Quick answer: For the best custom shirt print, send a PNG with a transparent background at 300 DPI at the actual print size, which is about 3,600 pixels wide for a 12-inch print. A vector file (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) is even better if you have one. Avoid screenshots, logos pulled from social media, and JPGs with a white box behind the logo. We print your file exactly as you submit it, so what you upload is what you get.
The most common reason a custom shirt disappoints isn't the printer. It's the file. A logo that looks fine on a phone can print blurry, pixelated, or with a white rectangle around it. This checklist gets you a sharp print the first time.
The 5-point logo file checklist
- Right file type. PNG (transparent) or vector (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF). Avoid JPG for logos, because it can't be transparent and adds blurry artifacts.
- High enough resolution. 300 DPI at print size. For a 12-inch-wide print that's roughly 3,600 px wide. For a 4-inch left-chest logo, about 1,200 px.
- Transparent background. If you see a white or colored box around the logo on your screen, it will print.
- Final colors. Check the colors against the shirt color you're ordering. More below.
- Final spelling and details. Phone numbers, license numbers and URLs print exactly as provided.
How to tell if your file is big enough
| Print size | Minimum pixel width at 300 DPI | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5-4 in | 1,050-1,200 px | Left chest, sleeve |
| 8 in | 2,400 px | Small front center |
| 10 in | 3,000 px | Front or back |
| 12 in (our max width) | 3,600 px | Full front or back |
To check on a computer, right-click the file and open Properties (Windows) or Get Info (Mac), then look at the dimensions. On an iPhone, open the image in Photos and swipe up. If your logo is only 500 px wide, it will look soft at 12 inches. Ask your designer for the original file.
Where to find a better version of your logo
- Whoever designed it. Ask for the "vector" or "print-ready" files. They almost always have them.
- Your sign or vehicle wrap company. They needed a vector file to make your signs and trucks.
- Your old uniform or promo supplier. They may still have your file on record.
- Not from: your website header, Facebook profile photo, Google results or a screenshot. Those are low-resolution.
Colors: design for the shirt, not the screen
A logo that pops on a white screen can vanish on a safety green or orange shirt. Yellow, light green and light orange artwork tends to disappear on hi-vis colors. Black, navy and dark gray read best. We tested what shows up in printing a logo on safety green and orange.
Printing on black or navy? Make sure dark parts of your logo (like black text) have a white or light version. Black ink on a black shirt disappears.
Why we print exactly as submitted
Our custom printing is built to be fast and affordable, so we print the artwork you upload. We don't redraw, recolor or clean up files. Here's how it works:
- You upload your image with your order.
- We create a mockup and email it to you for approval before printing.
- If you want a change, like a different color or a cleaner version, upload a new file and we'll send a new mockup.
- Prints are sized up to 12 inches wide by default. Ask if you want it smaller.
Look closely at the mockup. Zoom in on small text and edges. If it looks fuzzy in the mockup, it will look fuzzy on the shirt.
Pick your shirt
- Jerzees 363M Safety Color Tee: our go-to for printed crew shirts in safety green and orange.
- Jerzees 363M Basic Colors: for shop, office and customer-facing staff.
- Jerzees 363L Long Sleeve Basic Colors: for sun coverage.
- NuBlend Hoodie, Safety Colors: for the cold months.
Not sure which print method you need? See Custom T-Shirts & Merch Made Easy.
FAQ
Can I send a JPG?
You can, but a JPG can't have a transparent background, so the white or colored box around your logo will print. Convert to a transparent PNG or send a vector file.
What does DPI mean?
Dots per inch, which is how much detail there is per inch of print. 300 DPI at the final print size is the standard for sharp results.
Can you fix my logo for me?
We don't offer image editing. A local graphic designer can usually vectorize a logo quickly and affordably, and you'll own a print-ready file for every future order.
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