Which file to upload
- PNG for almost every design. It keeps edges sharp and supports transparency.
- JPG only for photos with a rectangular edge. It has no transparency and compresses fine detail.
- Other formats such as SVG, WebP or PDF need to be exported as PNG first. The studio accepts PNG and JPG files up to 15 MB.
If you can, design in a vector tool such as Illustrator, Affinity Designer, Inkscape or Figma, and export a large PNG at the end. Vector artwork can be exported at any size without losing quality.
Resolution and DPI
DPI (dots per inch) is how many pixels of your image land on each inch of fabric. Prints look crisp at about 300 DPI. The same file prints sharp when small and soft when stretched, so the pixels you need depend on the print size:
| Print width | Pixels needed at 300 DPI |
|---|---|
| 10 cm (4 in) | 1,200 px |
| 20 cm (8 in) | 2,400 px |
| 30 cm (12 in) | 3,600 px |
| 38 cm (15 in), a full T-shirt front | 4,500 px |
T-shirt print areas in the studio are up to about 4500 × 5100 pixels at 300 DPI, roughly 38 × 43 cm (15 × 17 in). Hoodie areas are smaller, especially on the front. The studio shows the exact area for the garment you pick.
The quality badge
Each image layer in the studio shows a quality badge for the size you have placed it at: Excellent at 250 DPI or more, Medium from 100 to 249 DPI and Low below 100. The badge updates as you resize. If a layer shows Medium or Low, make it smaller on the garment or upload a larger version.
Enlarging a small image in an editor does not add real detail. Upscaling tools can help with simple artwork, but check the result at 100% zoom before you upload it.
Transparent backgrounds
Everything in the image that is not transparent gets printed, including a white or coloured box behind your artwork. On a white shirt you might not notice it; on a black shirt it becomes a visible rectangle.
- Export as PNG with transparency turned on, and check the file against a dark background before uploading.
- The studio does not remove backgrounds for you, so remove them in your design tool.
- When the studio detects a solid background, it suggests a transparent PNG. If the background is part of the design, keep it.
Details that print well
- Lines and small text. Very thin lines and tiny letters can break up on fabric. Keep important strokes clearly visible at the printed size.
- Soft effects. Faint shadows, glows and semi-transparent pixels can print as a dull haze. Prefer solid colours.
- Edges. Zoom in on cut-out artwork and remove stray pixels or a light fringe around the edge.
- Colour. Screens emit light; fabric does not. Neon colours and subtle gradients look less vivid when printed, so test strong, simple colours first.
Upload checklist
- PNG, or JPG for a rectangular photo, under 15 MB.
- Transparent background, unless the background is part of the design.
- An Excellent quality badge on every image layer.
- Nothing important cut off at the edge of the printable area.
- Front and back checked on the mockup in every colour you offer.
Frequently asked questions
What resolution should a T-shirt design be?
300 DPI at the size it will print. For a full front that is about 4500 pixels across; for a small chest print about 1200 pixels across is enough.
Can I upload an SVG or a PDF?
Not directly. The studio accepts PNG and JPG, so export vector artwork as a large PNG first.
Why does my print look different from my screen?
Screens emit light and can show brighter colours than ink on fabric. The fabric’s colour and texture also affect the result. Strong contrast and solid colours give the most predictable prints.
Can I print on the sleeves?
Not on Dezajn at the moment. Designs can be printed on the front and the back.
