Design & Printing Guide — Art Cntrl
Simple, clear steps to prepare your artwork for the best print results. Follow these tips to avoid delays and get a crisp final product.
Choosing the Right File Type
Recommended formats:
- PNG — preferred for artwork with transparency
- JPEG — high-resolution photos
- SVG / AI — vector files for logos and scalable artwork
- PDF — print-ready multi-page or vector files
Minimum resolution: 300 DPI — ensures crisp, clear printing.
Pro tips:
- Upload the largest, highest-quality version you have.
- Avoid screenshots or social-media-saved images.
- Our design tool will warn if artwork is too low quality.
Image Size & Dimensions
To avoid blur or pixelation:
- Upload the largest version of your image that still respects safe area.
- Make sure the artwork fits the print area of the chosen product.
- Avoid low-res photos and images saved from social media.
Colour Accuracy
Colors may vary slightly in print due to screen settings and material. For best results:
- Design in RGB mode (our workflow prefers RGB for on-screen previews).
- Expect minor differences because of screen brightness and material texture.
Text & Typography Tips
- Use text sizes above 12pt to ensure legibility.
- Avoid very thin or fragile fonts.
- Keep text inside the safe printable area and double-check spelling.
Quick reminder: Text near the edges may be cropped — keep important text toward the centre of the design.
Printing Methods We Use
We automatically choose the best method for each product. You don't need to select one.
- DTG (Direct-to-Garment) — ideal for clothing with detailed artwork.
- Laser Engraving — perfect for metal, wood & premium gifts.
- UV Printing — used for décor, signage, and rigid materials.
- Sublimation — used for mugs, tumblers & wrap prints.
Final Review Before Checkout
- Carefully review the final preview.
- Check colours, placement, alignment & spelling.
- Ensure the image fits exactly as you want — personalised items are non-returnable.
This is your last chance to make adjustments before production starts.
Important: Once production starts we cannot change personalised items.
Copyright & Image Ownership
When you upload a design you confirm that you either own the artwork or are legally permitted to use it. Prohibited content includes:
- Movie, TV, or anime characters
- Corporate logos or brand names you don't own
- Celebrity photos or team emblems
- Stock images used without a licence
Legal disclaimer: Art Cntrl does not pre-check images for copyright or trademark. You are fully responsible for rights & permissions. By placing an order you accept this responsibility.
Final Approval
If you're happy with your preview:
- Submit your order — we begin production immediately.
- Your item is made uniquely for you and shipment updates will be sent once it ships.
