File setup

Good files print right the first time. Here's what we need, and what we check when your order comes in.

File types we take

• PNG: best for DTF. It keeps a transparent background.
• PDF: best for signs and banners, especially with text and logos. Outline your fonts or embed them.
• SVG: vector art. Convert text to outlines before you upload.
• JPG and WEBP: fine for photos. They can't be transparent, so DTF prints the whole rectangle.

Each file can be up to 500 MB. Large files upload straight to our storage, so they don't slow down checkout.

Size and resolution

• Make your art at the size you want it printed. If it's smaller, enlarging it makes it soft.
• For DTF, aim for 300 ppi at print size. We flag anything under 250 ppi, and under 150 ppi will look blurry or blocky.
• For banners and large signs, 150 ppi at full size is plenty because people see them from farther away.
• Resolution is pixels across divided by printed inches. A 3000 pixel wide image printed 10 in wide is 300 ppi. Printed 20 in wide, it's 150 ppi.

Bleed and safe area

• Signs, posters and stickers: add 1/8 in of bleed past the edge on every side, so there's no white sliver after trimming.
• Banners: add 1 in of bleed and keep text at least 2 in from the edge, clear of hems and grommets.
• Keep important text at least 1/4 in inside the trim line on smaller pieces.
• DTF doesn't need bleed. We print exactly what's in the file.

Color

• CMYK files match best on signs and banners. RGB is converted when we print, and very bright greens, blues and oranges can shift a little.
• For DTF, RGB PNG files are fine. White in your art prints as white ink.
• Need an exact brand color? Tell us the Pantone number in your order notes and we'll get as close as the material allows.

What we check

Every file is checked automatically when you order. If something's missing or broken, we email you what's wrong and how to fix it. Files that pass by 11 AM Central start that day.

We can't catch spelling mistakes, the wrong logo, or low resolution you chose to print anyway, and we don't reprint for those. See Reprints.

Printing DTF? The DTF transfers guide has more on transparent backgrounds and pressing.