Pixel graphics are multicolored images or photos composed of individual pixels (picture elements). The pixels are arranged in a grid, hence the term "grid graphics" (sometimes called "raster graphics"). Each pixel is assigned color information, the sum of which produces the picture. The pixel graphics serve as a template for digital printing. So that we can achieve the best possible result in printing with your graphics, please bear in mind the following tips:

Requirements for your pixel design

  • PNG, JPG, BMP or GIF file format
  • Maximum file size 10 MB
  • Image resolution at least 200 dpi for apparel
  • Image resolution at least 400 dpi for non-apparel
  • Maximum size 4000 x 4000 pixels
  • Design is isolated

 

Optimizing image resolution

Photos or graphics in PNG, JPG, GIF or BMP formats consist of pixels (picture elements) arranged in grid form, each of which is assigned multiple color information. The number of pixels in width and height also later determines the size of the print.

We print textiles at 200 dpi. The abbreviation dpi stands for dots per inch, and this provides information on the density of the picture elements. A graphic that is 1000 pixels wide, for example, produces a design 5'' wide when printed at 200 dpi. A 2000 pixel-wide graphic produces a 10'' wide design, etc.

A design with a low pixel width or height (for example, 800 x 600 pixels) cannot therefore be easily enlarged without loss of quality (for example to 4.7" x 4" or more). Because of the "missing" pixels, the print would probably look blurry and out of focus. So only upload designs with sufficient resolution and number of pixels. We recommend 200 dpi and a maximum of 4000 x 4000 pixels, so as not to exceed the maximum file size of 10 MB.

 

Removal of unwanted backgrounds

People frequently want to print a motif cut out of a photo or picture, and not the background itself. But it is not enough simply to create a white background, because this will mean that a white area is printed, which will be visible on both colored and white products. Backgrounds must be transparent so that they are ignored by our printer. Isolate your motif in a graphics program and save it as a PNG. Perhaps the following instructions for removing the background from a motif in Photoshop will be helpful:

Removing the background with Photoshop

  1. Open your pixel graphic in Photoshop.
  2. Select the "wand" tool.
  3. With the wand, select the area to be removed, e.g. the background.
  4. Remove the selected area (with "del").
  5. Repeat the process until the background is completely removed.
  6. Make sure that all areas of the background have now really been removed. Zoom in to see if small groups of pixels still remain at the edges. Remove these if possible.
  7. Save the isolated graphic in PNG format. If this format is not an option when saving, change the color space under "Image -> Mode" to RGB color space. This is important because some file formats, such as for example JPG, do not recognize transparent surfaces and provide the isolated image with a white background when you save it.

 

Removing the background with GIMP

  1. Go to the Layers Palette (on the right side. If it is not there go Window > Layers - Brushes). If the name of your file is Background, then it will need renamed by right clicking on the name and choosing ‘Edit Layer Attributes’. Change the name to anything.
  2. Next make sure that the image is in the RGB color scale. Select ‘Image’ from the top menu, then select ‘Mode’ from the box and make sure RGB is selected.
  3. Create a new layer that is transparent. Right click on your original layer and choose ‘New Layer’. Under Layer Fill Type, choose Transparency. Click OK.
  4. Click and drag your now transparent layer (which should look like a checkerboard) underneath your original layer.
  5. Right click your top layer and click ‘Merge Visible Layers’. In the pop up box click Merge.
  6. Select the ‘fuzzy select tool’, the first row, second tool from the right in the tool bar.
  7. Set the threshold (located under Tool Options in the Toolbox) to around 15.
  8. Click anywhere in the background and hit ‘Delete’ on your keyboard. This should reveal a checkerboard.
  9. Go Select > None to deselect the ‘marching ants’.
  10. Export the file as an PNG image. File > Export.

 

Speckling color transitions

Digital printers work in a similar way to inkjet printers: the ink is sprayed directly onto the product. To achieve the highest possible fidelity to the colors of the design, a white layer is first sprayed onto colored products as a base. If your design has a transparent color transition running to the edges, this white base can show through on dark products. To prevent this, use the "speckle" tool in your graphics program. Advanced users can also use the "dither" function.

 

Taking color differences into account in CMYK and RGB mode

Pixel graphics are printed onto shirts in CMYK color mode. However your screen displays the motif in RGB mode. This may make the colors look different. Colors are often brighter on the screen than on the printed shirt. In order for the colors of your printed shirts to have a similar intensity to the colors on the monitor, you should set the contrast of your graphic higher and the colors bolder.

 

Vector design requirements for printing:

  • We support SVG, AI, EPS and CDR file formats.
  • Your design must not exceed 15 x 15 inches. We recommend 11 x 11 inches as the ideal size.
  • Lines and other parts of the design must have a diameter of at least 0.06 inches.
  • Maximum 3 colors: we can print up to three colors with vector files.
  • Please create each color in your design as a separate layer.
  • All objects and text to be printed must be converted into paths.
  • Make sure that all curves are completely closed and do not overlap each other.

Measuring and increasing line thickness

If parts of the design are thinner than the required line width, they can tear during weeding making the print motif unusable. If gaps in the motif or whole parts of the motif are too small (e.g. dots), they may possibly be overlooked during weeding or be difficult to detach. In addition, fine lines do not adhere as well to the shirt and may peel off. Lines and other parts of the motif must therefore have a diameter of at least 0.06 inches and gaps between elements should be at least 0.04 inches.

This is how you measure line width: to check whether the lines in your motif are thick enough, create a circle with a diameter of 0.06 inches and lay it on top of the thinnest line in your motif. If the circle fits inside the line without protruding, it is thick enough. Do the same with a 0.04 inch diameter circle to measure the gaps in your design. If the circle fits inside the narrowest gap, it is big enough.

Important: if you increase the line width, make sure that your overall design is no larger than 15 x 15 inches. It is best to aim for a size of 11 x 11 inches, so that it fits on most of our products.

Checking and closing curves

Ensure that you do the following:

  • Check that you have really converted all the parts of your design into curves. Unconverted elements will not be printed, as our printer will not recognize them.
  • Check that you have really closed all the curves in your design. You can use the "combine" or "merge" function in your graphics program to do this.
  • If there are any remaining elements which overlap or are not required, remove them.