To make sure your design prints with the best quality, upload it in the right format and resolution. This article covers the file specs BrandSKU accepts, what to check before uploading, and a few common mistakes that lead to blurry or off-color prints.
Supported File Formats
BrandSKU accepts two file formats for design uploads:
PNG
Preferred for designs with transparent backgrounds — for example, logos, text, or graphics that should sit directly on the product without a white box around them.
JPG
A high-quality image format best for photos, artwork with solid backgrounds, or full-coverage designs where transparency isn't needed.
Note: BrandSKU does not currently accept SVG, PDF, or PSD files. If you're designing in Illustrator or Photoshop, export your final design as a high-resolution PNG or JPG before uploading.
Resolution
Resolution is measured in DPI (dots per inch) and determines how sharp your design will look when printed.
- Minimum: 150 DPI
- Recommended: 300 DPI
Lower-resolution files may look fine on a screen but appear pixelated or blurry when printed on physical products. Whenever possible, upload the highest-resolution version of your design.
Tip: If you're not sure what DPI your file is, check the export settings in your design tool. In Photoshop, go to Image → Image Size and check the Resolution field. In Illustrator, DPI is set when you export the file as PNG or JPG.
Color Profile
Use the sRGB color profile for all uploaded designs.
- sRGB gives the most consistent color reproduction across screens and print methods.
- Avoid CMYK profiles for uploads — CMYK is designed for offset printing and can shift colors unpredictably when converted for POD production.
If your design tool defaults to CMYK, convert it to sRGB before exporting. In Photoshop, go to Edit → Convert to Profile and select sRGB IEC61966-2.1.
Canvas Size
Design your file at the recommended canvas size shown in the BrandSKU product designer. Each product and print area has its own recommended dimensions.
When designing:
- Match your canvas to the print area's exact dimensions in inches or centimeters.
- After any resizing or editing, check that the file still meets the 150 DPI minimum.
- Leave a small buffer around the edges of critical elements (like text or faces) so nothing gets cut off if the print shifts slightly during production.
What to Check Before Uploading
Run through this quick list before uploading your final design:
- File format is PNG (for transparency) or JPG (for solid backgrounds)
- Resolution is at least 150 DPI, ideally 300 DPI
- Color profile is sRGB, not CMYK
- Canvas size matches the recommended dimensions for the product's print area
- Text and important details are placed away from the edges of the print area
Print Placement Notes
Even with a perfectly prepared design file, exact print placement can vary slightly between product sizes and units. For example, a design placed at the center of a small t-shirt may appear slightly higher or lower on an extra-large one, since the printable area scales differently across sizes.
This variation is normal and within production tolerance. To minimize any visible shift, keep key design elements (logos, text, faces) at least half an inch away from the edges of the print area.
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