Print-on-demand image requirements explained
Every POD platform rejects or softens images that are too small. Below are the common requirements and how to get any design to pass them.
Typical requirements
Printful and Printify: PNG, 300 DPI at print size (for example 4500 × 5400 px for a full-front shirt). Redbubble: at least 7632 × 6480 px for all-over products. Merch by Amazon: 4500 × 5400 px PNG, under 25 MB.
Transparent background
Apparel designs must be transparent PNGs, otherwise a rectangle prints around the art. Remove the background with AI and check the result over the checkerboard preview.
Fixing a small design
Most mockups and AI-generated designs are 1024–2048 px. Upscale 4x with the AI upscaler to reach 4500 px or more with real detail, then export PNG at 300 DPI.
RGB, not CMYK
POD platforms work in sRGB and convert to their printers. Keep RGB unless a provider specifically asks for CMYK.
Keep an archive
Store the full-resolution PNG and, for logos, an SVG version. Re-downloads of unlocked files are free, so your library stays available.
Fixes blurry, small or pixelated images
HD UpscaleRelated tools and guides
- Upscale images for print in HD
- Increase image DPI to 300 for printing
- Image resolution for printing: what DPI do you need?
- AI image upscaler: enlarge photos without losing quality
- Enlarge an image without losing quality
- Unblur and sharpen blurry photos with AI
- Upscale images for sublimation and heat transfer
- What resolution do you need for a poster or banner?
- Why does my image print pixelated or blurry?