How to Prepare Artwork for Shirt Printing
Good shirt printing starts before the press is switched on. A clear artwork file, correct dimensions, readable colours and confirmed print position make it easier to produce a cleaner result and reduce avoidable revisions.
What Should You Send to the Printer?
The safest starting point is an editable vector file such as AI, EPS, SVG or editable PDF. If vector artwork is not available, send a high-resolution PNG with a transparent background at the intended print size.
You should also state the shirt colour, print position, approximate print width or height, quantity, shirt sizes and whether the artwork includes names, numbers or other variable information.
Which Artwork File Type Should You Use?
| File Type | Best For | Main Advantage | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI / EPS | Logos, text, icons and clean vector artwork | Can usually be scaled without losing sharpness | Fonts and linked images must be packaged or converted correctly |
| SVG | Simple logos and scalable graphics | Vector format with clean scaling | Complex effects may not transfer perfectly between software |
| Editable PDF | Logos, layouts and artwork with vector elements | Easy to share while retaining useful print information | A flattened PDF may still contain low-resolution images |
| PNG | Full-colour images and transparent backgrounds | Easy to preview and commonly accepted | Can become blurry if the pixel dimensions are too small |
| JPG / JPEG | Photos and preview images | Small file size and easy to send | No transparency and repeated compression can reduce quality |
| Screenshot | Reference only | Useful to show the idea quickly | Usually unsuitable as the final production artwork |
Prepare the File Before Sending It
Keep Shapes Editable
Company logos, text and simple icons are easiest to resize when they remain as vector paths instead of being flattened into a small image.
Use Enough Resolution
For PNG or photo-based artwork, prepare the image close to the final print size. Around 300 pixels per inch at final size is a useful target for many print workflows.
Remove Unwanted Boxes
If the background should not be printed, use transparency instead of leaving a white or coloured rectangle around the logo.
Convert or Supply Them
Convert text to outlines in vector artwork or provide the correct font files through your normal design workflow so the wording does not change.
State Important Brand Colours
If the logo must follow a brand standard, provide the correct colour reference instead of relying only on how it looks on a phone screen.
State the Location Clearly
“Front” is not enough. State left chest, centre chest, full front, upper back, full back, sleeve or another exact position.
Different Printing Methods Need Different Artwork
| Method | Best Artwork Setup | Important Preparation Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DTF Printing | High-resolution transparent PNG or clean vector artwork | Check transparency, fine details, gradients and final print dimensions |
| Silkscreen Printing | Clean vector artwork with clearly separated colours | Simple solid colours are easier to separate and reproduce consistently |
| Embroidery | Clean vector logo supplied as reference for digitising | Very thin lines, tiny text and gradients may need simplification |
| Sublimation | High-resolution full-colour artwork or vector pattern | Prepare artwork around the actual garment template for full custom pieces |
| Heat Transfer / Vinyl | Simple vector shapes, names and numbers | Thin lines and complex textures may not be practical for cutting |
| DTG Printing | High-resolution PNG or raster artwork | Good source resolution and correct colour handling are important |
Design the Artwork for the Shirt, Not Just the Screen
Check Shirt and Logo Contrast
A dark logo can disappear on a dark shirt, while pale artwork may not stand out on a light garment. Always preview the artwork on the actual shirt colour.
Keep Small Text Readable
Tiny wording may look fine on a large monitor but become difficult to print or embroider when reduced to chest-logo size.
Avoid Unnecessary Fine Detail
Very thin lines, tiny gaps and small decorative marks can disappear or merge when reproduced on fabric.
Watch Large Solid Areas
A very large solid print can feel heavier on the shirt. Consider whether negative space can make the design more comfortable and visually balanced.
Prepare Light and Dark Versions
If the same logo will be used on multiple shirt colours, prepare approved light and dark logo versions rather than changing colours randomly.
Keep Brand Colours Consistent
Record approved colour values or references so repeat orders use the same visual direction.
Common Artwork Mistakes
- Sending a small screenshot for a large print
- Leaving an unwanted white background around the logo
- Using unreadable small text
- Not confirming whether the print should be centred or left chest
- Forgetting to check spelling in names and numbers
- Changing colours after the artwork mock-up has been approved
Eight Steps Before the Artwork Goes to Print
Choose the Shirt
Confirm garment type, fabric, colour and size range first.
Choose the Method
Decide whether the job suits DTF, silkscreen, embroidery or another method.
Prepare the File
Use vector artwork or a high-resolution raster file at the required size.
Confirm Dimensions
State the intended print width or height in centimetres.
Confirm Placement
Specify front, back, chest, sleeve or another exact position.
Check Colours
Make sure the artwork is readable against the garment colour.
Approve the Mock-Up
Check spelling, size, position and overall balance before production.
Save the Final Version
Keep the approved file and production notes for easier repeat orders.
How Artwork Preparation Changes by Project
Small Company Logo
A clean vector file with simple text and shapes is ideal. Keep the artwork readable when reduced to a compact chest position.
Large Event Back Print
Use a high-resolution file at the intended print size and check that the text remains readable from a distance.
Names and Numbers
Provide a final spreadsheet or typed list with exact spelling and numbering. Avoid relying on handwritten notes.
Full Sublimation Jersey
Artwork should be built around the garment template, including front, back, sleeves, collar and any pattern continuation between panels.
Check These Details Before Sending the File
Artwork File
- Original vector or high-resolution raster file
- Transparent background where required
- Correct spelling and wording
- Final approved colours
- No unnecessary hidden objects or duplicate layers
Printing Details
- Shirt colour and material
- Exact print position
- Preferred print dimensions
- Quantity and size breakdown
- Names or numbers list where required
Artwork Preparation FAQ
What is the best file format for a company logo?
AI, EPS, SVG or editable PDF is usually the strongest starting point because clean vector artwork can be resized without becoming blurry.
Can I use a PNG?
Yes. A high-resolution PNG with transparency can work well for DTF, DTG and other digital printing workflows.
Is a screenshot good enough?
Usually not as final production artwork. Screenshots are better used as references when the original file is unavailable.
What resolution should I use?
For raster artwork, around 300 pixels per inch at the intended final print size is a useful target for many shirt-printing workflows.
Should I convert fonts to outlines?
Yes, when sending editable vector artwork. This helps prevent font substitution when the printer does not have the same font installed.
Do I need to remove the background?
Remove it when the background should not be printed. A transparent background is especially important for many PNG-based print files.
Should I send exact print dimensions?
Yes. State the preferred width or height in centimetres and confirm whether the printer should scale it for smaller or larger garment sizes.
Can the printer fix my artwork?
Minor cleanup may be possible, but complex redrawing or logo recreation can require additional artwork work. Sending the original file is always better.
Prepare the Artwork Before Production Starts
Send the original file, shirt colour, quantity, size breakdown, print position and preferred print dimensions. Uniform Penang can help review whether the artwork is suitable for the intended printing method.
Continue Planning the Printing Order
Uniform Penang
Explore apparel, printing and artwork support.
Explore Uniform Penang →DTF Printing
Learn how full-colour detailed artwork is prepared for DTF.
Explore DTF printing →Silkscreen Printing
Compare simple separated-colour artwork for larger quantities.
Explore silkscreen →Sublimation Printing
Learn how full custom polyester artwork is planned by panel.
Explore sublimation →Printed Shirt Care
Learn how to care for shirts after printing is completed.
Open the care article →Which Method Lasts Longer?
Compare printing durability before choosing the method.
Compare printing methods →Adult and Kids Size Information
Plan garment sizes before confirming print dimensions.
Review size information →Contact Uniform Penang
Send the artwork, garment details, quantity and print position.
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