Artwork FAQ — What File Type Do I Need for Custom Shirt Printing?

Artwork FAQ — What File Do I Need for Custom Apparel Printing?

Artwork is one of the most common sources of confusion and delays in custom apparel orders. This page answers the most common questions about file types, resolution, artwork preparation, and what to do if you don’t have the right files.

Main Street Shirt Company has a professional graphic arts background. Artwork preparation and design are done in-house — we can often help even if your files aren’t print-ready.

File Types

What file type should I send for shirt printing?

The ideal file type depends on the print method:

  • Screen printing: Vector files (AI, EPS, SVG, or PDF from a vector source) are preferred. These files contain mathematically defined shapes that can be scaled to any size without quality loss and allow clean color separation for screen production.
  • DTF printing: High-resolution PNG files with a transparent background (300 DPI or higher at print size) are ideal. Vector files also work.
  • Embroidery: Vector files or high-resolution PNG. The file will be digitized into an embroidery stitch format by our team.

What is a vector file?

A vector file stores artwork as mathematical paths and shapes rather than pixels. This means the file can be scaled to any size — from a 1-inch label to a billboard — without losing clarity. Common vector formats include AI (Adobe Illustrator), EPS, SVG, and PDF (when the PDF was saved from a vector application like Illustrator). Vector files are the standard in commercial printing because they produce the cleanest output at any size.

What is the difference between a vector file and a raster file?

A raster file (JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP) stores artwork as a grid of individual pixels. When you scale a raster image larger than its original resolution, the pixels become visible and the image looks blurry or blocky. A vector file uses mathematical paths instead of pixels and remains sharp at any size. For most print production work, vector files are preferred.

Can I send a JPEG?

Sometimes — but with important caveats. A high-resolution JPEG (300 DPI or more at actual print size) of a simple design may work for some applications. However, JPEG files use lossy compression that adds visible artifacts around edges and in solid color areas, which can reduce print quality. JPEG files also cannot have transparent backgrounds. For best results, a PNG (with transparency) or a vector file is preferred over JPEG.

Can I send a PDF?

Yes — if the PDF was originally created from a vector application like Adobe Illustrator or InDesign. A PDF that was saved from a vector source retains the vector data and is an excellent file for print production. A PDF that was created by exporting or scanning a raster image is essentially a container around a low-quality image and will not produce print-ready results.

Resolution and Image Quality

What resolution does my image need to be for shirt printing?

For raster files used in DTF or direct printing, the minimum acceptable resolution is 300 DPI (dots per inch) at the actual print size. This is not 300 DPI at a small size — it must be 300 DPI at the size it will actually be printed. A 1-inch image at 300 DPI that gets enlarged to 10 inches becomes effectively 30 DPI, which is unusably blurry.

Why can’t I just use the logo from our website?

Website images are typically 72–96 DPI and sized for screen display, not print. They are usually far too low-resolution for quality print production. A logo that looks sharp on a website may print fuzzy, pixelated, or blurry on a shirt. If your only source is a website image, you will likely need artwork to be redrawn in vector format.

Can I screenshot my logo and send that?

No. Screenshots and screen captures are low-resolution raster images that are not suitable for print production. They are usually 72 DPI and contain compression artifacts from the screen rendering. A logo screenshot cannot produce a clean print result.

Color and Design

What color mode should my file be in?

For screen printing, artwork should be in spot color format with each color on its own layer or channel. For DTF printing, RGB color mode is standard. CMYK is also acceptable for DTF. If you’re using Pantone colors, provide the Pantone color numbers and we will match as closely as possible with available inks or thread.

How many colors can my design have?

For screen printing, our press handles up to 6 colors. Each color in the design adds to the setup cost. For DTF printing, there is no color limit — full-color and photographic artwork are handled at a flat cost based on print area, not color count.

Does white count as a color in screen printing?

Yes. If your design uses white ink (common on dark shirts), white counts as one color in the screen printing color count. On light-colored shirts, the shirt itself serves as the white, so no white ink is needed.

What about copyrighted designs?

We cannot print officially licensed artwork (NFL, NBA, NCAA, Disney, Marvel, and similar) without a licensing agreement. We can print school mascots and original artwork. If you’re submitting a design and you’re unsure about trademark or copyright status, contact us before placing the order. We will not knowingly print infringing artwork.

Artwork Preparation and Design Help

What if I don’t have a vector file?

Our in-house design team can evaluate your existing artwork and either prepare it for production or redraw it in vector format. Simple redraws (a clean logo with basic shapes and text) are often included at no charge or for a modest fee. Complex custom illustration work is priced based on scope. Contact us with what you have and we’ll tell you what we can do.

Do you provide graphic design services?

Yes. Main Street Shirt Company has a professional graphic arts background. We can create original artwork, redraw existing logos, and prepare artwork for production. This is a genuine in-house capability — not an outsourced service. For large or complex original design projects, a design fee will apply.

What is print-ready artwork?

Print-ready artwork meets all technical requirements for production without requiring modifications. For screen printing, this means: vector file at correct size, colors on separate layers, correct color mode, no raster effects. For DTF, this means: high-resolution PNG with transparent background, correct size, RGB color. If you’re not sure if your artwork is print-ready, send it to us and we’ll evaluate it.

How do I know what size my design should be?

Standard print locations and sizes:

  • Full front t-shirt print: Approximately 12–14 inches wide for adults
  • Left chest logo: Approximately 3.5–4 inches wide
  • Back print: Approximately 12–14 inches wide for adults
  • Cap front panel: Approximately 2.5–3.5 inches wide

When in doubt, tell us what you want to achieve and we’ll set the size appropriately.

Questions about your artwork? Send your file to info@mainstreetshirtcompany.com and we’ll evaluate it and let you know if anything needs to be adjusted.