Artwork Requirements


Here, at Dropshirt, we want to print the best possible job for your brand. This is why we need the best possible artwork file to get the best results.

If you're in hurry, the artwork requirements are : Create your file at "Print Size" at resolution 300dpi with a transparent background, then save as a trimmed (RGB mode) .png

The following is a guide to help you if you are not sure what to do.


Step 1. (Artwork) Your Design at Print Size

Do you have a final print size? Do you know how big to make your design? If not! Use this method to figure out how big you want your design to be printed. Resize your design to be that print size at a resolution of 300dpi.

Things to remember;

  • The maximum area we can print is ~40cm wide X ~50cm high (~2000cm2)
  • Large prints (over 620cm2 (A4)) or at the maximum size do incur surcharges
  • Oversize prints are determined in square cm (width(cm) x height(cm))

Please note: Using a file that is lower in resolution than 300dpi is not allowed. If your file is lower in resolution, just changing it to 300dpi will not work. The result will be terrible and when you ask us why it printed really badly... the answer will be "We can only print as good as the file we use. Terrible artwork will always produce a terrible print." If you're not sure, we always recommend getting a sample printed before shipping product to a customer.

Please note: Using a file with resolution higher than 300 dpi, will mean the DTG machine software will change your artwork size, as it readjusts the dpi back to 300dpi. So ensure you make your files 300 dpi EXACTLY.

Please note: Production will print your 300dpi file at the print size you supply, so ensure to trim your art file of any unwanted transparent space and then double check your print size. Do not measure the canvas space as this is not how big your artfile will print.

Tips for saving files: 
- Photoshop will, in some cases, automatically save PNG files as 72 DPI. Please double check your files are in fact 300 dpi. Just open the file again and make sure it is really 300dpi before uploading to the dashboard.
- To stop these Photoshop exporting issues - Do not use Export As; but, rather File > Save As > png (Interlacing should be unchecked)
-  Please avoid using special characters in your file names. Symbols like  "?", "#" "@" commas etc will cause the artwork file link to break. Dashes and underscores are OK.


Step 2. (Mock-up) Your Design Print Position

Where you want your design printed on the product is super important. We do this with your mock-up. That is, we rely on the position of your design on the mock-up. We aim to print the design closest to where you have positioned it on the mock-up.

1. Standard Position
If you want the "standard" position. This is centred horizontally, and at the top half of the art board for a front and back print position. You can create your own mock-ups. Or use our tool. As always, if you're not sure, place a test order and ask if we think this is a standard print.

2. Non Standard Position
If you want something other than the "standard" position, you will need to create your own mock up templates, as our mock up generator is limited to standard positions. Position your design in a place on the shirt where you want the design printed. This could be the left breast or right breast position. Or it could be down the bottom of the shirt. We also have a jumbo size print of ~40cmWx50cmH that can be used 
at an additional cost.

Notes: We can't print over seams, hems, collars arms etc. If you are not sure place a test order and we will advise you.


If you have any questions regarding our artwork requirements. Please check our knowledge Base. If you have a question that is not answered, please submit your questions using the Support Ticket Form.