Common print sizes
| Placement | Typical size |
|---|---|
| Full front | 10-12 in wide |
| Left chest | 3.5-4 in wide |
| Full back | 12-14 in wide |
| Sleeve | 3 in wide |
So a full-front PNG should be about 3,000-3,600 pixels wide.
Color tips
- For screen printing, count your colors: each is a screen.
- Use solid colors instead of gradients to keep screen printing affordable.
- Thin lines under about 1 pt may not print well.
Don’t use
Low-resolution logos from websites or social media, or images with white backgrounds you meant to be transparent.
Checklist before you send the file
- Text is outlined (converted to shapes) in vector files, or you send the font files.
- The design is at actual print size, not scaled up later.
- The background is transparent, not white.
- Colors are named if they must match exactly (for screen printing, give Pantone numbers).
- You have checked the design on the shirt color: dark ink disappears on dark shirts.
Light and dark shirts
On dark shirts, screen printers usually lay down a white base first so colors stay bright. That can count as an extra color on the quote. DTG printers also print a white layer on dark garments.
Ask for a proof
Most printers send a digital mockup before printing. Check the size, placement and spelling on it carefully. Once you approve it, mistakes are usually yours to pay for.
