Most disappointing custom prints are not caused by the printer. They are caused by the artwork file. A logo that looks perfect on a phone screen can print blurred, pixelated, or with the wrong colors, because a screen hides problems that a print reveals. Good artwork preparation takes ten minutes and prevents nearly every common failure. The rules are simple: high resolution, clean background, correct colors, and a proof checked slowly.
Resolution is the first rule. Supply artwork at 300 dots per inch at the exact size it will be printed. A design that will be printed 30 centimeters wide must be 30 centimeters wide at 300 dots per inch, not a small image stretched to fit. Stretching a small image does not add detail; it spreads the existing pixels thinner, and the print looks soft or blocky. Images taken from social media, messaging apps, and websites are usually compressed and low resolution, and they are the most common source of poor prints. Always use the original file, not a screenshot or a forwarded copy.
File Formats and Backgrounds
For printing, PNG with a transparent background is the safest everyday format. It preserves detail, keeps edges clean, and lets the fabric show through where the design should be empty. Vector files, such as SVG, AI, or EPS, are even better for logos, because they can be resized to any size without losing sharpness. For embroidery, the maker will convert the logo into a stitch file, so supply the cleanest logo you have and expect the digitizer to simplify fine detail. Avoid JPG files for logos with sharp edges, because JPG compression creates halos and rough edges around text, and avoid files with a white box baked in when the garment is dark.
Remove the background properly. A logo on a white rectangle will print as a white rectangle on a dark shirt, which is the most avoidable mistake in custom printing. Use a proper background removal tool or ask the designer for a transparent version, and zoom in to check the edges for leftover color fringes. Keep text as text where possible, or supply it at high resolution with a margin around it, so nothing important sits at the very edge of the print area.
Colors, Placement, and the Proof
- Use the exact brand colors, and tell the maker the color codes if you have them.
- Remember that screen colors look brighter than print colors; ask for a color check on dark fabric.
- Keep important text and details away from seams, folds, and the print edge.
- Check spelling, phone numbers, and dates character by character on the proof.
- Confirm the print size and position in centimeters, not by guessing from a photo.
The proof is your last chance to catch errors, so treat it as a final inspection, not a formality. View it at full size, check it in good light, and have a second person read it. Once production starts, a spelling error becomes part of every garment. Supply clean artwork, approve the proof slowly, and the print will match the design you imagined. If you need help preparing a file, ask through the contact page before you order, and start your design in the print on demand studio.