork
  • Supports transparent backgrounds
  • Excellent image quality when supplied at high resolution
  • Ideal for detailed graphics
TIFF Acceptable
  • Photography
  • Detailed artwork
  • High-quality raster graphics
JPEG / JPG Not Recommended
  • Uses compression that can reduce image quality
  • Does not support transparent backgrounds
  • May contain compression artifacts
  • Can result in unwanted white backgrounds on colored garments
GIF Not Recommended Limited to 256 colors and generally unsuitable for professional apparel printing.

Not Sure Which File You Have?

Check the file extension, such as .AI, .EPS, .PDF, .SVG, .PNG, .TIF or .JPG.

If your logo was professionally designed, ask your designer for the original vector files. If those aren’t available, a high-resolution PNG with a transparent background is usually the next best option.

Resolution Requirements

Professional apparel printing requires artwork at 300 DPI (dots per inch) at the final print size.

Higher resolution produces sharper detail and cleaner prints.

Recommended Image Sizes

Print Size Minimum Pixel Size Typical Use
3″ × 3″ 900 × 900 px Left chest logo
10″ × 12″ 3000 × 3600 px Standard front or back print
12″ × 16″ 3600 × 4800 px Large full-front design

How to Check DPI

Windows

Right-click the file → Properties → Details

Mac

Open in Preview → Tools → Show Inspector

Adobe Photoshop

Image → Image Size → Check Resolution

Common Resolution Mistake

A photo from your phone may have plenty of pixels but still be set to 72 DPI, which is intended for screens—not printing.

Always verify both:

  • Pixel dimensions
  • 300 DPI at the intended print size
Choosing the Right Colours

Your artwork should contrast with the garment color for maximum visibility.

The Golden Rule

  • Light ink on dark garments.
  • Dark ink on light garments.

Good contrast creates cleaner, more vibrant prints.

 

Garment Color Best Colors to Choose Colors to Avoid
Dark Apparel
  • White
  • Yellow
  • Light Blue
  • Bright Green
  • Pink
  • Orange
  • Metallic or foil inks
  • Black
  • Navy
  • Dark Green
  • Brown
  • Dark Purple
Light Apparel
  • Black
  • Navy
  • Dark Green
  • Maroon
  • Brown
  • Dark Purple
  • White
  • Pale Yellow
  • Light Pink (unless intentionally subtle)
Understanding Colour Modes

RGB

Used for phones, computers, and digital screens.

Not intended for printing.

CMYK

Used for digital printing.

Some colours may appear slightly different than they do on screen.

Pantone (PMS)

The industry standard for precise colour matching.

If your brand uses Pantone colours, include the PMS numbers with your order.

Creating Artwork in Canva

Canva is a great option for creating apparel graphics, but there are a few settings to follow for the best results.

Step 1

Create your design using the final print dimensions.

Example:

12″ × 16″ for a standard full-front print.

Step 2

Click Share → Download.

Step 3

Choose PNG as the file format.

Step 4

Enable Transparent Background.

(Available with Canva Pro.)

Step 5

Increase the Resolution

Canva exports files at approximately 96 DPI by default.

For best print quality:

  • Create your artwork at three times the final size, or
  • Convert the exported PNG to 300 DPI using a free online converter.

Step 6

Upload your finished artwork to our Design Studio to preview it on your selected garment.

Need Help With Your Artwork?

Don’t worry if your file isn’t perfect.

Our team can prepare your artwork for printing before production begins.

We can help with:

  • Vectorizing logos
  • Removing image backgrounds
  • Improving low-resolution artwork
  • Matching Pantone colors
  • Cleaning rough edges
  • Converting files into print-ready formats

Most basic artwork adjustments are included with your order at no additional charge.

If your artwork requires extensive recreation or redesign, we’ll provide a quote before any work begins.

Ready to Print?

Submit your artwork with confidence—or send us what you have and we’ll help get it production-ready.

Questions?

Email clinton@imprintedapparelstore.com and our team will be happy to help.

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