How Do I Edit Artwork in Photoshop for Custom T-Shirt Printing?

Preparing artwork for custom T-shirt printing doesn't have to be complicated. Adobe Photoshop gives you the tools to crop images, resize logos, remove unwanted backgrounds, and adjust image dimensions before uploading your designs to Bolt Printing.

Whether you're working with a business logo, event graphic, or custom T-shirt design, this beginner-friendly Photoshop guide will walk you through the basic steps to get your artwork ready for printing.

How Do I Crop an Image in Photoshop?

Cropping removes unnecessary areas surrounding your artwork. This is especially helpful when preparing a company logo or custom graphic that has too much empty space around it.

A properly cropped design is easier to position and resize when uploaded into Bolt Printing's online Design Studio.

Step 1: Select the Crop Tool

1. Open your artwork in Adobe Photoshop.
2. Locate the toolbar on the left side of the screen.
3. Click the Crop Tool, which looks like two intersecting right angles.
4. You can also press C on your keyboard to activate the Crop Tool.

Step 2: Adjust the Crop Box

After selecting the Crop Tool, a crop boundary will appear around your image.

1. Click and drag the corners or edges of the crop box.
2. Move the boundary closer to the actual artwork.
3. Keep all important lettering, graphics, and design elements inside the selected area.
4. If needed, adjust dimensions using the options bar at the top of Photoshop.

Step 3: Apply the Crop

Once the crop box surrounds the area you want to keep, press Enter on Windows or Return on Mac.

Photoshop will apply the crop, leaving you with a cleaner image focused on your actual design.

How Do I Resize Artwork in Photoshop for T-Shirt Printing?

Resizing artwork allows you to adjust your image dimensions before uploading it for custom printing.

For example, a logo designed for a website may need different dimensions when printed across the front of a T-shirt.

Step 1: Open the Image Size Settings

1. Open your design in Photoshop.
2. Click Image in the top menu.
3. Select Image Size.

This opens a window where you can review the image's dimensions and resolution.

Step 2: Adjust the Width, Height, and Resolution

Inside the Image Size window, you'll see options for Width, Height, and Resolution.

• Width: Controls how wide your artwork will be.
• Height: Controls how tall your artwork will be.
• Resolution: Determines how many pixels are available per inch at the selected print dimensions.
• Constrain Proportions: Keep the width and height linked to prevent stretching or distortion.

After reviewing your changes, click OK to apply the settings.

How Do I Remove a Background in Photoshop?

Removing an unwanted background is one of the most useful Photoshop skills for custom T-shirt printing.

For example, if your company logo has a white rectangle behind it, you may want to remove that background so only the logo appears on the shirt.

Step 1: Select the Magic Wand Tool

1. Open your artwork in Photoshop.
2. Locate the Magic Wand Tool in the toolbar.
3. Press W on your keyboard to access the selection tools.
4. If necessary, click and hold the selection tool icon to choose Magic Wand.

Step 2: Select the Background and Refine the Edges

With the Magic Wand Tool selected, click the background area you want to remove. Photoshop will select nearby pixels with similar colors.

For simple white or solid-colored backgrounds, this tool can make the selection process easier.

If your background contains multiple areas, you may need to add to the selection or adjust the tool's tolerance settings.

To refine the selection:

1. After selecting the background, choose Select > Inverse to select the artwork instead.
2. Go to Select > Select and Mask.
3. Use the available selection tools to refine the edges of your artwork.
4. For intricate details, use the Refine Edge Brush Tool where needed.

Step 3: Remove or Hide the Background

Once you're satisfied with the selection, you can remove the unwanted background.

We recommend using a Layer Mask whenever possible. This allows you to hide the background without permanently deleting the original image information.

1. Make sure the artwork, rather than the background, is selected.
2. In Select and Mask, choose Layer Mask from the Output To options.
3. Click OK to apply the mask.
4. Check that the background is hidden and the artwork remains visible.

You can also use Photoshop's background removal and eraser tools when appropriate, although a layer mask is generally easier to revise later.

Step 4: Review the Finished Artwork

Once the background is removed, check your design carefully. Look for leftover background areas, jagged edges, or portions of the artwork that may have been accidentally removed.

If your artwork now has a transparent background, Photoshop generally displays a gray-and-white checkerboard behind the design.

How Do I Change Image Measurements from Pixels to Inches?

Photoshop allows you to measure artwork in either pixels or physical dimensions such as inches. This is particularly helpful when preparing designs for custom apparel printing.

For example, a custom T-shirt design that will print 12 inches wide should be reviewed at that intended print size.

Step 1: Open the Image Size Window

Open your artwork and navigate to Image > Image Size in the Photoshop menu.

This window displays your image's dimensions and resolution and allows you to switch between different measurement units.

Step 2: Change the Measurement Units

1. Locate the Width and Height fields.
2. Click the dropdown menu next to the measurement values.
3. Change the units from Pixels to Inches.
4. Review your design dimensions and resolution.
5. Click OK when you're finished.

If you only need to adjust the physical print dimensions without adding or removing pixels, you can turn off Resample in the Image Size window. Photoshop will then adjust the resolution according to the new print dimensions while preserving the original pixel count.

How Should I Save Photoshop Artwork for Custom T-Shirt Printing?

Once you've finished editing your artwork, save a copy in a format suitable for uploading to Bolt Printing's Design Studio.

We recommend keeping your original Photoshop project file so you can make additional edits later.

1. Save your working file: Choose File > Save As and save your editable design as a PSD file.
2. Export the finished artwork: Use File > Export > Export As and select PNG, or use the available PNG saving option in your Photoshop version.
3. Preserve transparency: If you removed the background, make sure your PNG maintains the transparent areas.
4. Review the exported image: Open the saved file to verify that the artwork looks correct.
5. Check file size: Make sure the file meets Bolt Printing's upload requirements.

Bolt Printing accepts several common artwork formats, including PNG, JPG, JPEG, PDF, AI, EPS, SVG, GIF, and TIFF.

What Are Bolt Printing's Artwork Upload Requirements?

Before uploading your finished Photoshop artwork to our Design Studio, review these guidelines:

• Maximum file size: 5MB per upload.
• Maximum image dimensions: 20 inches in width or height.
• Recommended resolution: At least 150 DPI at the intended print size.
• Preferred format for transparent artwork: PNG.
• Artwork cropping: Remove excessive empty space surrounding the design.

If your artwork file exceeds the Design Studio's upload limits, contact our team for help submitting it.

How Do I Upload My Photoshop Artwork to Bolt Printing?

Once your artwork is ready, you can upload it directly through Bolt Printing's online Design Studio.

1. Choose your product: Select the T-shirt, sweatshirt, polo, or other apparel item you want to customize.
2. Click Design Now: Open the online Design Studio.
3. Select My Art: Upload your saved artwork file from your device.
4. Position your artwork: Adjust its size and placement within the available design areas.
5. Review your design: Check the product preview before placing your order.

Our production artists review submitted artwork before printing. If your file needs adjustments, we'll contact you.