How To Prepare Your Design For Printing

Getting your file specs right is only half the job — here's the full pre-print checklist we walk every order through before production starts.

1. The Design Approval Step

Before any printing begins, we send a formal proof for your approval — this is your last chance to catch typos, spacing issues, or anything that looks off before it's permanently printed on fabric.

2. Reviewing a Digital Mockup

A digital mockup shows your design on the actual garment color and style you've chosen — always check it at real scale rather than zoomed in, since scale changes how a design reads.

3. Color and Placement Check

Confirm exact placement (chest, back, sleeve) and check that colors have enough contrast against your chosen garment — screen colors can look different from the final printed result.

4. Getting to Final Sign-Off

Once you're happy with the mockup, placement, and colors, a final written sign-off moves your order into production — changes after this point may involve a reprint cost.

💡 Pro Tip

Have at least one other person review the final mockup with you before signing off — a second pair of eyes often catches small details you've stopped noticing after looking at the same design repeatedly.

Key Takeaways

Always review a formal proof before production begins.
Check mockups at real scale, not zoomed in.
Confirm placement and color contrast before final sign-off.
Changes after sign-off may involve a reprint cost.
A second reviewer often catches details you've missed.

Yes, every order gets a proof for approval before production.

Yes, changes before sign-off are part of the normal process.

Contact us immediately — resolution depends on production status.

Usually same-day once you respond to the proof.

Yes, we can show mockups on a few color options if needed.

No, digital mockups are a standard part of our process.

Whoever is authorized on your account or order.

Yes, either works for formal sign-off.

Your order moves into production according to the agreed timeline.

Rarely, and typically at additional cost — approval is the key checkpoint.

Priya Sharma

Design Lead at TShirtPrintLondon, overseeing proofing and quality control on every order.

In This Article

1. The Design Approval Step

2. Reviewing a Digital Mockup

3. Color and Placement Check