This guide shows you the best practices for uploading the artwork for optimal print results
Before you upload your art files and start creating killer merch, you’ll want to make sure you’re up to date on best practices so that your designs are effective in every way.
General Starter Tips
- Use PNG format only
- PNG is preferred for print-on-demand products because it supports transparency and is compatible with our platform
- TIFF files are not supported
- Minimum resolution of 200 DPI is recommended
- Minimum file size: 5000 × 5000 pixels
- Avoid semi-transparent elements, glow effects, or gradients, as they do not translate well in production
- Use solid, well-defined shapes with strong outlines
- Remove any unwanted background colors
Design-specific Standards
Direct to Garment (DTG) / Print-On-Demand
- Use PNG with a transparent background
- Avoid white graphics on white apparel
- Avoid semi-transparent elements, fade, or glow effects
- Ensure your art file is in CMYK color profile (because it matches more closely with the color gamut used in most commercial printing processes)
- Red is difficult to print on dark garments— instead, use Direct to Film (DTFx)
- Ensure bright colors are in the CMYK color profile
DTFx Printing
- Ideal for vibrant, full-color prints on dark garments
- Avoid semi-transparent elements, fade, or glow effects
- Avoid text smaller than 1mm or 4pt font
- Avoid large prints on thin apparel (e.g., lightweight garments made from light fabrics), as these prints may not be breathable and could affect comfort
Embroidery
- There is a 6-color thread limit per design
- 6-color thread limit: Limits color complexity
- Outline fonts: Ensures legibility and stitch clarity
- Minimum shape thickness: 0.05″ (1.3 mm): Prevents fine lines from being lost
- Minimum uppercase letter height: 0.3″ (7.6 mm)
- Minimum lowercase letter height: 0.25″ (6.4 mm)
- Text smaller than 0.25″ becomes a run stitch: Indicates when detail becomes too fine for standard embroidery
Screen Printing (MOQ)
- Make sure your files have a minimum DPI of 300
- Use PNG file format only
- Avoid gradients
- Commonly used for MOQ products (minimum order requirements, in bulk)
Sublimation
- Use PNG or JPEG formats
- Minimum resolution: 300 DPI
- Ideal for all-over printing (seam-to-seam coverage)
- Uses heat and ink transfer to embed designs into fabric