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.
Starter Tips
- Make sure your files have a minimum DPI of 200
- Minimum Size of files should be 5000x5000 pixels
- Use PNG file format only
- Avoid semi-transparent elements, fade, or glow effects
- The most effective designs have solid & well-defined shapes with strong outlines
- Remove any unwanted background colors
General Standards
Direct to Garment (DTG) / Print-On-Demand
- Ensure your image file has a transparent background
- Avoid semi-transparent elements, fade, or glow effects
- Do not use a white graphic on white apparel
- Ensure your art file is in CMYK color profile. Red is difficult to print on dark garments— instead use Direct to Film (DTFx).
- Ensure bright colors are in CMYK color profile
DTFx Printing
- Avoid semi-transparent elements, fade, or glow effects
- Avoid any text/print smaller than 1mm or about 4pt font
- Great technique for achieving strong full color resolution on dark garments
- Ensure your art file is in CMYK color profile
- Avoid large prints on thin apparel, this print is not breathable on thin garments
Embroidery
- There is a 6-color thread limit per design
- Outline fonts
- Ensure a transparent background
- Avoid semi-transparent elements, fade, or glow effects
- Minimum thickness for shapes: 0.05″ (1.3 mm)
- Minimum height for uppercase letters: 0.3″ (7.6 mm)
- Minimum height for lowercase letters: 0.25″ (6.4 mm)
- Any text smaller than 0.25″ (6.4 mm) in height will be a run stitch
- Avoid super detailed artwork; the simpler the better
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
- Make sure your files have a minimum DPI of 300
- Use PNG & JPEGS
- A printing method that transfers a design into a material or fabric using ink and heat
- Known as “all-over printing” as a design can go from seam to seam