Prepare Print Ready Artwork – tshirtprintlondon.co.uk

Designer preparing artwork file for printing

The right file format and resolution can be the difference between a crisp print and a blurry one. Here's what our print team actually needs from you.

1. Accepted File Formats

We accept PNG, JPG, PDF, AI, and PSD files. Vector formats (AI, EPS, SVG) are ideal since they scale to any size without losing quality — especially important for large prints or embroidery digitizing.

2. Resolution Requirements

For raster images (PNG/JPG), aim for at least 300 DPI at the actual print size. A logo that looks sharp on screen at 72 DPI can appear pixelated once printed at 12 inches wide.

3. Color Modes Explained

Screen printing works from spot/Pantone colors, while DTF and DTG use full CMYK color. If brand color accuracy matters, provide Pantone references alongside your file.

4. Common Artwork Mistakes

The most frequent issues we see are low-resolution logos pulled from websites, text converted to raster instead of vector/outlines, and designs that bleed outside the printable area without margin.

💡 Pro Tip

If you only have a small logo image, ask our design team — we can often trace it into a clean vector file at no extra cost.

File Type	Best For	Notes
AI / EPS / SVG (Vector)	Logos, embroidery	Scales without quality loss
PSD	Complex photo edits	Editable layers
PNG (300 DPI+)	Full-color designs	Transparent background support
PDF	Print-ready files	Universal, preserves layout

Key Takeaways

Vector files (AI/EPS/SVG) are ideal for logos and embroidery.
Raster images need at least 300 DPI at final print size.
Provide Pantone references for exact brand color matching.
Avoid pulling logos directly from low-resolution websites.
Our design team can help clean up or recreate rough files.

Send it anyway — we'll assess if it's usable or needs recreation.

Minor cleanup is often free; full redesigns may carry a small design fee.

At least 300 DPI at the full intended print size, e.g. 12x16 inches.

Yes, our design team offers vector tracing services.

For DTF/DTG, yes — for screen printing, we separate colors ourselves.

PDF or AI files preserve quality and layout most reliably.

We can help match a Pantone reference from your existing branding.

Yes, but convert text to outlines/vector shapes to avoid font issues.

Let us know the intended print area — we can adjust margins accordingly.

Yes, every file is checked for resolution and color issues before production.

Priya Sharma

Design Lead at TShirtPrintLondon, specializing in print-method selection and artwork prep.

How to Prepare Print-Ready Artwork

In This Article

1. Accepted File Formats

2. Resolution Requirements

3. Color Modes Explained