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Artwork Guidlines
Artwork Guide
Send Us the Right File.
Get your order right first time. This page tells you exactly what file formats we need, what resolution to use, and how to set up your colours — for screen printing, DTF, and embroidery.
Not sure about your file?
Send it to us and we'll check it free.
We'll let you know if anything needs fixing before it goes to print — no charge, no obligation.
Email Your Artwork →
01 — File Formats
What Files Do We Accept?
The short version: vector files are best for screen printing, high-res PNGs are great for DTF and embroidery. Here's the full breakdown.
Best for Screen Print
.AI
Adobe Illustrator
The gold standard. Vector-based, fully scalable, no quality loss at any size. Outline your fonts before sending.
- Fonts outlined
- CMYK colour mode
- Linked images embedded
Also Preferred
.EPS
Encapsulated PostScript
Vector format compatible with most design software. Works perfectly for logos and single-colour artwork.
- Fonts outlined
- CMYK or spot colour
- No embedded rasters
Best for DTF & Embroidery
.PNG
PNG (High Resolution)
Must be minimum 300dpi at print size. Transparent background required — white backgrounds cause problems.
- 300dpi minimum
- Transparent background
- RGB colour mode
.PDF
Acceptable if exported as a press-ready PDF with fonts embedded or outlined. Avoid low-quality web-export PDFs.
- Press-ready / print quality
- Fonts embedded or outlined
.PSD
Photoshop
Acceptable at 300dpi or above at final print size. Keep layers intact — flattened PSDs can lose important detail.
- 300dpi at print size
- Layers intact preferred
.JPG
JPEG — With Caution
Only usable if genuinely high resolution (300dpi+) at the required print size. Never stretched or upscaled.
- 300dpi minimum required
- No upscaling
- White background issues
02 — Resolution & Size
Resolution & Print Size
Minimum Resolution
300dpi at the final print size. If your design is 30cm wide in print, your file must be 300dpi at 30cm — not 300dpi at 10cm scaled up.
Check Your DPI
In Photoshop: Image → Image Size. Make sure "Resample" is OFF when checking — turning it on and bumping the number doesn't add real detail, it just fakes it.
Max Print Area
350mm wide × 450mm high for standard chest prints. Sleeve, back, and oversized prints available — just ask us.
A Good File
✓ Vector AI file at any size | ✓ PNG at 300dpi, 35cm wide, transparent background
A Bad File
✗ Screenshot from a website | ✗ Small logo dragged to a large canvas | ✗ WhatsApp image
03 — Colour Setup
Getting Your Colours Right
Colours on screen look different from colours on fabric. Here's how to avoid surprises.
Screen Printing — Spot Colours
Screen printing uses Pantone (PMS) spot colours. Each colour is a separate screen, so fewer colours = lower cost. Tell us your Pantone references if you have them — or we'll match as close as possible.
No Pantones? No problem. We'll advise on the closest match and flag anything that may print differently on fabric.
DTF Printing — Full Colour
Our Roland TY-300 DTF printer handles full colour, gradients, and photographic artwork. Files should be RGB with a transparent background — we handle the colour conversion on our end.
DTF is ideal for complex multi-colour designs and small-run orders where screen printing setup costs don't make sense.
Embroidery — Thread Colours
Embroidery uses thread rather than ink, so designs are converted to a stitch file. Keep designs bold — fine lines under 1mm and text under 5mm high won't embroider cleanly.
We'll send you a digital stitch preview before running any embroidery, so you can approve the conversion first.
White Ink
Printing on dark garments often needs a white underbase. This adds to the colour count on screen printing. On DTF, white ink is included automatically. On embroidery, white thread is standard.
If your design has white elements, flag it when you send artwork — we'll make sure it's handled correctly.
04 — Before You Send
Artwork Checklist
Run through this before emailing your file — it's the fastest way to avoid delays.
File format is AI, EPS, PDF, or high-res PNGVector preferred for screen printing. PNG at 300dpi+ for DTF and embroidery.
Resolution is 300dpi at actual print sizeNot 300dpi at thumbnail size. Check in Photoshop with Resample turned off.
Fonts are outlined (vector files)In Illustrator: Select All → Type → Create Outlines. Prevents font substitution on our end.
Background is transparent (PNG files)A white background will print as white on your garment — unless that's intentional.
You've told us print position & sizeCentre chest, left chest, full back, sleeve? And the approximate width you want.
Pantone references included (screen print)Or just say "match as close as possible" — we'll do the rest.
You've told us garment colour & styleThe garment colour affects how we set up white bases and ink choices.
You want a proof before we printWe always send a digital proof for approval. No surprises.
05 — No Design? No Problem
Don't have a file ready?
If you've got a rough idea, a logo on a business card, or just a description — we can work with that. Our in-house design team can build your artwork from scratch or clean up an existing file. Design assistance is included for straightforward jobs at no extra cost.
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on crafting captivating t-shirt printing designs at East London Printers. We will walk you through crucial artwork guidelines and specifications to ensure your designs are flawlessly translated onto your garments and create stunning prints.
General Artwork Guidelines for Garment Printing
For the best outcome with your T-shirt printing designs, it’s essential to adhere to these artwork and mockup guidelines. Following these recommendations not only enhances your print quality but also prevents unnecessary fees and delivery delays.Front Print Area Mockup:
Download T Shirt Mockup Templh1ate Here When it comes to the front of your t-shirt, you have two standard size choices: 1. Standard A4 Size: 21cm x 30cm 2. Large A3 Size: 30cm x 42cm Front Chest Print: Approx. 22cm wide in pro* Left Crest or chest: Approx. 10cm-12cm wide Bottom Front: Great for web address, my spaces ect. For smaller designs, consider the left chest area with dimensions up to 10cm x 10cm.Back Print Area:
Moving to the back of the T-shirt, focus on these dimensions: 1. Nape: 10cm x 10cm 2. Back Print Max Width: 30cm x 42cm Back Shoulders: Approx. 22cm wide in pro* Back A4: A4 Size PrintCap Templates
Artwork Preparation Information
Ensuring your t-shirt design artwork aligns with these specifications is vital to avoid complications. Deviating from these guidelines could result in additional charges and, worse, printing errors or delayed deliveries, something we aim to help you steer clear of.
Make sure your artwork file is set to the correct print size. If you have specific size requirements, provide a mock design with accurate print measurements in centimeters. This step streamlines proper print positioning.
Mock-Ups:
Please be aware that our mockups primarily serve to illustrate print positions. They may not precisely mirror your desired print size. To ensure accuracy, kindly share actual print measurements, and we’ll align our processes accordingly.
Artwork Origination:
For optimal results, we recommend using design software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Freehand, QuarkXPress, or Acrobat. Unfortunately, software like Microsoft Word or PowerPoint isn’t suitable for artwork origination, regardless of the file export method. Unless you supply us with an actual Print measurement we will use our standard print sizes.
File Format:
When saving your artwork, select from these formats: PDF, EPS, TIFF, or JPEG. Remember to incorporate a minimum 3mm bleed, set the resolution to 300 dpi, and maintain a CMYK color format. Avoid employing Microsoft Word and PowerPoint files, as they are not compatible with our printing processes.
Specific Colors and Pantones:
If you have specific color preferences or require Pantone color matching, kindly communicate these during the quote submission process. Sharing the relevant Pantone numbers will assist us in meeting your expectations precisely.
Important Note:
While we strive for excellence, we cannot be held accountable for any reduction in print quality due to incorrect artwork file specifications. Artwork received that is not in line with these specifications may be subject to amend charges.
East London Printers cannot accept responsibility for print errors or late deliveries where artwork has been supplied incorrectly or specified accordingly.
Please make sure that your artwork file is supplied at the correct print size or our standard print size will be used.
Also if your print sizes need to be specific, Please make sure that you supply us with a mock design and make sure that the correct print measurements are illustrated on your mock up in centimetres or it will be focused on print positioning only and not print size.
YOU MAY NEED MORE OR LESS, WE CAN QUOTE ON ANY NUMBER AND DISCOUNT FOR QUANTITIES OVER 250
We also print many types of promotional and gift items.