How do I prepare my design for printing?

In short: send a sharp, large enough image (300 dpi at print size), as a PNG with a transparent background if possible. Not sure about your file? Prepare it below or send it to us: we check it free of charge before printing.

Step-by-step guide

1. 1. Choose or create your image

   Start from the original file: the logo from your designer, the photo taken with your phone, the scanned drawing. Avoid images found on the internet or taken from social media: they are often too small, and you don't always have the right to print them (brands, characters, other people's photos).

   No image? Our customisation tool lets you write a text or start from a template.

2. 2. Why size and resolution matter

   An image is made of dots (pixels). For a sharp result on fabric, you need about 300 per inch (300 dpi) at the printed size. In practice: for a design 28 cm wide (a T-shirt back), you need about 3,300 pixels wide; for a 10 cm chest logo, about 1,200 pixels.

   The tool below does the maths for you: enter the width you want and it tells you whether the image will hold up.

3. 3. PNG, JPG or vector: which to send?

   • PNG with a transparent background : the best choice in most cases. Only the design is printed, with no rectangle around it.
   • JPG : good for a photo that keeps its background. It has no transparency: a logo as a JPG also prints its white background.
   • Vector (SVG, PDF, AI, EPS) : ideal for a logo, it stays sharp at any size. If your designer gave you one, send it.
4. 4. Check it won't be blurry

   View the image at 100% (actual size) on a computer: if the edges are jagged or smudgy, they will be on the T-shirt too. A screenshot or an image sent via a messaging app is almost always too compressed. The tool below gives you live feedback, without ever blocking your order.

5. 5. Text, colours and fine details

   • Lines and letters under 1 mm may not hold well: make them a little thicker.
   • Screen colours are brighter than colours printed on fabric: a neon or electric blue comes out a little softer.
   • On a dark garment, avoid black or very dark text: it disappears.
   • Leave a little margin around the design: nothing important right at the edge.
6. 6. Common mistakes

   • A logo on a white background printed on a black T-shirt: the white square shows. Remove the background.
   • An image enlarged from a small screenshot: it becomes blurry.
   • Shadows or gradients fading to transparent: they come out less well. Prefer flat colours.
   • A typo: check names, dates and numbers before ordering.
7. 7. Only have a photo, a damaged logo or an unknown file?

   Try the tool: it removes the background, makes a simple logo sharp by vectorising it, and can slightly improve an image that's too small. If you're not convinced by the result, or if your file won't open, send it to us as it is: we'll see what we can do with it, free of charge.