The quality of your printed transfer depends heavily on the file you send us. Here's a plain-English breakdown of what matters and why.
File Types
Best — Vector (SVG, PDF, EPS, AI)
Vector files are made from math, not pixels. That means they're infinitely sharp no matter how big or small you print. If you have a logo in vector format, always use it.
Great — PNG
PNG is the go-to for most people. It supports transparent backgrounds (no white box around your design) and keeps sharp edges on text and logos. Just make sure it's high resolution — see the DPI section below.
OK for Photos — JPG / JPEG
JPG is fine for full-color photos, but it doesn't support transparency — your design will always have a white or colored background. It also compresses the image slightly, which can cause blurry edges on text or thin lines.
Avoid — Screenshots & Upscaled Files
Screenshots from a phone or web browser are usually 72 DPI — way too low for printing. Blowing them up with an AI upscaler adds pixels but not real detail. Garbage in, garbage out.
Transparency
Think of transparency like a cutout. When your design has a transparent background, the transfer blends directly onto the shirt — no visible border. When the background is white (or any solid color), you'll see that color as a "box" on the garment.
For DTF transfers: always use PNG with a transparent background. If your file has a white background and you want it removed, reach out to us — we can clean it up for a small art fee.
DPI & Resolution
DPI stands for dots per inch — it's how many pixels are packed into each inch of your printed design. More dots = sharper image.
72
Screen only
Will print blurry
150
Borderline
May look soft
300+
Print quality
Sharp & crisp
A quick way to check: in Photoshop go to Image → Image Size. On your phone, a photo from a modern camera is usually high enough — but logos copied from a website almost never are.
Size & Dimensions
Your file needs to be large enough to cover the print area at 300 DPI. Here's a simple formula:
Print width (inches) × 300 = pixel width needed Example: 12" wide design → needs at least 3,600 px wide
Scaling up doesn't help. Stretching a 500 px image to 3,600 px just makes a blurry 500 px image — it doesn't create real detail. Always start from the highest-resolution source you have.
Color Accuracy
Your screen shows colors in RGB — a mix of red, green, and blue light. Printers use CMYK — cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink. These two systems don't cover the same range of colors, so what looks vivid on screen may print slightly different.
RGB (Screen)
Wider range. Neons and electric colors look great on screens. Designed for light emitting from a display.
CMYK (Print)
Narrower range. Some RGB colors — especially neons and electric blues — can't be replicated with ink and will print darker or more muted.
Most designs print just fine. But if your brand relies on very specific colors (Pantone colors, neons, electric hues), send us a note and we can flag anything that's likely to shift before we print.
Text & Fine Details
Small text and thin lines are the hardest things to print cleanly. A few rules of thumb:
Minimum font size: ~8–10pt at print dimensions. Anything smaller tends to fill in or become unreadable.
Outline your fonts before exporting (Illustrator: Type → Create Outlines). This prevents missing-font issues and locks in your exact letterforms.
Avoid hairline strokes. Strokes thinner than 0.5pt at print size can disappear entirely. Bump them up or remove them.
White text on transparent background can be tricky to see in the builder — zoom in to verify it's there before submitting.
When in doubt, zoom your design to 100% and squint. If details look muddy at that size, they'll print that way too.
Pre-Submit Checklist
Run through this before you upload:
File is PNG (or SVG/PDF/EPS/AI for vector art)
Background is transparent — no white box
Resolution is 200 DPI or better (raster/PNG/JPG only — vectors are always sharp)
Pixel dimensions match the intended print size at 200+ DPI
Fonts are outlined / converted to paths
No hairline strokes (all strokes ≥ 0.5pt at print size)
File was NOT stretched from a small original
Bright neon or Pantone colors noted if exact match is important (if applicable)
Watch & Learn
Vector vs. Raster — File Types for Printing
DPI & Resolution — What You Need for Print on Demand
DTF File Prep — How to Size & Prep Images for DTF Transfers
Color Accuracy — RGB vs CMYK for Print on Demand
Text & Fonts — How to Outline Fonts for T-Shirt Printing
Still not sure about your file? Send us a message — we'll take a look before you place your order.
WORK
Portfolio
Our Work
Every project tells a story. Browse our portfolio of custom apparel, laser-engraved gifts, custom hats, and personalized products — all crafted right here in Hollister, CA.
