What File Format Do You Need for T-Shirt Printing?
By The Merch Counter team · Updated · 2 min read
For print-on-demand merch, a large PNG with a transparent background is usually the best file: it's widely accepted, keeps transparency, and prints exactly what you see. A vector file (SVG, AI, EPS or PDF) is the best master copy, because it can be scaled to any size without losing quality. Avoid JPEGs for logos, because they can't be transparent.
The formats compared
| Format | Transparency | Scales without blur | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| PNG | Yes | No (fixed pixels) | Uploading for print, if large enough |
| SVG | Yes | Yes (vector) | Logos and simple graphics |
| AI / EPS | Yes | Yes (vector) | Designer master files |
| Can be | Yes, if vector inside | Sharing with print shops | |
| JPEG | No | No | Photos, not logos |
| WebP | Yes | No | Web images; fine if large enough |
Raster vs. vector, simply
- Raster files (PNG, JPEG, WebP) are made of pixels. They have a fixed size; enlarge them too much and they blur.
- Vector files (SVG, AI, EPS, many PDFs) are made of shapes described mathematically. They stay sharp at any size.
Most logos should exist as a vector master. You then export large PNGs from it for printing. Printful's print-file guide recommends PNG when a design needs a transparent background, and 150–300 DPI at the printed size.
What to upload on The Merch Counter
We accept PNG, JPEG, WebP or SVG, up to 8MB. We recommend a PNG with a transparent background. Whatever you upload, we check whether it has enough resolution for the size you place it at (300 DPI is the target), and we tell you before anything goes on sale.
What to ask your designer for
"Could you send our logo as an SVG or AI file, plus a transparent PNG at least 3,000 pixels wide, and a white or light version for dark backgrounds?"
Common problems
- "My logo has a white box around it." It's a JPEG or a PNG with a white background. Use a transparent PNG.
- "My logo looks blurry." The file is too small. Get a larger export or the vector file.
- "The colors look different." Screens show color in light (RGB); printing uses ink. Expect some difference, especially with neon or very saturated colors. Order a sample to check.
- "My file is too big to upload." Export a PNG at the size you need rather than at maximum; 4,800 pixels on the longest side is the most our uploads use anyway.
Related: How to Make Your Logo Print-Ready