What File Type Do I Need to Send for My Custom Order?

We get this question all the time — and honestly, it's a great one to ask before you submit your order. The short answer? We can work with a lot! But sending the right file type makes the whole process faster and gets you the best possible result. Let's break it down.

The Best File Types to Send

Here's a quick rundown of the file types we see most — and what works best for each:

• PNG — This is our favorite for DTF printing. PNG files support transparent backgrounds, which means we can drop your design right onto any color shirt without a white box around it. High-resolution PNG (300 DPI or higher) is ideal.

• AI (Adobe Illustrator) — If you've got an AI file, you're in great shape. Vector files like AI scale to any size without losing quality. Perfect for logos, text-heavy designs, or anything that needs to be crisp at large sizes.

• SVG — Another vector format. SVGs are great for clean, scalable graphics and work especially well for embroidery digitizing and vinyl work. If you designed your logo in a web tool, SVG is often a solid export option.

• PDF — PDFs work great, especially if they were saved from a design program like Illustrator or InDesign. Make sure the fonts are embedded and the resolution is print-quality. A PDF saved from Word or Google Docs is fine too, but may need some cleanup.

• JPG/JPEG — JPGs work but come with a catch: they don't support transparent backgrounds and can lose quality when compressed. If you're sending a JPG, make it as high-resolution as possible and avoid files that have been saved over and over (that compresses quality down each time).

• EPS — Similar to AI and SVG, EPS is a vector format that holds up beautifully at any scale. If your designer handed you an EPS file, it's a good one.

Sending from Canva?

Canva is super popular and totally usable — just make sure you export your design correctly. Here's the tip: download your file as a PNG with a transparent background (Canva Pro feature) or as a high-resolution PDF for print. Avoid downloading at the default "web" resolution — it won't be sharp enough for printing.

If you're on the free version of Canva, export as PNG at the highest resolution available. It might not be perfect, but send it and we'll let you know if we can work with it.

What About a Photo From My Phone?

We know not everyone has a fancy design file sitting around. If you snapped a photo of a logo on a shirt, a business card, or even a sketch on paper — go ahead and send it. We'll tell you honestly if it's usable or if we need something better. Sometimes we can clean it up for you, and sometimes the resolution just won't allow it. Either way, no judgment — just real talk.

Quick Reference: What We Prefer

• Best for DTF printing: High-res PNG with transparent background

• Best for screen printing or large-format: AI, SVG, or EPS vector files

• Best from Canva: PDF for print or PNG at highest resolution

• Minimum resolution: 300 DPI at print size

Bottom line — don't stress too much about it. We work with customers every day who aren't designers and don't know the difference between a vector and a raster. That's what we're here for. Send us what you've got and we'll figure it out together.

Not sure if your file will work? Send it anyway — hit us up at (816) 83-SHIRT or DM us on Facebook @bdshirtsstj and we'll let you know!