Best File Format For T-Shirt Printing

When it comes to the best (or most suitable) file format for t-shirt printing, it's normally dependent on the quantity required. The guide below, should provide you with all you need to know for orders both big and small.

For Small Orders

(For orders of less than 50 products per design)

On an order of this size we’ll more than likely DTG Print your design.

File Requirements

• PNG, PSD or AI file with transparent background
• RGB colour settings
• Minimum of 150dpi
• Artwork sized to actual print dimensions (maximum print size 400x500mm)
• The maximum print size on most womens garments is 250x300mm so please scale all artwork smaller if printing onto womens garments & mens.
• Artwork in the colours you want it printed (don’t worry if it’s white on a white background we’ll find the design).

Please avoid poor quality pixelated artwork, faded edges, drop shadows, glows and transparencies. Any pixelation will come out worse when printed than it looks on screen. You’ll find our transparency guide here.

Anything in the file will be printed so ensure that the background is clean of any stray pixels.

If printing onto 100% Polyester (eg. sportswear) we require Adobe Illustrator files, with the artwork sized to the actual print dimensions.

Please note on this quantity Pantone matching isn’t possible – we’ll endeavour to print as close to your artwork colours as the process allows.

If all-over dye sublimation printing onto t-shirts, please get in touch for a template (only applicable where all-over printing is required).

For Large Orders

(For orders of 50+ products per design)

On an order of this size we’ll more than likely Screen Print your design, unless it’s a design with lots of shades or colours like a photograph.

File Requirements

• Adobe Illustrator file
• CMYK or Pantone colour settings
• Artwork sized to actual print dimensions (maximum print size 340mm x 480mm)
• The maximum print size on most womens garments is 250x300mm so please scale all artwork smaller if printing onto womens garments & mens.
• Artwork in the colours you want it printed (don’t worry if it’s white on a white background we’ll find the design).

We only print using vector artwork for this process (Adobe Illustrator file). Read more about vector art here.

If your file is not in vector format, we can re-draw this for you, but do charge a small fee for this service. If you are unsure on whether your artwork is in vector format, head over to our vector guide here.

If all-over dye sublimation printing onto t-shirts, please get in touch for a template (only applicable where all-over printing is required).

Conclusion

This guide should see you in good stead when printing with us; if you're printing with another company assuming they're using the same high quality processes as us the file format requirements will likely be the same (or similar), however, it is always worth checking to be sure.
We provide digital mockups with all orders made through our Online Shop, so whether it's printed t-shirts, or tote bags you're after, you can ensure you're 100% happy with everything before anything goes to production. Unlike many printers a print expert will also check over your design files, to ensure they're suitable for print, ensuring no nasty surprises when your products arrive.

If you're still worried about file formats for printing, just get in touch with our team - we're always happy to help!