What Artwork File Types Can I Upload for Custom Printing?

Uploading your own logo, artwork, or custom design? Bolt Printing makes it easy to personalize T-shirts, hats, polos, jackets, bags, and more. Here's everything you need to know about preparing artwork for custom printing and embroidery.

What Artwork File Types Can I Upload?

Our online Design Studio accepts several common artwork formats:

• Preferred vector formats: AI, EPS, and vector-based PDF files.
• Other accepted formats: PNG, JPG, JPEG, GIF, TIFF, and SVG.

What Size and Resolution Should My Artwork Be?

For the best printing results, follow these general artwork guidelines:

• Recommended resolution: 150 DPI at the intended print size.
• Artwork dimensions: Keep your design close to its actual printing dimensions. Many full-front T-shirt designs are approximately 10 to 12 inches wide.
• Maximum upload size: 5MB per file in the Design Studio.

If your file is larger than 5MB, email hello@boltprinting.com and our team can help you submit it another way.

Can Bolt Printing Remove My Image Background?

Yes! If your artwork includes a white or solid-colored background that you don't want printed, our production artists can help remove it.

1. Upload your artwork into the Design Studio.
2. Click Notes 4 Bolt and request background removal.
3. Our production artists will review your request and prepare your artwork.
4. You'll receive a proof to review and approve before printing.

What Artwork Works Best for Custom Embroidery?

Embroidery uses thread instead of ink, so artwork needs to be prepared differently than designs for screen printing or digital printing.

For the best embroidered results, we recommend:

• Simple, bold artwork with clearly defined shapes.
• Large, readable lettering instead of tiny text.
• Clean lines and minimal fine details.
• Solid colors rather than complex gradients.
• PNG, JPEG, or EPS artwork files.

Our team converts your artwork into an embroidery-ready file using specialized software, a process called digitizing. We'll send you a proof for approval before production.

What If My Artwork Isn't Print-Ready?

Not sure your file will work? Upload the best version you have. Our experienced production artists review submitted artwork before printing and will contact you if adjustments are needed.

You can also use Notes 4 Bolt in the Design Studio to request:

• Background removal
• Artwork resizing
• Color adjustments
• Changes to artwork placement

Need Help Creating Your Design?

Our online Design Studio makes it easy to customize your products. You can:

• Upload your own logo or artwork.
• Add custom text and choose from available fonts.
• Browse our clip art library.
• Change product styles and garment colors.
• Save your design using Save 4 Later.

For a complete walkthrough, visit our Creating a Design in the Design Studio guide.