Send a vector original for a logo or lettering when you have one. Send a full-size raster file, often a PNG when you need a transparent background, for a photograph or detailed digital illustration. A high-quality PNG can print well; a file labelled AI or PDF is not automatically vector artwork. What matters is the content inside the file and how it will be used on the shirt.
When to choose vector and when to choose PNG
Choose vector for logos, type and simple shapes
Vector artwork is built from editable paths. Clean paths can be resized for a small chest mark or a larger print without the edges becoming pixelated. Common vector-capable formats include AI, EPS and SVG; a properly exported PDF can also retain vector shapes. If your designer has the original logo file, send that original, even if you also have a PNG preview.
Choose a suitable raster file for photos and detailed artwork
PNG contains pixels, so its usable print size depends on the pixel dimensions of the original. It is useful for artwork with a transparent background, including illustrations and designs with many tones.
A high-quality JPG can also be usable for a photograph that is meant to have a full rectangular background; JPG does not provide transparency. The final format should be confirmed for the chosen garment and print method, rather than selected by file extension alone.
Have both a logo and a photo?
Keep the editable logo and original photo as separate source files if possible. A layout may contain sharp vector lettering and a raster photo at the same time. Ask the print team which combined export they want for production, and send a visual reference so the placement of each element is clear.
A PDF or AI file can still contain a low-quality image
Placing a tiny JPG inside Illustrator and saving it as AI or PDF does not turn the photo into vector art. A PDF can contain vector paths, raster images or both. Likewise, changing a filename from logo.png to logo.ai changes the name, not the artwork.
If a file is presented as a vector logo, ask whether its main shapes and letters remain editable paths. If it contains a photo, ask for the original image too. PDF export settings can downsample placed images, so a file made for web viewing may not be the best version to send for printing.
Prepare a logo file before sending it
- Keep the editable master. Send the source file if you have it. For a separate production copy, convert live text to outlines or make sure the font is properly embedded in the approved export. Keep the original editable text version for future changes.
- Check the background. If the artwork should sit directly on the shirt, make sure a white rectangle was not accidentally included. A white shape that is part of the design should remain; a transparent area should actually be transparent.
- Include placed images. An AI or other design file may depend on linked photos. Supply those original images or a self-contained export so nothing is missing when the file is opened.
- Share the intended use. Tell the print team the garment colour, approximate print width and location. If a brand colour matters, send the reference and ask how it can be reproduced on the chosen fabric and method.
If you only have a logo copied from a website, send what you have and ask whether the original or a redraw is needed. Do not assume that tracing a fuzzy screenshot will faithfully restore its details.
Check a PNG before using it for a T-shirt
Use an export from the original artwork rather than a screenshot or a picture forwarded through a messaging app. Confirm its pixel dimensions at the planned print size, and preview the transparent edges against both a light and dark background. Semi-transparent halos around text and cut-out images may be hard to notice against the editor’s checkerboard.
If the artwork already looks soft at its planned size, saving it again as a PNG will not add detail. The guide to fixing blurry T-shirt artwork explains how to assess the original pixels, print size and other causes of soft-looking prints.
What should you send with the artwork?
A useful handoff includes the original file, any production export your designer made, the intended print width and location, the shirt colour, and a reference image if the layout has multiple parts. If colours are critical, include the brand reference.
The print provider can then confirm whether the files suit the selected production method and prepare a proof for approval.
For garment options, quantities, print methods and the quote process, visit custom T-shirt printing in Vancouver. Send the best originals you have with your order details; you do not need to guess a universal file format before asking for a review.
Common questions about artwork files
No. A properly sized PNG can be an appropriate production file for a photograph or detailed design. A vector original is especially useful when a simple logo or text needs to scale cleanly and remain editable.
No. A PDF may hold vector shapes, pixel images or a mixture. Request the original editable artwork if you are unsure what is inside it.
Often, if it is a high-quality original photo with an intentional background and the print team confirms it works for the job. Choose a file with transparency when the area around the design should show the shirt rather than a rectangular background.