T-Shirt Envy · Design resources
Artwork File Preparation Guide
Start with clean artwork at the size you want printed. Use this guide to prepare a Studio upload for DTG, DTF or Screen Printing and understand when artwork help is needed.
What can I upload?
The same image processor serves DTG, DTF and Screen Printing in the Design Studio. PNG, JPEG, WebP and self-contained plain SVG are the straightforward upload options. HEIC/HEIF photos and AVIF images are processed when readable. DNG files need a readable embedded preview and production review of the retained original.
Files may be up to 128 MB; SVG files are limited to 5 MB. Images must meet the processor's dimension and 100-megapixel safety limits. SVG must have valid dimensions or a viewBox and cannot contain scripts, external resources or unsupported active content.
PDF, AI, EPS, PSD and ordinary TIFF are not direct Studio upload formats. Keep those source files for artwork assistance. Export a transparent PNG or supported plain SVG to use the Studio. Exporting a PNG or JPEG to SVG does not turn the image into vector artwork.
| Printing method | Recommended Studio upload | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| DTG | High-resolution transparent PNG | Match the intended physical dimensions, preserve suitable colors and remove unwanted backgrounds. JPEG works when an opaque background is intended. |
| DTF garments | High-resolution transparent PNG; supported plain SVG for vector sources | Use clean edges and correct dimensions. Remove stray background pixels. Review the artwork at final print size. |
| Screen Printing | Self-contained plain SVG for vector artwork; high-resolution PNG when suitable for preparation | Define ink colors and use line thickness appropriate for the artwork and size. Raster artwork may need preparation and color separation. |
Which printing method fits my design?
DTG and DTF: what is the difference?
DTG prints directly onto compatible garments. DTF prints artwork onto a transfer that is applied to the garment. Both can reproduce photographs, gradients and detailed full-color artwork; the garment and order requirements determine the suitable method.
For finished DTF-printed garments, choose DTF in the Design Studio. To buy ready-to-press transfers without garments, use DTF Sheets or DTF Rolls.
Why is vector artwork preferred for Screen Printing?
Vector paths scale cleanly and help prepare sharp edges and separate ink colors. Keep AI, EPS or vector PDF source files for artwork assistance, but export supported plain SVG for the Studio. PNG, TIFF or PSD sources may need preparation or conversion; a raster image is not automatically ready for separations.
One to three colors use Standard Screen Printing. Four or more colors are Full Color Screen Printing, which remains screen printing production. Request a reviewed quote to confirm full-color pricing and production requirements.
Recommended order sizes
- DTG Printing: 1–12 garments.
- DTF Printing: 1–100 garments.
- Screen Printing: 25–2,500 garments.
These are browsing recommendations, not eligibility limits. The Studio checks the actual garment, quantity, placement and turnaround rules.
What happens if my artwork has low resolution?
Effective DPI depends on pixel dimensions divided by the physical print dimensions. For example, 3,000 pixels printed 10 inches wide gives 300 DPI horizontally; both width and height matter. Cropping or enlarging can reduce effective resolution.
| Effective DPI | Studio quality guidance |
|---|---|
| 300+ | Excellent |
| 150–299 | Good |
| 72–149 | Low Resolution Warning |
| Below 72 | Very Low Resolution Warning |
A low-resolution warning does not automatically reject your artwork. You may need to acknowledge the warning or obtain production review. A higher-resolution original or a smaller print size can improve results. Pure vector artwork is not given a raster DPI warning; SVG containing embedded images requires an image-quality review.
Can I preview my design before ordering?
Yes. Open the Studio, choose a garment and color, upload artwork, select the print areas and review each decorated side. Use the placement guide to compare maximum sizes. Preview is a design check; final production remains subject to the applicable artwork approval and order review.