T-shirt artwork checklist
Go through this before you send a design for printing. It covers what to decide, what to send and what to confirm, so there are fewer questions between you and your quote.
1. Where the print goes
List every position you want printed. These are the bands on our quote form:
- Front: small chest logo within 10cm x 10cm, a design within A4 (20cm x 28cm), or within A3 (35cm high x 28cm wide)
- Back: small logo below the collar within 12cm x 12cm, or a design within A4 or A3
- Left sleeve and right sleeve
- Individual names, numbers, or both
Larger prints, such as a design that runs to the side seams, are quoted separately. Send the design so we can show how it will sit.
2. Print size
Give a band or a width for each position. If you are unsure, say how big it should look on a person and we will suggest a size.
3. Colours and background
- Count the colours in each position, and name any that must match a brand colour (a Pantone code helps if you have one).
- Say whether the background in your file should be printed or left out. A white box around a logo on a coloured shirt is a common surprise.
- Tell us the shirt colour, since the same design can need different choices on a dark shirt and a light one.
4. Fonts and text
- Check spelling, names and dates before anything else.
- If the design uses a special font, convert the text to outlines in the design file, or send the font name.
- Very thin lines and tiny text can be hard to print; ask if you are unsure.
5. Files to send
- The original design file if you have one, such as AI, PDF, PSD or SVG
- A PNG or JPG preview showing how it should look
- A phone photo or sketch is fine to start with
Our in house designers review every order and repair files before printing. If your file is small or blurry, send it anyway and ask what it needs.
6. Permission to print the design
Before printing a school crest, a company logo, a character or someone else's artwork, make sure you have permission to use it.
Our designers check whether a file will print well. That is a print quality check, not permission to use a design.
7. Confirm before production
Before you confirm the artwork, check spelling, colours, size and placement. Standard lead time is 7 to 10 working days from artwork confirmation. Confirming promptly protects your date.
Illustrative filled brief
| Field | Example entry |
|---|---|
| Garment | Cotton tee, 180 gsm, black |
| Quantity | 60 in total: S 12, M 20, L 18, XL 10 |
| Front | Club logo on the left chest, within 10cm x 10cm, one colour (white) |
| Back | Event design within A4, three colours, no background box |
| Sleeves | None |
| Names or numbers | None |
| Files | Logo as a PDF from the designer, back design as a PNG preview |
| Fonts | Converted to outlines |
| Permission | Logo use approved by the club committee |
| Needed by | The event date, with self collection |
Next: compare printing methods, read the silkscreen and heat transfer guides, or plan class tees. More answers are on the FAQ.
Artwork FAQ
Artwork questions
file not ready?
Send what you have, even a sketch. Our designers review every order before it prints.
Ask on WhatsApp Quote formWhat file should I send for T-shirt printing?
Send the original design file if you have one, such as AI, PDF, PSD or SVG, plus a PNG or JPG preview. If you only have a photo or a sketch, send it anyway: our in house designers review every order and repair files before printing.
My logo is low resolution. Can it still be printed?
Send it over anyway. Our in house designers review every order and repair files before printing, including logos that are low resolution or only exist as a sketch.
How big should the print on a T-shirt be?
Our quote form uses three common bands: a small chest logo within 10cm x 10cm, a design within A4 (20cm x 28cm) and a design within A3 (35cm high x 28cm wide). Tell us the band or a width for each position and we will advise.
Do I need permission to print a logo or design?
If the design belongs to a school, a company or someone else, get their permission before printing it. Our designers check that a file will print well, which is separate from permission to use the design.
ready when your artwork is
Checklist done?
Upload the design on the quote form or send it on WhatsApp. We reply within a working day with a per piece price.