When it comes to custom apparel, the quality of your artwork makes all the difference. A high-resolution image ensures your design prints crisp, vibrant, and professional, while a low-resolution image can appear blurry or pixelated once it's transferred onto a shirt.
If you're wondering what 300 DPI means or how to prepare your artwork, don't worry - we'll walk you through it!
What Does 300 DPI Mean?
DPI stands for Dots Per Inch. Simply put, it refers to the resolution of an image.
For professional-quality printing, we recommend artwork at 300 DPI. This provides enough detail for sharp text, clean lines, and vibrant colors.
Images that are only 72 DPI (common for screenshots or images downloaded from social media) often look fine on a phone or computer but can become blurry when printed.
How to Check If Your Image Is 300 DPI
Depending on the program you're using, you can check your image's resolution by viewing its properties or image size settings.
For example:
- Photoshop: Image → Image Size
- Canva: Download as PNG and create your design at the correct dimensions.
- Procreate: Set your canvas to 300 DPI before designing.
If you're unsure, send us your file - we're happy to take a look!
Recommended File Types
For the best results, we recommend:
- PNG (preferred)
- SVG (great for logos)
- AI
- EPS
- High-resolution JPEG
Whenever possible, avoid sending:
- Screenshots
- Images downloaded from Facebook or Instagram
- Images copied from Google Images
- Photos taken of another printed shirt
These files are usually compressed and may not print clearly.
Choosing the Right Size
Even if your artwork is 300 DPI, it also needs to be large enough for the print size you want.
Here are a few common examples:
| Print Size | Minimum Pixel Size |
|---|---|
| Left Chest (4") | 1200 × 1200 px |
| Medium Front (8") | 2400 × 2400 px |
| Large Front/Back (10") | 3000 × 3000 px |
| Extra Large (12") | 3600 × 3600 px |
If your image is much smaller than these dimensions, enlarging it will reduce print quality.
Transparent Backgrounds
If your design isn't meant to have a white box around it, make sure the file has a transparent background.
PNG files are the most common format for transparent artwork.
Can We Improve Low-Quality Images?
Sometimes!
Simple logos and graphics can often be recreated or enhanced. However, heavily pixelated images, screenshots, or blurry photos can't always be restored to perfect quality.
If we think your artwork may not print well, we'll let you know before production begins.
Need Help?
Not sure if your artwork is print-ready? No problem! Send us your design before placing your order, and we'll be happy to check it for quality and let you know if anything needs to be adjusted.
At Beehive Custom Prints, our goal is to make sure every custom shirt looks its absolute best.
Ready to get started? Browse hundreds of designs or upload your own artwork at beehivecustomprints.com! 🐝