Set your project up for the best results
Artwork Guidelines
Great custom apparel starts with great artwork. Here’s everything you need to know about submitting files that get the best results — no back-and-forth required.
Don’t have your artwork ready yet? No problem. Send us what you have and we’ll let you know what we need. We can also help with simple design cleanup and formatting.
What We Accept
Vector Files
PreferredVector files use mathematical paths instead of pixels, so they scale to any size without losing quality. These are the gold standard for embroidery digitizing and screen printing.
Tip
If your logo was professionally designed, you should have vector files. Ask your designer for the .AI or .EPS source file.
High-Res Raster Files
AcceptedRaster (pixel-based) images work well for DTF heat transfer and can be used for embroidery and screen printing if the resolution is high enough. We need at least 300 DPI at the size it will be printed.
Tip
A crisp image on your phone screen doesn't mean it's high resolution. Check the file size — a good logo file is usually at least 1 MB.
Files We Can't Use
AvoidFiles pulled from websites, social media, or pasted into Word documents are almost always too low-resolution. We need the original source file, not a copy of a copy.
Tip
Right-clicking and saving an image from your website typically gives you a 72 DPI file — that's 4x too low for print.
What Each Method Needs
Embroidery
Ideal Format
Vector (.AI, .EPS, .SVG)
Also Accepted
High-res PNG/JPG (300+ DPI)
Colors
Up to 15 thread colors per design
Minimum Detail
~1mm line width / ~6pt text minimum
Your design gets digitized (converted to stitch data). Clean, simple artwork with solid colors produces the best results. Fine details under 1mm may not translate well to thread.
Screen Printing
Ideal Format
Vector (.AI, .EPS, .SVG)
Also Accepted
High-res PNG at 300+ DPI
Colors
1-6 colors typical (each adds cost)
Minimum Detail
~0.5mm line width / ~6pt text minimum
Each color is a separate screen. Designs with fewer solid colors are the most cost-effective. Halftones and gradients are possible but require experienced setup.
DTF Heat Transfer
Ideal Format
High-res PNG (300+ DPI, transparent bg)
Also Accepted
Vector files, high-res JPG
Colors
Unlimited — full CMYK color
Minimum Detail
Photo-quality detail possible
DTF handles full color, photos, and gradients beautifully. Send the highest resolution file you have. PNG with transparent background is ideal so there's no white box around your design.
Chainstitch
Ideal Format
Vector (.AI, .EPS, .SVG)
Also Accepted
Clear reference image or hand sketch
Colors
1-3 thread colors typical
Minimum Detail
Bold strokes and lettering preferred
Chainstitch is hand-guided, so clean lettering and bold shapes work best. We can work from a sketch or reference photo — the operator traces the design freehand.
Common Sizes & Placement
| Placement | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Left Chest | 3.5" x 3.5" | Standard logo placement on polos and button-downs |
| Full Front | 10" x 12" | Center chest graphic on t-shirts and hoodies |
| Full Back | 12" x 14" | Back print on t-shirts, hoodies, and jackets |
| Hat Front | 2.5" x 2.5" | Structured cap front panel |
| Sleeve | 3" x 3" | Upper arm placement on sleeves |
| Nape / Back Neck | 2" x 1" | Small tag or wordmark below collar |
These are standard sizes. Custom sizing is always available — just let us know what you need.
Common Mistakes & Quick Fixes
The Mistake
Sending a tiny logo from your email signature
The Fix
Email signatures use ~72 DPI images. Send the original file from your designer, not the version embedded in your email.
The Mistake
Screenshot of your logo from a website or PDF
The Fix
Screenshots capture at screen resolution (72-144 DPI). Download the actual file, or ask your designer for the vector source.
The Mistake
Logo pasted inside a Word or PowerPoint document
The Fix
Office apps compress images. Send the standalone image file (.PNG, .AI, .EPS) — not embedded in a document.
The Mistake
Sending a JPEG with a white background for embroidery
The Fix
We can work with this, but it adds cleanup time. If possible, send a PNG with a transparent background or the vector file.
The Mistake
Expecting exact Pantone color matching from a phone photo
The Fix
We match thread and ink colors to Pantone or the closest available match. Include your Pantone numbers if you have them, or we'll match to your file as closely as possible.
The Mistake
Very thin lines or tiny text in an embroidery design
The Fix
Thread has physical width. Text under ~6pt and lines under ~1mm often fill in or become unreadable. We'll flag this during digitizing and suggest adjustments.
Artwork Checklist
Send us your artwork.
Not sure if your file is good enough? Just send it — we’ll let you know.
Send Us Your Files