What are T-shirt image-quality requirements?

An image that looks sharp on screen may appear blurry or pixelated when printed at a larger size. Using a sufficiently large, high-quality file helps preserve the artwork’s details, clean edges, and overall appearance on the finished T-shirt.

For the best results, review your image size and quality before publishing your product.

Max Print Area
12″ × 16″ (30.48 cm × 40.64 cm)

File Format
PNG (preferred) or JPEG.

Image Dimensions
  • Under 1,000 px on any side: Too small, cannot be submitted
  • 1,000–1,499 px on the shortest side: Low print quality
  • 1,500–2,039 px on the shortest side: Acceptable print quality
  • 2,040–2,999 px on the shortest side: Great print quality
  • 3,000–4,499 px on the shortest side: Excellent print quality
  • 4,500 px or larger on all sides: Best resultsBelow
Enlarging a small image may increase its dimensions, but it will not restore missing detail or prevent blurriness.

Review fine lines, small text, gradients, shadows, and soft edges at full size.

Image Resolution
Keep the resolution at 150–300 DPI at the actual intended print size. 

File Size
Up to 80 MB.

Color Profile
sRGB (IEC61966-2.1). Not CMYK.

Background

Use a PNG file with no background layer. Leaving a solid background behind your art creates a stiff, uncomfortable “sticker effect” on a T-shirt, since ink is applied as a solid block instead of just to your design.

A transparent PNG ensures ink is applied only where your design is, keeping the fabric’s natural feel. 

Contrast
Maintain at least 70% contrast between your design and the T-shirt color. Avoid light-on-light or dark-on-dark combinations (for example, navy blue on black).

To check best practices, search for your favorite online contrast checker for accessibility.