Designing for Screen Printing
Our online tool makes screen print setup easy—no need for Photoshop or Illustrator. Upload your logo, choose your product, and let our backend handle the rest. This guide explains the process so you can understand what happens behind the scenes if you're curious—or designing externally.
Set up your designs for screen printing success—perfect for bulk tees, hoodies, and team merch with vibrant, long-lasting color.
Screen Printing Overview
Screen printing uses layered stencils (screens) to print bold, opaque colors. It’s ideal for bulk runs and long-lasting prints, with the best results on cotton-based garments.
Artwork Format
Vector files (AI, SVG, EPS) are preferred. Designs should be fully color-separated. Raster images must be at least 300 DPI with clearly defined color areas.
Color Limits
Each color in your design requires its own screen. We recommend a max of 6 colors for cost-efficiency. Full-color printing is not supported—use DTF or sublimation for that.
Sizing & Placement
Designs should stay within 12x15 inches. Avoid printing over seams or zippers. Typical placements include front chest, full front, back, and sleeve.
Underbase & Opacity
On dark garments, a white underbase is added to preserve brightness. Avoid semi-transparent elements—they’ll either flatten or print inconsistently.
Halftones & Gradients
Use halftones (dot patterns) to simulate gradients. Ensure the smallest dot is above the printer’s minimum threshold (usually 25–30 LPI).
Registration & Trapping
Elements must be aligned precisely. Avoid overly tight details between colors. Add 1–2pt of overlap (trapping) to prevent visible gaps between colors.
Common Mistakes
- Using too many colors
- Submitting low-res artwork
- Including transparencies or glows
- Skipping trapping between color layers
- Not accounting for fabric color
Next Steps
How to order screen printed items · Compare design services · Explore screen print tee kits