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How to Prepare Your Artwork for Tea Towel Printing
by:
Mary's Kitchen Towels Team
|
Updated May 2026
In This Guide
The most common reason a custom tea towel print comes back looking different than expected isn't the printing — it's the file. Wrong format, wrong resolution, live fonts, or RGB colors submitted for screen printing will all cause problems that delay your order and require back-and-forth before production can start. We've been printing custom tea towels since 2006, and file preparation questions are the single most frequent topic in our pre-sales emails.
This guide covers exactly what to prepare for each of the three printing methods we offer — screen printing, DTG, and edge-to-edge — with specific file format requirements, color mode rules, and the most common mistakes to avoid. If you're not sure which print method is right for your design, read our screen print vs DTG vs edge-to-edge comparison first, then come back here for the file specs.
Why File Preparation Matters
Each printing method uses a fundamentally different process to put ink on fabric, which means each one has different requirements for how your artwork needs to be structured before it can be printed.
Screen printing separates your design into individual ink layers — one layer per color. If your file contains gradients, blended colors, or raster elements at low resolution, it can't be accurately separated for the press. DTG printing is essentially inkjet printing on fabric: it reads your file as a raster image and deposits ink directly onto the fibers, so resolution and background transparency are critical. Edge-to-edge printing covers the entire surface of the towel, which means your file needs to fill that full area with adequate bleed at the edges.
Getting your file right before you submit saves time at every stage — no revision requests, no proof delays, no surprises on the finished product.
Screen Printing: Vector Files & Pantone Colors
Screen printing produces the sharpest, most durable prints for logos, text, and flat-color artwork — but it has the strictest file requirements of the three methods. The press can only print what can be physically separated into distinct ink layers.
Required File Formats
Preferred: AI, EPS, or PDF — These are vector formats. Vector files use mathematical paths to define shapes rather than pixels, which means they scale to any size with no loss of quality. A logo that looks sharp at 2 inches will look equally sharp at 20 inches. Submit your vector file with all fonts outlined and at the intended print size.
Acceptable: PNG at 300dpi or higher — Raster files are acceptable for simple designs, but only at high resolution and only when the design doesn't rely on fine detail or small text. If your design originated as a raster file and you can't access a vector version, a 300dpi PNG at the actual print dimensions is workable. Lower resolution files will look pixelated or soft when printed.
If you're not sure whether your file is vector or raster, Adobe's guide to vector graphics explains the difference clearly.
⚠ Before You Submit: Outline Fonts and Flatten Your File
Two issues cause the most preventable print errors — and both happen silently, meaning the file looks fine on your screen but arrives at the press ready to go wrong.
Outline your fonts. If your file contains live text and the font isn't installed on our system, the software will automatically substitute the closest available font — often a completely different typeface — without any warning. The substitution won't be flagged as an error. Your file will process and print with the wrong font unless you catch it at proof stage. Outlining fonts (also called "convert to paths") permanently converts all text into vector shapes, making the font irrelevant. Do this before saving your final file.
Flatten transparency and merge layers. Layered files with live transparency, drop shadows, or blend effects can render unpredictably in print RIP software. Elements that look correct in Illustrator or Photoshop may shift, disappear, or produce unexpected color interactions when the file is processed for print. Flatten all layers and expand or rasterize any transparency effects before submitting. If you're submitting a PDF, use PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 — both flatten transparency on export.
If you're unsure whether your file is properly prepared, send it to us before ordering and we'll check it at no charge.
Two issues cause the most preventable print errors — and both happen silently, meaning the file looks fine on your screen but arrives at the press ready to go wrong.
Outline your fonts. If your file contains live text and the font isn't installed on our system, the software will automatically substitute the closest available font — often a completely different typeface — without any warning. The substitution won't be flagged as an error. Your file will process and print with the wrong font unless you catch it at proof stage. Outlining fonts (also called "convert to paths") permanently converts all text into vector shapes, making the font irrelevant. Do this before saving your final file.
Flatten transparency and merge layers. Layered files with live transparency, drop shadows, or blend effects can render unpredictably in print RIP software. Elements that look correct in Illustrator or Photoshop may shift, disappear, or produce unexpected color interactions when the file is processed for print. Flatten all layers and expand or rasterize any transparency effects before submitting. If you're submitting a PDF, use PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 — both flatten transparency on export.
If you're unsure whether your file is properly prepared, send it to us before ordering and we'll check it at no charge.
Colors and Pantone Codes
Screen printing supports up to 4 spot colors. Each color in your design requires a separate screen and a separate ink mix, so your design needs to be built in flat, distinct colors — no gradients, no drop shadows, no photographic blending between tones.
For accurate color matching, provide Pantone (PMS) codes for each color in your design. Pantone is a standardized color matching system used throughout the printing industry — each code corresponds to a precise ink formula that can be mixed and matched across any printer, any press, any material. Without a Pantone code, color matching is done by eye against a monitor, which is an inherently imprecise process. The Pantone color system is the industry standard for a reason.
Note: If your design has more than 4 colors, or includes photography, gradients, or detailed illustration with continuous tones, screen printing is not the right method. DTG handles unlimited colors and is better suited for complex artwork.
DTG Printing: Full-Color File Setup
DTG (direct-to-garment) printing is the right choice for full-color artwork, illustrations with many colors, photographic images, and designs where you need every detail reproduced exactly as you created it. The file requirements are simpler than screen printing, but resolution and color mode still matter.
File Formats and Resolution
PNG at 300dpi or higher is the preferred format for DTG. PNG supports transparent or white backgrounds. We also accept PDF and JPG files at 300dpi or higher.
Set your file dimensions to the actual intended print size at 300dpi. A file that is 150dpi will appear soft and lose fine detail when printed. A common mistake is submitting a file that looks fine on screen — screens display at 72–96dpi, so a low-resolution file can look sharp on a monitor and still print poorly on fabric.
Color Mode and Backgrounds
Set your file to RGB color mode. DTG printers use RGB color profiles to manage ink output. Submitting a CMYK file can cause color shifts in the finished print.
Use a transparent or white background. A transparent background tells the printer to only deposit ink where your design exists, letting the natural fabric texture show through unprinted areas. A white background is also acceptable — the printer will lay down white ink across the full print area, which works well for designs that require a solid white base or lighter colors on natural cotton.
DTG supports unlimited colors, so there's no need to simplify your palette or separate colors before submitting.
Edge-to-Edge Printing: Full-Surface Files
Edge-to-edge printing covers the full surface of the towel with your design, from edge to edge. It's the right method for all-over patterns, large-format artwork, and designs that need to fill the entire towel rather than sit in a defined print area.
Because the design extends to the physical edge of the towel, your file needs to include bleed — artwork that extends slightly beyond the finished boundary to account for minor shifts in positioning during production. Without adequate bleed, small white or unprinted gaps can appear at the edges of the finished towel.
Contact us and we'll provide exact file dimensions, bleed specifications, and safe zone guidelines for your design.
Edge-to-Edge Turnaround
Edge-to-edge orders take 3–5 weeks after proof approval — longer than screen print or DTG because of the full-surface production process. Plan your timeline accordingly, especially for seasonal or event-driven orders.
Quick Reference: All Three Methods
| Method | Preferred Format | Also Accepted | Resolution | Color Mode | Max Colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Print | AI, EPS, PDF (vector, fonts outlined) | PNG at 300dpi+ (solid colors only — no gradients or shadows) | Vector (any size) or 300dpi+ | Spot colors (Pantone) | 4 spot colors |
| DTG | PNG 300dpi+, transparent or white background, RGB | PDF, JPG at 300dpi+ | 300dpi or higher at print size | RGB | Unlimited |
| Edge-to-Edge | PNG 300dpi+, transparent or white background, RGB | PDF, JPG at 300dpi+ | 300dpi+ at full towel size — contact us for bleed specs | RGB | Unlimited |
How to Submit Your Artwork
You can upload your artwork file directly on the product page when placing your order. Alternatively, send it through our contact page after purchase and reference your order number.
Every order includes a free digital proof prepared by our team. We don't begin production until you've reviewed the proof and given written approval. This is your opportunity to check placement, scale, colors, and any fine details before a single towel is printed.
Standard turnaround is 2–3 weeks after proof approval for screen print and DTG, and 3–5 weeks for edge-to-edge. If you have a deadline, let us know when you reach out — we'll confirm whether it's achievable before you order.
Questions about whether your file is ready to submit? Contact our team → We review artwork questions before purchase at no charge.
Ready to Print? Get a Free Proof Before Anything Ships.
We've printed custom tea towels since 2006. Upload your artwork, we'll send a proof, and production starts only after your written approval. Screen print, DTG, and edge-to-edge available.
Edge-to-Edge → DTG Printing → Screen Printing →Frequently Asked Questions
What file format should I use for screen printing on tea towels?
Vector files are strongly preferred: AI, EPS, or PDF with all fonts outlined. Vector artwork scales to any size without losing quality and ensures clean, sharp edges in every color. If you only have a raster file, a PNG at 300dpi or higher is acceptable for solid-color designs only — no gradients, shadows, or tonal blending. Vector is always the better choice.
What file format is required for DTG printing?
DTG requires a PNG at 300dpi or higher with a transparent or white background, in RGB color mode. We also accept PDF and JPG at 300dpi or higher. Transparent backgrounds ensure the fabric texture shows through unprinted areas naturally, which is especially important on natural cotton canvas.
Do I need to outline my fonts before submitting for screen printing?
Yes. Outlining fonts converts your text into vector paths, so the letterforms print exactly as you designed them regardless of what software opens the file. If you submit a file with live text and the printer doesn't have that font installed, a default font will be substituted and your text will look completely different.
How many colors can I use in a screen print design?
Up to 4 spot colors. Each color requires a separate ink layer, so your design needs to be built in flat, distinct colors with no gradients or photographic blending. For designs with more than 4 colors, or for full-color photography and illustration, DTG is the better method.
What are Pantone colors and do I need them for screen printing?
Pantone is a standardized color matching system used across the printing industry. For screen printing, Pantone codes are required for accurate color matching because monitors display colors differently than printed ink. When you provide a Pantone code, our team can mix the exact ink formula to match that color on fabric.
What is bleed and do I need it for edge-to-edge printing?
Bleed is artwork that extends beyond the finished print boundary to account for slight shifts during production. For edge-to-edge printing, your design should cover the full towel surface with bleed at the edges. Without it, small unprinted gaps can appear at the edges of the finished towel. We'll advise on exact bleed dimensions when you contact us.
Can I use the same artwork file for all three print methods?
Generally, no. Screen printing requires vector files with outlined fonts and Pantone colors, and supports up to 4 colors. DTG requires a PNG with transparent background in RGB mode and supports unlimited colors. Edge-to-edge requires full-surface coverage with bleed. A full-color raster design works for DTG but would need to be redrawn as a vector for screen printing.
How do I submit my artwork to Mary's Kitchen Towels?
Upload your file directly on the product page when placing your order, or send it through our contact page after purchase. We send a free digital proof before any production begins — no printing happens until you approve the proof in writing.
Written by
Mary's Kitchen Towels Team
We've been printing custom tea towels since 2006 — screen print, DTG, and edge-to-edge, all done by our team. Questions about your artwork? Contact us before you order →
