Practical guide
How to prepare your design files for custom apparel production
A print-ready file reduces revisions and ensures your design prints or embroiders the way you intended. This guide walks through resolution, color modes, fonts, and file formats so your artwork moves smoothly from screen to fabric.
01Start with vector files when possible
Vector files use mathematical paths instead of pixels, which means they scale to any size without losing detail. Logos, text, and simple graphics work best as vectors. Save your design as an AI, EPS, PDF, or SVG file from your design software. If you only have a raster image like a PNG or JPG, make sure it meets the resolution requirement in the next step. Vector files give the cleanest results for both printing and embroidery.
02Use at least 300 DPI for raster images
Raster files like PNG, JPG, or TIFF are made of pixels. For printing, your image should be at least 300 dots per inch at the actual print size. A design that will print 10 inches wide needs to be at least 3000 pixels wide. Images pulled from websites or social media are usually 72 DPI and will look blurry when enlarged. Check your file dimensions and resolution in your image editor before uploading. Low-resolution files cannot be fixed after the fact.
03Convert text to outlines or embed fonts
If your design includes text, either convert the text layers to outlines or embed the fonts in the file. This prevents font substitution errors when we open your file. In most design software, you can select text layers and choose an option like "Create Outlines" or "Convert to Paths." Once converted, the text becomes a shape and cannot be edited as type, so save a separate editable version for yourself before converting. Embedded fonts are less common but work if your software supports them.
| Format | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AI, EPS, PDF (vector) | Logos, text, simple graphics | Scales to any size; preferred for embroidery digitizing |
| PNG (high-res raster) | Full-color artwork with transparency | Minimum 300 DPI at print size; supports transparent backgrounds |
| SVG (vector) | Web-based designs or icon libraries | Works well but may need adjustment if exported from web tools |
| JPG (raster) | Photos or artwork without transparency | Minimum 300 DPI; adds a white rectangle if background is not removed |
| PSD (layered raster) | Complex artwork with editable layers | Flatten or export as PNG at 300 DPI before uploading |
When in doubt, go bigger
If you are unsure whether your file is high enough resolution, export it larger than you think you need. We can scale a file down without quality loss, but we cannot add detail to a low-resolution image. A file that is too large is easier to fix than one that is too small.
04Use RGB for DTF printing, limit colors for embroidery
DTF printing handles full-color RGB files and reproduces gradients, photos, and complex artwork accurately. You can use any color palette. Embroidery works best with simple designs that use fewer than eight solid colors because each color requires a separate thread. Gradients and fine details do not translate well to stitching. If you plan to embroider, simplify your design to solid shapes and reduce the color count. We will digitize the design and send a proof showing how it will stitch.
05Remove backgrounds and trim excess canvas
Make sure your design has a transparent background if it is meant to sit on the fabric without a rectangle around it. PNG files support transparency; JPG files do not. Also trim any empty space around your design so the canvas matches the actual artwork boundaries. Excess canvas makes it harder to judge size and placement. In your design software, crop the artboard or canvas to the edges of your design before exporting.
06Export at the correct dimensions
Measure or estimate the final print size you want on the garment. A chest logo is often 4 to 5 inches wide; a full front design might be 12 inches wide. Export your file at that size or larger, not smaller. Scaling a small file up introduces blur. If you are unsure of the right size, upload your design and describe where you want it placed; we will suggest dimensions and send a proof showing the layout on the garment.
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Write through the contact form to upload your design, describe what you need, or ask about production options. We reply within one business day with a proof and quote.