Artwork and File Preparation for Printing on Clothing: What to Send

Clean artwork gives a cleaner print. These answers explain file types, resolution, colour and what a proof is, so you know what to send.

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Is PNG or JPG better for printing a logo on clothing?

PNG is usually the better choice for a logo, mainly because it can hold a transparent background and sharp edges. A JPG cannot be transparent, so its background, often white, becomes part of the image. JPGs are also compressed, which can leave fuzzy marks around letters. If a vector version of the logo exists, that is better still. Send whatever you have and ask whether it needs adjusting.

What is a vector file and do I need one?

A vector file (commonly AI, SVG or EPS, and some PDFs) stores shapes as mathematical lines instead of pixels, so it can be enlarged without going blurry. It is not essential, but it is ideal for logos and text-based designs. If a designer made your logo, they probably have one. If you only have a normal image, that can still often be used, depending on how clean it is.

Can I send a PDF for printing on clothing?

Often, yes, but it depends on what is inside. A PDF can contain a crisp vector design or just a flattened low-resolution picture, and from the outside they look identical. Check that text is outlined or that fonts are embedded, and that images inside are good quality. If you are unsure, send it with the original image or logo file as well, and the team will say if it needs adjusting.

What resolution does artwork need, and is 300 DPI enough?

For image-based artwork, 300 DPI at the size it will actually be printed is the commonly recommended standard. A design that is 10 cm wide, for instance, needs a lot more pixels than the same image shown small on a screen. Resolution is about pixels per print size, not just the file's DPI label, so changing the setting alone will not improve a small image.

How do I get a transparent background on my logo?

Save or export the logo as a PNG with transparency switched on, or ask whoever made it for a transparent PNG or vector version. A checkerboard pattern behind the logo in your editor usually means the background is genuinely transparent. A white background that merely looks transparent is not the same thing, and can print as a box. Avoid semi-transparent effects such as soft shadows, which print unpredictably.

Do I need to outline my fonts before sending artwork?

It is good practice if your file contains live text. Converting text to outlines (or curves) turns letters into shapes, so the design looks the same on any computer, even without the font installed. Without it, a missing font can be swapped for a different one. Keep an editable copy for yourself, and if you are not sure how to outline text, mention it and send the font name as well.

Can you print a logo from a screenshot?

It can sometimes work, but a screenshot is rarely the best source. Web images and screenshots are low resolution, so they often print soft or pixelated when enlarged for a garment. Look for the original logo file instead, from a designer, a previous print order or a brand asset page. If a screenshot is all you have, send it and the team can say whether it will hold up at your chosen size.

Can I print a photo on a T-shirt, and how good does it need to be?

Photos can be printed, but quality matters more than with a simple logo. Use the original from your camera or phone rather than a copy sent through social media or messaging, as those are usually compressed. Sharp, well-lit images with strong contrast print best. Dark or busy backgrounds can look muddy on a garment, and a very small or blurry photo will not improve when enlarged.

Should my artwork be RGB or CMYK?

Screens use RGB and printers use ink, so some conversion usually happens. Designing in CMYK or checking a CMYK preview helps you see colours closer to how they will print. Very bright, saturated screen colours, such as neon greens and electric blues, may look duller in print. It is not a reason to panic, but it is worth knowing before you approve a design.

Can you match an exact brand colour when printing?

Colours can be matched closely but not always exactly. Garment colour, the ink layers, the printer and the conversion from a screen colour all affect the result, so a colour on your monitor and the finished print can differ. Saying which colour matters most, and supplying a reference code or sample if you have one, helps the team advise honestly. For critical colours, ask what is realistic before you commit.

What size should a chest print be?

As a rough guide, a left-chest logo is commonly about 9 to 10 cm wide, while a full-front design is often around 25 to 30 cm wide. These vary with garment size, style and design, so treat them as starting points. A larger print on a small garment can look cramped, and a tiny one on a big hoodie can look lost. Tell us the garment and where you want it.

How thin can lines be and how small can text be?

Very fine detail is a common reason for prints looking weak. One DTF guide suggests keeping lines to at least about 0.5 mm, and another warns that text much smaller than roughly 8 to 10 point is risky, though suppliers differ. Thin strokes can fade or break up, especially in light colours on dark fabric. If your design has tiny writing, send it for a view or make it bolder.

Can a low-quality image be upscaled for printing?

Enlarging a small image does not add real detail, so upscaling usually leaves it looking blurry or blocky, even if the DPI number goes up. Software can smooth the result, but it cannot fully recover what was never there. The better fix is to find the original, or ask a designer to redraw a simple logo as a vector. If that is not possible, the team can advise whether it will do.

What is a proof, and why does it matter?

A proof is a visual preview of how your design will look on the garment, showing placement, size, colours and wording before anything is printed. It is your chance to catch spelling mistakes, the wrong logo version or a design sitting too low. A proof is a guide to the layout, and screen colours will not match the print exactly. FabricForge sends a visual proof before printing.

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