Artwork Guide
Get your file
print-ready.
Screen printing is a physical process. The quality of your print starts with the quality of your file. Here's exactly what we need, and what to avoid, so your order comes out perfect the first time.
Don't have print-ready artwork?
Our in-house design team handles everything from a quick file fix to full brand identity work. Starting at $45. See design services →
Accepted File Formats
Vector files are always preferred. They scale without any loss of quality. Raster files (PNG, PSD) work when they're high enough resolution, but vectors give us the cleanest separation for each color on press.
Vector. Fully editable, industry standard.
Vector. Universal and reliable. Save with bleeds off.
Raster. 300 DPI min at print size. Transparent bg preferred.
Raster. Include all layers. 300 DPI at print size.
Resolution Requirements
300 DPI
Minimum
At your final print size, not at thumbnail size.
600 DPI
Preferred
Needed for fine line work, small text, or detailed illustrations.
The most common mistake: measuring DPI at the wrong size
A file can say "300 DPI" in Photoshop but only be 2 inches wide. If your front print needs to be 12 inches wide, that same file would effectively print at 50 DPI, blurry and unusable. Check: is your file 300 DPI at the actual print dimensions?
Color Setup
Screen printing uses spot colors — each ink color is a separate physical screen burned and printed in sequence. This is different from inkjet or laser printing.
Each color = one screen = one cost
A 3-color design uses 3 screens. Count every ink color in your design, including black and white if they're printed. The shirt color itself doesn't count.
RGB is fine. We handle the conversion
Design in whatever color mode you like. We separate and convert to spot colors during prepress. Have specific Pantone references? Drop them in your order notes.
Maximum Print Size by Location
Your design can be any size within these limits. We confirm exact placement on your proof.
What Works vs What Doesn't
Works great
Clean vector logo, 1–4 spot colors
Prints sharp at any size. No resolution issues.
Bold type with outlined fonts
Renders exactly as designed. No font-missing surprises.
High-contrast graphic, flat fill areas
Ideal for screen printing. Separates cleanly.
High-res PNG at full print size, transparent background
300 DPI at the actual dimensions you need printed.
Halftone gradient (flagged in notes)
We convert fades to halftones. Just let us know it's in there.
Causes problems
Screenshot or photo of a design
72 DPI screen resolution. Looks fine on screen, prints blurry.
Logo downloaded from a website
Almost always low-res. Usually a JPEG with a white box baked in.
JPEG with white background
White box prints as a white box on the shirt — not invisible.
Full-color photo or thousands of colors
Screen printing isn't inkjet. Photos need conversion and discussion.
Word doc, PowerPoint, or Canva export
Not print formats. Export as a press-quality PDF first.
Ready to submit?
Upload your file in the configurator and our team reviews it before anything touches the press. Questions first? Just email us.