Prepare your artwork at the intended physical print size whenever possible. If you are unsure, send the original file and tell us the required position and approximate dimensions.
These guidelines explain file formats, resolution, transparency, colour, fonts, fine details, print placement and proof approval for custom clothing.
Send a PNG with a transparent background at 300 DPI at the size you want it printed, or a vector file (SVG, EPS, AI or print-ready PDF) with fonts converted to outlines. Always send the original file, not a screenshot.
Exact artwork requirements can vary by product, fabric, production method and order specification. Follow any specific file instructions included in your quotation.
Do not convert a poor-quality screenshot into a PNG or PDF and assume the file has become print ready. The visible detail in the original is what matters.
Changing design.jpg to design.png or placing a small image inside a PDF does not create new detail or turn raster artwork into vector artwork.
A 3000-pixel-wide image may be detailed at one size and visibly soft at a much larger size. Enlarging a small web image adds pixels but does not restore the missing original detail.
Tell us the intended print width or height in centimetres. This allows the available pixels to be assessed at the actual production size.
Around 300 PPI is a useful preparation target for many raster designs. The acceptable resolution can still depend on the image style, product, viewing distance and proposed print method.
A file showing “300 DPI” in its properties is not automatically suitable. Its actual pixel count must support the intended physical size.
| Print width | Approx. inches | Pixels at 300 PPI |
|---|---|---|
| 20 cm | 7.9 inches | Approximately 2360 px |
| 25 cm | 9.8 inches | Approximately 2950 px |
| 30 cm | 11.8 inches | Approximately 3540 px |
| 35 cm | 13.8 inches | Approximately 4130 px |
| 40 cm | 15.7 inches | Approximately 4720 px |
On smaller screens, swipe within the table to view every column. The table is a preparation reference, not a guarantee of artwork suitability.
White pixels in a JPEG are part of the image. They may print as a rectangular white background rather than disappearing against the garment.
The transparency grid represents removed pixels. The area around the artwork is not filled with white.
If white pixels remain inside the file, they are part of the artwork and should not be expected to disappear automatically.
Zoom in around hair, distressed textures, smoke, anti-aliased edges and previously removed backgrounds. Pale or dark halos that look minor on screen can become more visible when printed.
White artwork may appear invisible in some previews. Keep the production file transparent and provide a separate reference image showing how the white design should appear on the intended garment colour.
Screens emit light, while printed inks sit on fabric. Garment colour, underbase, material texture, lighting and production method can all affect appearance.
Standard RGB artwork is often suitable for digital garment workflows, but follow the specific file request in your quotation.
Supply recognised colour references where useful, but do not assume a screen HEX value can be reproduced exactly as ink on fabric.
Tell us before quotation if a precise corporate colour is critical. A sample or specialist process may be recommended.
Neon, metallic, reflective and similar appearances require a suitable material or process and must not be assumed from screen colour.
Dark artwork may blend into black fabric, particularly when the design expects the garment itself to show through.
Where colour is commercially important, discuss whether a printed sample is appropriate before the complete production quantity.
Dark garments often require a white underbase beneath coloured artwork. The underbase helps colours remain visible but can make the printed area feel and appear different from the same artwork printed on white fabric.
If the design contains black or very dark areas, explain whether those pixels should print or whether the garment should show through.
Fine semi-transparent shadows and fades should be reviewed carefully because they may interact differently with an underbase.
The final method depends on the product, fabric, artwork, quantity and intended finish. Only rely on a method expressly included in your accepted quote.
Illustrations and photographs generally benefit from high-resolution artwork prepared at the intended physical dimensions.
Artwork may be printed to a transfer before being applied to the garment. Edge quality, transparency and fine details still need to be suitable.
Cut-material workflows generally favour clean, solid shapes. Tiny gaps, extremely fine lines and photographic detail may be unsuitable.
If embroidery is quoted for a suitable product, artwork needs to be digitised for thread rather than sent directly to a printer.
Fabric composition, seams, coatings, garment construction, quantity and intended finish can all affect which method is suitable.
Zooming into artwork on a monitor can make tiny details look stronger than they will appear on textured fabric at normal viewing distance.
Keep important wording readable. Thin lettering and tight spaces may close up or lose clarity.
Extremely thin strokes may not reproduce reliably, particularly on textured fabric.
Compression and colour banding may become visible within smooth fades when printed.
Partial transparency can interact with underbases and garment colour. Explain the intended effect.
Distressed gaps need enough size and contrast to remain intentional after printing.
Use the original photograph where possible. Screenshots and social-media downloads are often compressed.
Convert fonts to outlines in vector artwork or embed them in a print-ready PDF. Check all names, dates, numbers and spelling. ElitePrints may flag an obvious concern but is not responsible for proofreading customer-approved content.
Terms such as “large” or “small logo” are subjective. Supply an approximate width or height in centimetres and identify every required print position. The terms below help describe a request; they are not a list of available positions. Contact us to discuss availability.
A compact position commonly used for logos, names and business branding.
State the required width and, where important, its approximate distance from the collar.
A larger front print area, subject to garment dimensions, seams and production limitations.
Artwork positioned higher between the shoulders rather than across the complete back area.
A larger back position. Confirm the intended scale and relationship to the neckline.
Availability depends on sleeve shape, seams, dimensions and production method.
The printable area depends on bag dimensions, handles, seams and construction.
Explain unusual positioning before quotation so access and suitability can be checked.
Placement can vary slightly between garment sizes because garments are positioned by hand and differ in construction.
If alignment with a seam, pocket, zip or another feature is critical, explain this before quotation.
A mockup helps communicate the selected artwork, general position and relative scale. Unless expressly stated, it is not a printed sample, exact colour proof or guarantee of how every garment size will drape.
Do not approve while waiting for another person to check the proof. Gather the necessary feedback before providing final approval.
Ensure the correct design and colourway appear on the correct product.
Review names, dates, numbers, departments and all other personalised content.
Confirm each print location and intended dimensions in centimetres.
Check product models, colours, sizes and quantities for every artwork version.
Changes after approval may require an additional charge, revised deadline or may be impossible.
Only submit artwork you created or are authorised to use. This includes logos, photographs, characters, illustrations, trademarks, typefaces and commissioned designs.
ElitePrints may refuse or pause an order if permission is unclear or the requested content appears unlawful or unsuitable.
Basic checks may be included, but editing, redrawing, vector conversion, background removal, colour separation and complex production setup may carry an additional charge.
Where practical, we will identify the proposed artwork work, price and likely timing before starting it.
Work through every item for each artwork version. If something is uncertain, explain it in your enquiry rather than making an assumption.
If you cannot tell whether your file is suitable, send the best original version and explain the product, position and intended print size.
A high-resolution PNG with a transparent background is preferred for many full-colour garment prints. Vector artwork or a print-ready PDF may be requested for logos and flat graphics.
Around 300 PPI at the intended physical size is a useful target for many raster designs. The actual pixel dimensions and image quality matter more than a DPI label stored in the file.
Screenshots and social-media images are often compressed and may be unsuitable at the required size. Send the original photograph or artwork file wherever possible.
Enlarging a small file does not restore missing detail. A smaller print may be recommended, or the design may need rebuilding where practical and separately agreed.
The background must be removed and the artwork saved in a format supporting transparency, commonly PNG. Preparation may carry an additional charge depending on the original file.
Keep the production artwork white on a transparent canvas and provide a separate reference showing how it should appear against the garment colour.
Exact colour should not be assumed from a standard screen preview or full-colour garment print. Tell us before quotation if precise matching is critical.
Dark garments often require a white underbase. Fabric colour, texture, underbase and the production method can all affect the appearance and feel.
Small text must be assessed at the intended size. Extremely fine lettering can close up or lose readability on textured fabric.
Converting fonts to outlines in vector artwork prevents them changing when opened on another system. Alternatively, properly embed fonts within a print-ready PDF.
State the approximate width or height in centimetres for every position. Avoid relying only on terms such as small, medium or large.
Placement can vary slightly because garments differ in size and construction and are positioned by hand. Explain any critical alignment before quotation.
No. A digital proof communicates artwork, general position and relative scale. It is not an exact physical colour, fabric or garment sample.
Contact us immediately, but do not assume a change is possible. Once preparation or production has started, changes may require a new charge and deadline.
Editing, redrawing, vector conversion or background removal may be available where practical. Any work, charge and timing must be agreed before it begins.
Only submit artwork you created or are authorised to reproduce. ElitePrints may request clarification or refuse an order where permission is unclear.
Include the product, garment colour, artwork position and approximate dimensions. We will review the order requirements and explain the next step.
Artwork suitability, preparation requirements, production method, price and timing are confirmed against the accepted ElitePrints order.
