Custom Printz

Artwork Settings Guide

Getting the Best Results from Your Custom Prints

Quick Start: What You Need

Setting Recommended Minimum
Resolution 300 DPI 150 DPI
File Format PNG JPG, PDF
Colour Mode RGB RGB
Background Transparent (PNG) –

1. Image Resolution

What is DPI?

DPI (Dots Per Inch) determines how sharp your print will look. Higher DPI = more detail.

Our Recommendations

300 DPI – Ideal quality
– Crisp edges on text
– Smooth gradients
– Fine details preserved

150 DPI – Acceptable minimum
– May show slight pixelation on close inspection
– OK for bold, simple designs

Below 150 DPI – Not recommended
– Visible pixels (“blocky” look)
– Blurry edges
– We’ll warn you during upload

How to Check Your Image DPI

  • Windows: Right-click image → Properties → Details tab
  • Mac: Open in Preview → Tools → Show Inspector
  • Photoshop: Image → Image Size (look at Resolution field)

2. File Formats

PNG (Preferred)

✅ Supports transparency
✅ Lossless quality
✅ Best for designs with solid colours, text, and logos

JPG/JPEG

✅ Smaller file sizes
⚠️ No transparency (white background)
⚠️ Some quality loss with compression

PDF

✅ Good for vector graphics
✅ Preserves fonts and layers
⚠️ Ensure fonts are embedded or outlined

Not Accepted

❌ BMP, TIFF, GIF, AI, PSD (convert these first)

3. Colour Settings

Use RGB Colour Mode

Our digital printers work in RGB. Files in CMYK will be converted, which may shift colours slightly.

Colour Accuracy Tips

  • Screen calibration matters: Your monitor may display colours differently than the final print.
  • Avoid very dark colours: Pure black (#000000) prints well, but very dark blues/browns may look similar.
  • Neon/fluorescent colours: These cannot be printed accurately; they’ll appear as the closest printable shade.

Pantone Matching

For brand-critical colours, mention your Pantone code in the order notes. We’ll match as closely as possible.

4. Design Dimensions

Print Area Sizes

Product Max Print Area
T-Shirt Front/Back 30cm × 40cm
T-Shirt Left Chest 10cm × 10cm
Hoodie Front 30cm × 35cm
Cap Front 10cm × 6cm
Tote Bag 30cm × 35cm
*Actual sizes vary by product. Check the design tool for exact dimensions.

Safe Zone

Keep important elements at least 0.5cm from the edge of the print area to avoid trimming.

5. Transparency and Backgrounds

For Designs Without Backgrounds

  • Save as PNG with transparent background
  • The garment colour shows through transparent areas
  • Perfect for logos, text, and illustrated designs

For Full-Coverage Prints

  • JPG is fine for designs covering the entire print area
  • No need for transparency

White Ink

  • We print a white under-base layer on dark garments
  • Your design colours print on top
  • Transparent areas = no white layer = garment shows through

6. Text and Fonts

Minimum Text Size

  • Body text: 8pt minimum
  • Small print: 6pt absolute minimum (may not be legible)
  • Best practice: 12pt+ for important text

Font Tips

  • Bold fonts print more reliably than thin scripts
  • Outline thin fonts in your design software before saving
  • Convert text to curves/outlines to avoid font substitution issues

7. Common Issues and Fixes

“Low Resolution” Warning
Fix: Use a larger source image or recreate at higher DPI

Design Looks Pixelated in Preview
Fix: Check original file resolution; upscaling a small image won’t improve quality

Colours Look Different on Screen vs Print
Fix: This is normal due to screen calibration. For critical colours, request a sample first.

White Box Around Design
Fix: Save as PNG with transparent background, not JPG

Text is Blurry
Fix: Ensure text is vector (outlined) or at least 300 DPI

8. Preparing Your File: Step by Step

  1. Create or obtain your image at 300 DPI
  2. Check dimensions match or exceed the print area
  3. Convert to RGB colour mode
  4. Outline all text (convert to curves)
  5. Remove background or save as PNG with transparency
  6. Save as PNG (or JPG for solid backgrounds)
  7. Upload to our design tool
  8. Preview and check the mockup before ordering

Need Help?

Our design tool shows a preview of exactly how your print will look. If you’re unsure about your artwork:

  • Email your file: contact@customprintz.shop
  • We’ll check it and advise on any issues
  • Free artwork review for orders over $100

Happy creating!
CustomPrintz.shop