File Types for Custom Printing: Which Formats Work Best? PNG, AI, PDF (Guide) | T-Shirt Elephant Skip to content
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Artwork Guide

File Types Guide

Understanding which file formats work best for custom apparel printing

Vector Files

RECOMMENDED

Why Vector Files Are Best

Resolution-independent - scales infinitely
Based on mathematical equations, not pixels
Sharp edges and crisp text at any size
Perfect for logos and text-heavy designs
Smaller file sizes than high-res rasters
Easy to edit colors and customize designs and shapes
BEST
.pdf

Portable Document Format

Universal format that preserves vector quality and can be opened on any device

BEST
.ai

Adobe Illustrator

Native Illustrator format with full editing capabilities and layer support

BEST
.eps

Encapsulated PostScript

Industry standard for print production, widely compatible

BEST
.svg

Scalable Vector Graphics

Web-friendly vector format, great for simple logos and icons

Raster Files

ACCEPTABLE (with requirements)

Important Requirements

Minimum 300 DPI
Lower resolution = pixelated prints
CMYK Color Mode
For accurate print colors
Original Files
Uncompressed quality preferred
.png
Portable Network Graphics
300 DPI

Supports transparency, lossless compression, ideal for web graphics

Best for: Graphics with transparency
.tiff
Tagged Image File Format
300 DPI

High quality, uncompressed, professional standard for photography

Best for: Professional photography
.jpeg
Joint Photographic Experts Group
300 DPI

Compressed format, smaller file sizes, some quality loss

Best for: Photographs (when high-res)
.gif
Graphics Interchange Format
300 DPI

Limited to 256 colors, not recommended for print

Best for: Simple web graphics only
Color Modes

Color Mode Matters

CMYK

For Print

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black - the standard color mode for printing. Files in CMYK will reproduce more accurately on garments.

RGB

For Screen

Red, Green, Blue - designed for digital screens. RGB files may shift in color when converted for print.

Pro Tips

File Preparation Tips

Outline Your Fonts

Convert text to outlines/curves to prevent font substitution issues.

Flatten Transparency

Flatten any transparency effects to ensure accurate reproduction.

Include All Assets

Package linked images and fonts when sending design files.

Not Sure About Your Files?

Send us your artwork and our team will review it to ensure it is print-ready

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