Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about ordering, artwork, shipping, and getting the most out of Bolt Printing.
How Do I Create a Design or Upload Artwork in the Design Studio?
Creating custom T-shirts, hats, polos, jackets, bags, and other personalized products is easy with Bolt Printing's online Design Studio. You can upload your logo, add custom text, choose clip art, and preview your design directly on your selected product. No graphic design experience required!
Quick Answer
To create a custom design, select a product on Bolt Printing's website and click Design Now. Use the Design Studio to upload artwork, add text, or select clip art. Customize your design within the available design areas, preview your product, and save your work using Save 4 Later. After ordering, you'll receive an artwork proof to approve before production.
How Do I Start Creating a Custom Design?
Getting started in the Bolt Printing Design Studio takes just a few steps:
- Choose your product. Browse our selection of custom T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, polos, bags, aprons, and other customizable products.
- Click Design Now. You'll find this button on the product page.
- Open the Design Studio. Your selected product and color will automatically load into the designer.
- Start customizing. Add text, select clip art, or upload your own artwork using the available design tools.
Helpful Tip: You don't need to be a graphic designer to create custom apparel. Our Design Studio lets you experiment with different layouts, fonts, and graphics before placing your order.
How Do I Add Text, Clip Art, or Upload My Logo?
The Design Studio includes easy-to-use tools for creating your artwork. Use the tabs on the left side of the designer to add different elements:
- Add Text: Enter names, business information, slogans, team names, or other wording. Choose fonts and adjust your text to match your design.
- Clip Art: Browse our built-in library of graphics to add images and decorative elements to your design.
- My Art: Upload your own company logo, artwork, or custom graphic directly from your device.
Once you've added an element, you can adjust its size, positioning, rotation, and layering within the available design areas.
Helpful Tip: Have a logo with a background you don't want printed? Use Notes 4 Bolt to request background removal or other artwork adjustments from our production artists.
How Do I Change My Shirt Color in the Design Studio?
Want to see your custom T-shirt design on a different shirt color? Bolt Printing's Design Studio makes it easy to switch between available garment colors while creating your design.
Follow these two simple steps:
Step 1: Click Change Product Color
At the top of the Design Studio, above the garment preview, locate the button labeled Change Product Color.
Click this button to open the available shirt color options.
Image 1: Select Change Product Color above the garment preview.
Step 2: Select Your New Shirt Color
Choose your preferred shirt color from the dropdown menu.
The garment preview will update to display your selected color, allowing you to see how your custom artwork looks against the new background.
Image 2: Choose your desired T-shirt color from the available options.
Helpful Tip: Try previewing your artwork on several available shirt colors before ordering. A design that looks great on a light-colored shirt may have less contrast on a darker garment. Make sure your artwork remains easy to see against your selected shirt color.
Can I Change the Product Style or Color?
Yes! You can explore different products and garment colors directly in the Design Studio without starting your shopping process over.
Use the options at the top of the designer:
- Change Product Color: Preview your design on different available garment colors.
- Change Style: Switch to another product style, such as a polo, hoodie, or T-shirt.
- Start Over: Clear your current design and begin again.
These tools make it easy to compare different options and find the right combination for your business, event, school, or organization.
How Do I Save My Design for Later?
Not ready to order yet? You can save your custom design and return to it later.
- Click the Save 4 Later button in the Design Studio.
- Enter your email address when prompted.
- You'll receive an email containing a link to your saved design.
- Use the link to return to your design whenever you're ready.
No account or login is required to save your design.
Helpful Tip: Saving your design is especially useful when planning custom shirts for a company, sports team, fundraiser, or event. You can share your saved design link with others before placing your order.
Will I Receive an Artwork Proof Before Printing?
Yes! Every Bolt Printing order goes through an artwork review and proof approval process before production.
After placing your order, our production artists will:
- Review your artwork for print quality and clarity.
- Check the design's sizing, alignment, and placement.
- Review any special instructions submitted with your order.
- Contact you if artwork adjustments or additional information are needed.
You'll receive an email with your artwork proof and can also review it in the Customer Center.
Please review your proof carefully and request any necessary changes before approving it.
Important: What you approve is what we print! Always double-check spelling, colors, artwork placement, and design details before giving your final approval.
Can I Use the Design Studio for Hats, Bags, and Other Products?
Absolutely! Bolt Printing's Design Studio can be used to customize a variety of apparel and accessories, including:
- Custom T-shirts and long sleeve shirts
- Hoodies and sweatshirts
- Embroidered hats and beanies
- Custom polos and jackets
- Tote bags and aprons
- Blankets and other customizable accessories
Available design areas and customization options vary depending on the product. Our production team will review your artwork to make sure it's suitable for the selected printing or embroidery process.
What File Types Can I Upload?
Bolt Printing accepts commonly used artwork formats, including AI, EPS, PDF, PNG, JPG, JPEG, GIF, TIFF, and SVG.
For the best results, we recommend using high-quality artwork sized close to its intended printing dimensions. Our production artists review submitted artwork before printing.
For detailed information about accepted file formats, image resolution, background removal, and embroidery requirements, visit our Artwork and File Guidelines.
Still Have Questions? We're Here to Help.
Need help creating your custom design, uploading a logo, or making artwork adjustments? Our team is happy to help you get your design ready for printing or embroidery.
Email: hello@boltprinting.com
If you're contacting us about an existing order, please include your order number so our team can assist you.
Still have questions?
Our support team responds within a few hours during business days. We're happy to help with quotes, custom jobs, or artwork questions.
Or call 888-909-2658, Mon–Fri 9 am – 6 pm ET.