Print ready artwork

Better files produce
more predictable prints.

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 your artwork enquiry View final checklist

Exact artwork requirements can vary by product, fabric, production method and order specification. Follow any specific file instructions included in your quotation.

File preparation · Print size · Artwork approval ElitePrints

Original files instead of screenshots

Resolution assessed at physical print size

Positions and dimensions supplied in centimetres

01 · Preferred files

Send the best original artwork available.

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.

Pixel-based artwork

Raster files

PNG with a transparent background is preferred for many full-colour garment prints.
Supply the file at the intended dimensions and ideally around 300 pixels per inch.
A high pixel count does not repair an originally blurred, compressed or out-of-focus image.
JPEG can work for rectangular photographs but does not support transparent backgrounds.
Avoid repeatedly saving and compressing JPEG files.

PNG
JPEG
PSD where requested

Shape-based artwork

Vector and document files

SVG, EPS, AI or print-ready PDF may be requested for logos, text and flat graphics.
Convert fonts to outlines or embed them so text does not change when the file is opened.
Include linked images or embed them within the file.
Remove unintended artboards, hidden objects and unnecessary clipping masks.
Keep an editable original in case production adjustments are required.

SVG
EPS
AI
Print-ready PDF

Renaming a file does not convert it.

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.

02 · Resolution and print size

Resolution must be judged at the physical print size.

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.

Think in pixels and centimetres

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.

Pixel dimensions are not physical print dimensions.

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.

If the file is below the recommended resolution, we may:

Suggest a smaller physical print size.
Ask for the original or higher-quality file.
Offer artwork rebuilding where practical and separately agreed.
Proceed only after the likely limitation has been explained and accepted.

03 · Transparent backgrounds

Remove anything that should not appear in the print.

White pixels in a JPEG are part of the image. They may print as a rectangular white background rather than disappearing against the garment.

Professional artwork-preparation example showing a clean high-resolution garment-printing graphic isolated on a grey-and-white transparency checkerboard canvas with crisp edges, removed background pixels, a magnified edge-detail area and no unwanted white or dark halo

Transparent artwork

Only the intended design should print

The transparency grid represents removed pixels. The area around the artwork is not filled with white.

Professional garment-printing artwork example showing a realistic dark T-shirt mockup with an unintended white rectangular JPEG background visibly surrounding the graphic, alongside a computer proof displaying the same incorrect non-transparent file

Background included

The white rectangle may appear in the print

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.

04 · Colour preparation

Screen colour and printed colour are different systems.

Screens emit light, while printed inks sit on fabric. Garment colour, underbase, material texture, lighting and production method can all affect appearance.

Digital colour files

Standard RGB artwork is often suitable for digital garment workflows, but follow the specific file request in your quotation.

Brand references

Supply recognised colour references where useful, but do not assume a screen HEX value can be reproduced exactly as ink on fabric.

Critical colour matching

Tell us before quotation if a precise corporate colour is critical. A sample or specialist process may be recommended.

Special appearances

Neon, metallic, reflective and similar appearances require a suitable material or process and must not be assumed from screen colour.

Very dark design areas

Dark artwork may blend into black fabric, particularly when the design expects the garment itself to show through.

Physical samples

Where colour is commercially important, discuss whether a printed sample is appropriate before the complete production quantity.

05 · Black and dark garments

Dark fabric can change how artwork is produced.

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.

01 · Garment Dark fabric base

02 · Underbase White support layer

03 · Artwork Visible colour layer

06 · Artwork by production method

The same design may need different preparation for different production methods.

The final method depends on the product, fabric, artwork, quantity and intended finish. Only rely on a method expressly included in your accepted quote.

01 · DIGITAL GARMENT PRINTING

Detailed and full-colour artwork

Illustrations and photographs generally benefit from high-resolution artwork prepared at the intended physical dimensions.

Transparent PNG commonly preferred
Resolution checked at print size
Dark garments may require an underbase
Soft fades and transparency require review

02 · TRANSFER WORKFLOW

Clean edges and suitable detail

Artwork may be printed to a transfer before being applied to the garment. Edge quality, transparency and fine details still need to be suitable.

Remove unintended background pixels
Avoid excessively fragile isolated details
Check print dimensions in centimetres
The garment material must be compatible

03 · CUT GRAPHICS

Simple shapes and controlled detail

Cut-material workflows generally favour clean, solid shapes. Tiny gaps, extremely fine lines and photographic detail may be unsuitable.

Vector artwork may be requested
Fonts should be converted to outlines
Small isolated elements require assessment
Special materials must be agreed

04 · EMBROIDERY REVIEW

Artwork prepared for stitches

If embroidery is quoted for a suitable product, artwork needs to be digitised for thread rather than sent directly to a printer.

Fine gradients may require simplification
Very small text can become unreadable
Thread colour differs from screen colour
Digitising may carry a setup charge

Do not choose a method from the artwork alone.

Fabric composition, seams, coatings, garment construction, quantity and intended finish can all affect which method is suitable.

07 · Fine lines, text and gradients

Review the smallest details at the real print size.

Zooming into artwork on a monitor can make tiny details look stronger than they will appear on textured fabric at normal viewing distance.

Small text

Keep important wording readable. Thin lettering and tight spaces may close up or lose clarity.

Fine lines

Extremely thin strokes may not reproduce reliably, particularly on textured fabric.

Gradients

Compression and colour banding may become visible within smooth fades when printed.

Transparency

Partial transparency can interact with underbases and garment colour. Explain the intended effect.

Distressed artwork

Distressed gaps need enough size and contrast to remain intentional after printing.

Photographs

Use the original photograph where possible. Screenshots and social-media downloads are often compressed.

Fonts, spelling, dates and numbers

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.

08 · Print positions

State every position and its approximate dimensions.

Terms such as “large” or “small logo” are subjective. Supply an approximate width or height in centimetres and identify every required print position.

Left chest

A compact position commonly used for logos, names and business branding.

Centre chest

State the required width and, where important, its approximate distance from the collar.

Full front

A larger front print area, subject to garment dimensions, seams and production limitations.

Upper back

Artwork positioned higher between the shoulders rather than across the complete back area.

Full back

A larger back position. Confirm the intended scale and relationship to the neckline.

Sleeve

Availability depends on sleeve shape, seams, dimensions and production method.

Tote bag centre

The printable area depends on bag dimensions, handles, seams and construction.

Special position

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.

09 · Mockups, proofs and approval

A digital proof confirms instructions—not every physical characteristic.

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.

Approval means you have checked:

The correct artwork version
Spelling, dates and personalisation
Garment and intended print colours
Every required print position
Approximate dimensions in centimetres
Product, quantity and size breakdown

Approval authorises production.

Do not approve while waiting for another person to check the proof. Gather the necessary feedback before providing final approval.

Confirm the version

Ensure the correct design and colourway appear on the correct product.
Check written information

Review names, dates, numbers, departments and all other personalised content.
Review position and scale

Confirm each print location and intended dimensions in centimetres.
Confirm the garment breakdown

Check product models, colours, sizes and quantities for every artwork version.
Approve only when final

Changes after approval may require an additional charge, revised deadline or may be impossible.

10 · Ownership and artwork help

Make sure every artwork element can be reproduced.

Artwork ownership

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.

Artwork preparation support

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.

Final artwork checklist

Check the file before you send it.

Work through every item for each artwork version. If something is uncertain, explain it in your enquiry rather than making an assumption.

Submit your artwork brief

Final file—not a screenshot
Correct artwork version
Transparent background where required
Sufficient resolution at print size
Fonts converted or embedded
Spelling, dates and numbers checked
Positions and dimensions supplied
Garment colours identified
Personalisation matched to garments
Permission for every element confirmed

Artwork questions

T-shirt printing artwork FAQs.

If you cannot tell whether your file is suitable, send the best original version and explain the product, position and intended print size.

Ask about your artwork

What is the best file format for T-shirt printing?

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.

Does my artwork have to be 300 DPI?

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.

Can you print a screenshot or social-media image?

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.

Can a low-resolution image be made high resolution?

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.

How do I remove the white box around my logo?

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.

How should I send white artwork?

Keep the production artwork white on a transparent canvas and provide a separate reference showing how it should appear against the garment colour.

Can you match an exact corporate or Pantone 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.

Why might a print look different on a black T-shirt?

Dark garments often require a white underbase. Fabric colour, texture, underbase and the production method can all affect the appearance and feel.

Can very small text be printed?

Small text must be assessed at the intended size. Extremely fine lettering can close up or lose readability on textured fabric.

Should fonts be converted to outlines?

Converting fonts to outlines in vector artwork prevents them changing when opened on another system. Alternatively, properly embed fonts within a print-ready PDF.

What print dimensions should I provide?

State the approximate width or height in centimetres for every position. Avoid relying only on terms such as small, medium or large.

Will placement be identical on every garment size?

Placement can vary slightly because garments differ in size and construction and are positioned by hand. Explain any critical alignment before quotation.

Is a digital proof the same as a printed sample?

No. A digital proof communicates artwork, general position and relative scale. It is not an exact physical colour, fabric or garment sample.

Can I change the artwork after approving the proof?

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.

Can ElitePrints redraw or edit my artwork?

Editing, redrawing, vector conversion or background removal may be available where practical. Any work, charge and timing must be agreed before it begins.

Can I submit copyrighted logos or characters?

Only submit artwork you created or are authorised to reproduce. ElitePrints may request clarification or refuse an order where permission is unclear.

Ready to review the design?

Send the original file.
Tell us the intended print size.

Include the product, garment colour, artwork position and approximate dimensions. We will review the order requirements and explain the next step.

Send your artwork enquiry Call +44 7405 812731

Artwork suitability, preparation requirements, production method, price and timing are confirmed against the accepted ElitePrints order.

Better files produce more predictable prints.