Preparing artwork for T-shirt printing is more than sending a logo by email. The printer needs a file that preserves the design at the intended size, shows which colors matter, and makes placement clear. A few checks before you request a quote can prevent delays and avoidable changes during sampling.
Start with the Intended Print Method
Tell the supplier whether you are considering screen printing, DTF, DTG, sublimation, or another decoration method. Each process handles fine detail, gradients, fabric colors, and large areas differently. If you are not sure which method fits, send the artwork and garment details first and ask for a recommendation.
Include the shirt fabric and color in the brief. A design intended for a cotton tee may need different preparation for polyester or a blend. GOWDL lists multiple custom T-shirt fabrics and printing options; confirm the method for the exact style rather than assuming every process suits every garment.
Choose a File That Matches the Artwork
For logos, line art, and designs with clean shapes, ask whether a vector file such as AI, EPS, or print-ready PDF is preferred. Vector artwork can be resized without the pixel edges associated with a small raster image. For photographic or textured artwork, provide a high-quality raster file at the intended print size. A small image copied from a website or chat may look sharp on a phone but break up when enlarged.
If the design needs a transparent background, make sure the file actually has transparency rather than a white rectangle behind it. Include a separate preview so the supplier can see how you expect the design to look on the garment. Do not flatten important layers if the printer needs editable colors or separate elements.
Check Fonts, Colors and Fine Details
Fonts can change when a file is opened on a different computer. Convert text to outlines or include the font file if the production team requests it. Before outlining, save an editable copy so you can make future revisions.
Specify brand colors with a reference such as a Pantone code or a physical swatch when color consistency matters. Screen previews cannot guarantee an exact match on fabric. Ask how the printer will confirm color on the chosen material and approve a sample under ordinary lighting.
Zoom in on tiny text, thin lines, and small gaps. Some details that are visible on a monitor may not reproduce cleanly at the final print size. Ask the printer to identify any elements that need to be enlarged or simplified rather than discovering the limitation after production starts.
Include a Clear Placement Brief
State the print width and height, the position on the shirt, and the distance from a reference point such as the collar or side seam. Provide a mockup for visual direction, but treat written dimensions as the production reference. Mention whether the same artwork should scale across garment sizes or remain a fixed size.
- Artwork file and a clear preview image.
- Print method, if already decided, or a request for advice.
- Garment model, fabric, color, and size range.
- Print dimensions, placement, and any color reference.
- Quantity, size breakdown, and required sample date.
Approve a Sample Before Bulk Printing
Review a physical sample for placement, scale, edge quality, color, hand feel, and alignment. Wash it according to the intended care instructions if long-term appearance is important. Keep the approved artwork version and sample as a reference for repeat orders. If you are choosing a base garment, compare available ready-stock T-shirts before approving decoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send a logo as a PNG?
Often, yes, if the image is large and clear enough for the intended print size and has the correct background. Ask the printer for its preferred format before finalizing the file.
Do I need to convert the file to CMYK?
Follow the printer’s color workflow. Apparel decoration methods do not all use the same color setup, so ask before converting or changing the file.
Send artwork with the garment, print method, dimensions, and placement in mind. A clear brief lets the supplier flag technical issues early and makes sample approval much smoother.
