The short version

Upload a PNG at 300 DPI with a transparent background, sized exactly to the dimensions you want printed. That handles 90% of the work.

The other 10% matters when designs are large, complex, or going on hundreds of sheets. Here's the rundown.

Resolution and sizing

DPI minimums

300 DPI. The standard. Crisp edges, fine detail holds.

150 DPI. Acceptable for prints over 12 inches wide, where viewing distance is further.

Below 150 DPI. We'll flag it. Either upscale carefully or send the source vector.

Canvas size equals print size

Set your canvas to the exact dimensions you want printed. A 6 by 6 inch left chest design should be a 1800 by 1800 pixel PNG at 300 DPI. We don't scale up uncertain files because too much detail goes missing.

File formats we accept

PNG. Default. Transparent background, 8 bit color, lossless.

SVG. Web native vector. Works for simple shapes and logos.

AI. Vector art that holds at any size. Embed fonts or outline them before sending.

That's the list. We don't accept PDF, PSD, JPG, or other formats. If your art lives somewhere else, export it to PNG at 300 DPI first.

Max file size is 200 MB. If your file is larger, email us and we'll set up a transfer link.

Color

Upload in RGB. We profile convert in production using a calibrated CMYK ink profile. Don't pre convert to CMYK in Photoshop because it loses range and our profile handles it better.

Backgrounds and transparency

Transparent background. Required. Anything that's not your design should be transparent, not white.

No drop shadows. Soft shadows print as gradient halos. Bake them into the design as solid shapes or leave them out.

No glow effects. Outer glows print but lose intensity and look muddy. Skip them.

Lines and detail

Minimum line weight

Lines under 1 point (0.35 mm) will print but may look thin. Lines under 0.5 point may not hold consistently across the run.

Small text

Body text below 6 point may lose legibility. For best results, set text at 8 point minimum.

Halftones and gradients

Both print well. Halftones at 45 lpi or higher hold. Gradients render smooth as long as they're not banding in your source file.

Gangsheet layout

If you're submitting a gangsheet, leave at least 0.25 inches between designs for clean cuts. Standard sheet is 22 by 24 inches. Custom goes up to 22 by 60.

You can use our gangsheet builder (link from the product page) or submit a pre laid out PNG. Either works.

What we'll flag before press

Resolution below tolerance for the requested size. RGB out of gamut colors that won't translate. Fonts not embedded or outlined. Transparency issues, like white background where transparent was expected. Designs cropped at sheet edges. Shadows or glows that won't translate well.

You'll get a heads up email when we spot something. We don't move to press until you confirm or send a fix.

Not sure?

Send the file before you order. Email us with your art and we'll review it free during business hours.