Preparing your design file for printing: formats, resolution, and common problems

Upload a PNG or JPEG file at 300 DPI, at the final print size, with a transparent background — that's the short version. Here's how to get there and what commonly goes wrong.


Accepted formats


  • PNG or JPEG only. PDF is not accepted in the configurator.
  • If your design is a vector file (SVG, AI, EPS), export it to PNG at the exact print size before uploading — vector files don't carry resolution information the way raster files do, so they need to be flattened to a specific pixel size first.
  • For DTG/DTF garment printing, use PNG with a transparent background. For Fine Art prints, JPEG is used instead (no transparency needed, since it's printed on a full sheet).


Resolution: 300 DPI at final size


"300 DPI" means 300 pixels for every inch of the final printed design — not 300 pixels total. A logo that looks sharp on a website is often far too low-resolution to print well.


How to calculate the DPI you need:

  1. Decide the final print size in inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm).
  2. Multiply width and height (in inches) by 300 to get the minimum pixel dimensions.


Example: a 20 cm × 20 cm print is about 7.9 × 7.9 inches, so you need roughly 2360 × 2360 pixels for 300 DPI.


If your file's pixel dimensions are lower than that at your chosen print size, the DPI drops below 300 and the print will look soft or pixelated — this is the single most common file problem we see. A logo exported at 72–80 ppi for web use, then stretched to fill a chest print, is a typical example: it looks fine as a thumbnail and blurry once printed at real size.


Maximum print sizes


Print area depends on the garment size — roughly up to 28×22 cm on smaller sizes and up to about 36×45 cm on larger ones. The exact printable area for the specific product and size you've selected is shown in the configurator.


Transparent background


For garment printing, the background around your design must be transparent (not white) so only the design itself prints on the fabric. If you export from an editor without removing the background, you'll typically get a white or colored box around your design on the finished product instead of a clean print.


Common problems we see


  • Low-resolution logos. Web logos or images pulled from social media are almost always below 300 DPI at print size — see the DPI calculation above.
  • Semi-transparent colors reading as solid black. Colors with partial opacity (e.g. a light beige at low opacity) can render differently once printed than they appear on screen, sometimes looking like they've been "covered" by black. This is a rendering/file issue best avoided by using fully opaque colors in your design.
  • Low contrast on dark garments. Dark or muted colors placed on a dark garment can nearly disappear once printed. Preview your design against the actual garment color before ordering, and consider a Swatch sample for color-critical designs.
  • Background not actually transparent. Double-check your export — some editors flatten a transparent layer to white by default.


We don't edit your files


We do not perform background removal, redraws, or format conversions on customer files. If your file needs work, free tools can help:

  • Background removal: tools like remove.bg
  • Upscaling low-resolution images: various free upscaler tools online


RGB vs. print colors


Your screen displays colors in RGB (backlit), while printing is a physical process on fabric — the two never match perfectly. On colored garments, a white base layer used under the print can also slightly shift hues. Designs print most vibrantly on white garments. If color accuracy matters for your order, order a Swatch sample first rather than relying on screen preview alone.



We only print artwork you have the right to use. If your design includes a brand logo or trademarked material, we may ask for proof of usage rights before printing (see our No Fake & No Hate Policy).


Still need help?


Chat with us on printoteca.ro or write to comenzi@printoteca.ro — we're happy to help.


  • Why my colours didn't match my screen?
  • What is the maximum print size on a t-shirt?
  • Choosing between DTG and DTF for garment printing
  • No Fake & No Hate Policy

Updated on: 01/09/2026

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