How to Prepare a Logo for T-Shirt Printing & Embroidery | Artwork Guide Malaysia
How to Prepare a Logo for T-Shirt Printing & Embroidery: Artwork Guide Malaysia
Introduction
A great custom T-shirt, polo shirt, jacket, cap, apron, or company uniform always starts with one thing:
Good artwork.
Many printing problems begin before production even starts.
Customers often send:
Screenshots
WhatsApp images
Facebook logos
Low-resolution JPG files
Photos of printed logos
Images copied from websites
Blurry PNG files
Logos with unwanted backgrounds
These files may look acceptable on a phone screen, but they may not be suitable for professional printing or embroidery.
If your artwork is low quality, the final result may appear:
Blurry
Pixelated
Jagged
Unclear
Poorly proportioned
Incorrect in colour
Difficult to embroider
Hard to cut for HTV
This is why preparing your logo correctly is one of the most important steps in custom apparel production.
At EVNIX, we work with DTF Printing, Embroidery, Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV), T-Shirt Logo Printing, Corporate Uniform Printing, Custom Polo Shirts, Jackets, Workwear, Caps, Aprons, Tote Bags, and other custom apparel.
In this guide, we explain how to prepare your logo for T-shirt printing and embroidery in Malaysia, including the best file formats, vector artwork, transparent backgrounds, resolution, RGB vs CMYK, Pantone colours, embroidery digitising, HTV requirements, logo sizing, and common artwork mistakes.
Why Artwork Quality Matters
Printing equipment cannot recreate detail that does not exist in the original artwork.
If a logo contains only a small number of pixels, enlarging it does not create real detail.
It simply enlarges the existing pixels.
This can result in:
Blurry text
Rough edges
Pixelation
Poor small details
The same principle applies to embroidery.
If the source artwork is unclear, it becomes much harder to determine:
Exact logo shape
Small lettering
Colour separation
Outline thickness
Fine details
A clean source file gives the production team much more control over the final result.
What Is Print-Ready Artwork?
Print-ready artwork is a file that can be prepared for production without requiring major reconstruction.
A good print-ready logo should normally have:
Clear artwork
Correct proportions
Sufficient resolution
Correct background
Correct colours
Readable text
No unwanted elements
Depending on the decoration method, the artwork may also need to be:
Vector
Transparent
Digitised
Simplified
Separated into shapes
There is no single file type that is perfect for every printing method.
Best File Formats for Custom Apparel
Common artwork formats include:
AI
PDF
EPS
SVG
PNG
JPG
Each format has different advantages.
AI – Adobe Illustrator
AI is one of the best formats for professional logo production.
It is commonly used for vector artwork.
Advantages include:
Scalable without losing quality
Easy to edit
Easy to resize
Colours can be adjusted
Shapes remain sharp
Excellent for logos
AI files are particularly useful for:
DTF artwork preparation
HTV cutting
Logo resizing
Embroidery preparation
Corporate branding
If you have your original company logo in AI format, keep it safely.
It can be useful for almost every future branding project.
PDF
PDF can be an excellent artwork format if the original design inside the PDF is vector.
A vector PDF can preserve:
Sharp shapes
Text
Colours
Logo proportions
However, not every PDF is automatically vector.
For example, placing a blurry JPG into a PDF does not make the image high resolution.
The quality still depends on the original artwork.
EPS
EPS is another common professional vector format.
It is widely used for:
Logos
Printing
Signage
Apparel customisation
Like AI, an EPS file can usually be resized without losing quality if the artwork is genuinely vector.
SVG
SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics.
It is commonly used for digital and web graphics but can also be extremely useful for printing and cutting applications.
Advantages include:
Scalable
Clean shapes
Small file size
Excellent for logos
Useful for HTV cutting
SVG is particularly useful when clean vector paths are required.
PNG
PNG is one of the most common file formats customers send.
It can work very well for DTF Printing if it is:
High resolution
Large enough for the intended print size
Transparent where required
PNG supports transparency, which is very useful for apparel printing.
For example, if you want only the company logo printed without a white box around it, a transparent PNG is much better than a JPG with a white background.
JPG / JPEG
JPG is one of the most common image formats online.
It is excellent for photographs but is not always ideal for logos.
JPG does not support transparent backgrounds.
It can also use compression, which may introduce:
Blur
Artifacts
Rough edges
Reduced detail
A high-resolution JPG may still be usable depending on the artwork.
However, vector files or transparent high-resolution PNG files are generally preferable for company logos.
Vector vs Raster Artwork
Understanding the difference between vector and raster artwork is important.
What Is Vector Artwork?
Vector artwork is built using paths, shapes, and mathematical information rather than fixed pixels.
Common vector formats include:
AI
EPS
SVG
Vector PDF
The biggest advantage of vector artwork is scalability.
A vector logo can often be resized from:
5 cm
to:
50 cm
without becoming blurry.
This makes vector artwork excellent for:
T-shirt printing
Embroidery preparation
HTV cutting
Signboards
Packaging
Large-format branding
What Is Raster Artwork?
Raster artwork is made from pixels.
Common raster formats include:
PNG
JPG
JPEG
Raster images have fixed resolution.
If they are enlarged beyond their original size, they may become pixelated.
Photographs are normally raster images.
Logos can also be raster, but they need sufficient resolution for the final printing size.
Why Vector Artwork Is Best for Logos
Company logos are often used at many different sizes.
For example:
Cap Logo:
6 cm
Left Chest Logo:
8 cm
T-Shirt Back Logo:
28 cm
Signboard:
200 cm
If the original logo is vector, all these sizes can be produced from the same master file.
This helps maintain brand consistency.
What Does 300 DPI Mean?
DPI stands for Dots Per Inch.
In practical artwork discussions, 300 DPI is commonly used as a target for high-resolution print artwork.
However, DPI alone does not tell the whole story.
Pixel dimensions also matter.
For example:
A very small 300 DPI image may still be too small for a large back print.
What matters is whether the image contains enough actual detail at the intended physical print size.
How Large Should a PNG Be?
There is no single required pixel size because it depends on the final print dimensions.
As a general rule:
Small chest logo:
A high-resolution image can work well if it contains sufficient detail.
Large full-front or full-back artwork:
The file should have much larger pixel dimensions.
If your artwork is going to be printed at 30 cm wide, a tiny logo downloaded from a website is unlikely to provide enough detail.
Why Screenshots Are Bad for Printing
Screenshots are one of the most common artwork problems.
Customers may send a screenshot from:
WhatsApp
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Google
PDF preview
Screenshots are usually created for screen viewing rather than professional production.
They may contain:
Low resolution
Compression
Unwanted backgrounds
Interface elements
Incorrect cropping
Whenever possible, send the original design file rather than taking a screenshot.
Why WhatsApp Images Can Lose Quality
Messaging platforms may compress images.
If your original logo is high resolution but you repeatedly save and resend it through messaging apps, the file may lose quality.
For important artwork, it is better to send the original file as a document or original attachment where possible.
Transparent Backgrounds
A transparent background allows only the actual logo or artwork to remain visible.
For example, imagine a logo consisting of:
EVNIX
on a transparent background.
When printed onto a black T-shirt, only the EVNIX logo appears.
If the same logo is supplied as a JPG with a white background, the white rectangle may still be part of the artwork.
This is why transparent PNG files are useful for DTF Printing.
How to Check If a PNG Is Transparent
A transparent image may appear with:
A checkerboard background
inside graphic software.
However, do not rely only on how it looks inside messaging apps.
Some platforms may display transparency against a white preview background.
The actual file should be checked properly before production.
Should My Logo Be RGB or CMYK?
This depends on the production workflow.
RGB stands for:
Red
Green
Blue
It is commonly used for:
Phones
Monitors
Digital screens
CMYK stands for:
Cyan
Magenta
Yellow
Black
It is commonly associated with print production.
However, modern DTF workflows may use specific colour-management systems and profiles.
The most important thing for customers is not simply changing a file from RGB to CMYK without understanding the production workflow.
Instead, provide:
Original artwork
Correct brand colour information
Pantone references where available
The printing provider can then prepare the artwork according to the production system.
Why Colours Look Different on Screen and Print
A computer monitor produces colour using light.
Printed apparel uses physical ink, thread, vinyl, and fabric.
These are fundamentally different colour systems.
The final result can also be affected by:
Screen brightness
Monitor calibration
Artwork profile
Printing profile
Ink
White ink
Fabric colour
Garment texture
Lighting
This means the colour displayed on your phone should not automatically be treated as an exact physical colour reference.
What Is Pantone?
Pantone is a recognised colour reference system used in branding and production.
If your company has an official Pantone colour, providing that reference can help communicate your intended brand colour more clearly.
For example:
Pantone 123 C
is much more specific than saying:
"Use the yellow from my phone."
Can DTF Match Pantone Exactly?
DTF is a CMYK-based digital printing process and cannot always reproduce every Pantone colour exactly.
However, a Pantone reference provides a useful target for colour matching.
Some colours may be outside the printable colour gamut.
Customers should discuss colour-critical projects before bulk production.
Preparing Artwork for DTF Printing
DTF can reproduce highly detailed artwork, but good artwork preparation still matters.
Ideal DTF artwork should be:
High resolution
Correctly sized
Clean
Free from unwanted backgrounds
Properly cropped
Vector artwork is excellent, but high-resolution transparent PNG artwork can also work very well.
DTF Supports Full Colour
DTF can reproduce:
Multiple colours
Gradients
Shadows
Illustrations
Fine details
Photographic elements
This gives designers significant creative freedom.
Remove Unnecessary Backgrounds
One of the easiest ways to improve a DTF design is removing unnecessary solid backgrounds.
For example:
A 30 × 40 cm rectangular graphic containing a fully solid background will cover much more fabric than a design containing transparent spaces.
Removing unnecessary areas may improve:
Comfort
Flexibility
Visual appearance
It can also create a more professional result.
Avoid Extremely Tiny Elements
DTF can reproduce excellent detail, but there are still practical limits.
Extremely tiny:
Text
Dots
Lines
Disconnected shapes
may be difficult to produce or may not remain visually clear after repeated wear.
Artwork should always be designed according to its final physical size.
Preparing Artwork for Embroidery
Embroidery artwork is fundamentally different from print artwork.
An embroidery machine does not simply "print" an image using thread.
The design must first be translated into stitches.
This process is called:
Embroidery Digitising
What Is Embroidery Digitising?
Digitising converts artwork into instructions that tell the embroidery machine:
Where to stitch
Which direction to stitch
Which stitch type to use
How dense the stitching should be
Where underlay is required
When to change thread colours
This is a specialised production process.
Why You Cannot Simply Convert PNG to Embroidery Automatically
Automatic conversion may not understand the structure of the logo properly.
Good embroidery requires decisions about:
Stitch direction
Stitch type
Density
Small details
Fabric
Logo size
Professional digitising is important for achieving clean results.
Embroidery Artwork May Need Simplification
A digital logo can contain details that are too small to reproduce effectively with thread.
For example:
Tiny text
Thin lines
Very small gaps
Complex gradients
Microscopic shapes
These may need to be simplified for embroidery.
This is normal.
The goal is to preserve the overall brand identity while making the artwork suitable for thread.
Minimum Text Size for Embroidery
There is no universal minimum text size because the result depends on:
Font
Thread
Fabric
Needle
Digitising
Letter thickness
However, very tiny text is generally difficult to reproduce clearly.
If your company logo contains extremely small wording, you may need to:
Enlarge the logo
Remove secondary text
Simplify the artwork
Use DTF instead
Thin Lines in Embroidery
Very thin lines can also be difficult to reproduce using thread.
A line that looks perfect on a computer screen may be physically thinner than the embroidery thread and needle combination can reproduce cleanly.
The digitiser may need to adjust it.
Embroidery and Gradients
Embroidery does not reproduce digital gradients in the same way as printing.
A smooth:
Blue → Purple → Pink
gradient on screen may need to be approximated using different thread colours and stitch techniques.
If maintaining the exact gradient is essential, DTF may be the better option.
Preparing Artwork for HTV Printing
HTV stands for Heat Transfer Vinyl.
HTV is often cut from sheets of coloured material.
This means clean vector artwork is extremely useful.
Best Artwork for HTV
Ideal formats include:
AI
EPS
SVG
Vector PDF
The design should generally consist of clean shapes and paths.
Why Complex Photographs Are Not Ideal for Cut HTV
HTV cutting works best for:
Text
Numbers
Logos
Shapes
Simple graphics
A highly detailed photographic image may contain thousands of tiny elements that are not practical to cut and weed manually.
DTF is usually a better choice for photographic artwork.
Specialty HTV Artwork
Specialty HTV options may include:
Reflective
Puff
3D Silicone
Glitter
Metallic
Glow in the Dark
Chrome
Crystal-style materials
The artwork should be designed according to the physical properties of the material.
For example, very small details may not be suitable for thick 3D materials.
Why Logo Size Matters Before Preparing Artwork
The final physical size determines whether details will remain readable.
A logo may look excellent at:
20 cm
but become impossible to reproduce at:
5 cm
because text and fine details become too small.
Always prepare artwork with the actual intended printing size in mind.
Typical Logo Sizes
As a general starting point:
Left Chest:
Approximately 7–10 cm wide
Centre Chest:
Approximately 15–25 cm wide
Full Front:
Approximately 25–32 cm wide
Full Back:
Approximately 25–32 cm wide
Sleeve:
Approximately 5–9 cm wide
Back Neck:
Approximately 5–8 cm wide
These are only guidelines.
The correct size depends on the artwork proportions and garment.
Horizontal vs Square vs Vertical Logos
Two logos with the same width may look completely different.
For example:
Square Logo:
8 cm × 8 cm
Horizontal Logo:
8 cm × 3 cm
Vertical Logo:
8 cm × 15 cm
All three are technically 8 cm wide, but they occupy very different amounts of garment space.
Artwork sizing should therefore consider both:
Width
and
Height
Convert Fonts to Outlines
When sending editable vector artwork, fonts can sometimes cause problems if the receiving computer does not have the same typeface installed.
Converting fonts to outlines turns the text into vector shapes.
This helps preserve the intended appearance.
Check Spelling Before Printing
Always check:
Company name
Employee name
Telephone number
Website
Slogan
Event date
before approving artwork.
Production will reproduce whatever is approved.
A printing machine cannot know whether a customer name has been misspelled.
Employee Name Personalisation
For personalised company uniforms, prepare employee information carefully.
For example:
AMIR – XL
NURUL – M
JASON – L
SARAH – S
For larger orders, use a structured spreadsheet.
Recommended columns include:
Name
Size
Department
Job Title
Number
Quantity
This reduces the risk of confusion.
Avoid Sending Multiple Versions of the Same Logo
One common problem is receiving several different files such as:
Logo Final.jpg
Logo New Final.png
Logo Final 2.pdf
Logo Correct.ai
This creates uncertainty about which version is actually approved.
Before production, clearly identify one master artwork file.
Keep a Master Brand Folder
Businesses should maintain a central folder containing:
Original AI logo
Vector PDF
EPS or SVG
Transparent PNG
Pantone colour references
Brand guidelines
This makes future printing and branding projects much easier.
Do Not Stretch Your Logo
A company logo should keep its original proportions.
Avoid stretching it wider or taller simply to fit a certain space.
Incorrect proportions can make the logo look unprofessional.
Always resize proportionally.
Do Not Use Artwork From Google Images
Searching your own company name on Google and downloading the logo from search results is not recommended.
Search-engine preview images may be:
Low resolution
Compressed
Outdated
Incorrect
Use the original logo file from your company records or designer whenever possible.
Removing White Backgrounds
If your logo has a white background but you need transparency, the artwork may require background removal.
Simple logos can often be cleaned easily.
Complex images with:
Shadows
Hair
Soft edges
Transparency
may require more detailed artwork preparation.
Why White Artwork Can Be Hard to See
A white logo on a transparent background may appear invisible when previewed on a white screen.
This does not necessarily mean the artwork is empty.
Professional design software can display the artwork against a contrasting background for inspection.
Black Artwork on Black T-Shirts
If you print black artwork onto a black shirt, contrast may be very low.
The design may technically be present but difficult to see.
Artwork colour should be selected according to the garment colour.
Colour Contrast Matters
Good logo visibility depends on contrast.
Examples:
White Logo + Black Shirt
Excellent contrast
Black Logo + White Shirt
Excellent contrast
Dark Navy Logo + Black Shirt
Low contrast
Yellow Logo + Black Shirt
Strong contrast
Always consider how the logo colour interacts with the garment.
Should You Add an Outline Around the Logo?
Sometimes a logo needs an outline when placed on a garment colour similar to the logo itself.
However, outlines should not be added automatically.
They change the original brand artwork.
If an outline is required, it should be approved before production.
Artwork for Dark T-Shirts
Dark garments often require an appropriate white underbase for DTF colour reproduction.
This is handled during the printing workflow.
Customers generally do not need to manually create a separate white layer unless specifically requested by the printer.
Artwork for Light T-Shirts
Light-coloured garments may display certain colours differently from dark garments.
The appearance of the final print depends on:
Artwork
Ink
Underbase
Garment
Printing profile
For colour-sensitive branding, discuss the garment colour before production.
Artwork for Polo Shirts
Polo shirts are commonly customised using:
Embroidery
DTF
For small corporate logos, embroidery is very popular.
If the logo contains:
Complex gradients
Fine details
Many colours
DTF may be more appropriate.
The artwork should therefore be prepared according to the selected decoration method.
Artwork for Jackets
Jacket materials vary significantly.
Some contain:
Special coatings
Water-resistant surfaces
Lining
Heat-sensitive fabrics
Before preparing a large DTF design, the jacket material should be checked for heat-press suitability.
Embroidery may be more suitable for some jackets.
Artwork for Caps
Caps are usually excellent for embroidery.
However, cap artwork should be designed for the available embroidery area.
Large or tall artwork may not fit the cap front properly.
The curve and construction of the cap also affect the embroidery design.
Artwork for Aprons
Aprons provide larger branding areas than many garments.
They can be customised using:
Embroidery
DTF
HTV
The best artwork format depends on the chosen decoration method and apron material.
Artwork for Tote Bags
Tote bags can support:
DTF
HTV
Embroidery
depending on the material and construction.
Canvas and cotton bags may have different surface textures, so artwork suitability should be considered.
Common Artwork Mistakes
Mistake 1: Sending Screenshots
Always send the original artwork when possible.
Mistake 2: Low-Resolution Logo
A small image cannot simply be enlarged indefinitely.
Mistake 3: Wrong Background
Make sure transparent backgrounds are provided when required.
Mistake 4: Incorrect Colours
Provide official brand references where available.
Mistake 5: Tiny Text
Check whether the text will still be readable at the actual printing size.
Mistake 6: Thin Lines
Fine details may need adjustment for embroidery, HTV, or small prints.
Mistake 7: Wrong Logo Version
Confirm the final approved artwork before production.
Mistake 8: Stretching the Logo
Maintain the correct proportions.
Mistake 9: Forgetting to Outline Fonts
For editable vector files, outlined fonts help avoid font substitution.
Mistake 10: Approving Artwork Without Checking Spelling
Always review names, numbers, dates, and wording before production.
Artwork Checklist Before Sending to EVNIX
Before submitting artwork, check:
✓ Correct logo version
✓ High-resolution or vector artwork
✓ Correct logo colours
✓ Transparent background if required
✓ Correct spelling
✓ Correct print size
✓ Correct printing position
✓ Correct employee names
✓ Correct numbers
✓ No unwanted background
✓ No unnecessary tiny details
✓ Final artwork approved
How to Send Artwork for a Quotation
For faster quotation and artwork review, provide:
1. Artwork
Send the actual logo or design.
2. Garment
Example:
Black Polo Shirt
3. Quantity
Example:
50 pieces
4. Print Position
Example:
Left Chest
5. Approximate Size
Example:
8 cm wide
6. Decoration Method
If known:
Embroidery
or
DTF
or
HTV
7. Required Date
Provide your deadline.
8. Personalisation
Example:
50 different employee names
This information allows the printing provider to understand the project much more accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best logo file for T-shirt printing?
AI, vector PDF, EPS, and SVG are excellent formats for logos. High-resolution transparent PNG artwork can also work very well for DTF Printing.
Is PNG good for T-shirt printing?
Yes. A high-resolution transparent PNG can produce excellent results, especially for DTF Printing.
Is JPG good for T-shirt printing?
A high-resolution JPG may be usable, but JPG does not support transparency and may contain compression. Vector artwork or high-resolution PNG is generally preferred for logos.
What resolution should my T-shirt artwork be?
For raster artwork, 300 DPI at the intended printing size is a common professional target. Actual pixel dimensions must also be sufficient for the final print dimensions.
Do I need CMYK artwork for DTF?
Not necessarily. DTF production uses specific colour-management workflows. Providing the original high-quality artwork and brand colour references is more useful than randomly converting artwork between colour modes.
What is the best file for embroidery?
Vector artwork such as AI, PDF, EPS, or SVG is excellent source artwork, but it still needs to be professionally digitised into an embroidery stitch file.
Can a PNG be embroidered?
A PNG can be used as reference artwork, but it cannot simply be sent directly to an embroidery machine. The design must first be digitised.
What is embroidery digitising?
Digitising is the process of converting artwork into stitch instructions for an embroidery machine.
Can embroidery reproduce gradients?
Not in exactly the same way as digital printing. Embroidery uses physical thread colours, so gradients may need to be simplified or simulated.
What artwork is best for HTV?
Clean vector artwork is usually best because HTV designs are often cut from material using vector paths.
Can EVNIX remove the background from my logo?
Artwork preparation may be possible depending on the file and complexity. Clean source artwork is always preferable.
Can EVNIX vectorise my logo?
If your existing artwork is too low resolution, vectorisation may be required depending on the design and intended production method.
Can EVNIX help check my artwork before printing?
Yes. EVNIX can review the artwork together with the garment, decoration method, size, and position before production.
About EVNIX
EVNIX provides professional custom apparel printing and embroidery solutions for businesses, organisations, restaurants, factories, contractors, events, schools, sports teams, and clothing brands throughout Malaysia.
Our services include:
DTF Printing
Embroidery
HTV Printing
T-Shirt Logo Printing
Custom T-Shirt Printing
Corporate Uniform Printing
Custom Polo Shirt Printing
Custom Hoodie Printing
Custom Jacket Printing
Custom Workwear
Safety Vest Printing
Cap Embroidery
Custom Apron Printing
Custom Tote Bag Printing
Because EVNIX provides multiple decoration methods under one roof, our team can help determine whether your artwork is better suited for DTF Printing, Embroidery, HTV, or another available customisation method.
Conclusion
Preparing your logo correctly is one of the most important steps in professional custom apparel production.
The best artwork is not simply the file that looks good on your phone.
It should be suitable for the actual production method.
For DTF Printing, high-resolution transparent PNG or vector artwork can provide excellent results.
For Embroidery, the logo must be converted into a properly digitised stitch file.
For HTV, clean vector shapes are especially important because the material often needs to be cut and weeded.
Whenever possible, keep professional master files such as:
AI
Vector PDF
EPS
SVG
High-resolution PNG
and maintain official brand colour references.
Avoid relying on:
Screenshots
WhatsApp-compressed logos
Images downloaded from Google
Low-resolution JPG files
Stretched artwork
Unapproved logo versions
Good artwork helps create:
Sharper prints
Cleaner embroidery
Better colour consistency
More accurate logo placement
Fewer production delays
More professional company apparel
Most importantly, prepare the artwork according to its final physical size.
A logo designed for a website is not automatically suitable for embroidery at 6 cm wide or a full-back print at 30 cm.
The garment, artwork, logo size, placement, decoration method, and intended use should all be considered together.
If you're unsure whether your logo is suitable for T-Shirt Printing, Embroidery, or HTV, send EVNIX your artwork together with your garment, quantity, required size, and printing position.
Our team can review the file and recommend the most suitable preparation and decoration method before production begins.
Introduction
A great custom T-shirt, polo shirt, jacket, cap, apron, or company uniform always starts with one thing:
Good artwork.
Many printing problems begin before production even starts.
Customers often send:
Screenshots
WhatsApp images
Facebook logos
Low-resolution JPG files
Photos of printed logos
Images copied from websites
Blurry PNG files
Logos with unwanted backgrounds
These files may look acceptable on a phone screen, but they may not be suitable for professional printing or embroidery.
If your artwork is low quality, the final result may appear:
Blurry
Pixelated
Jagged
Unclear
Poorly proportioned
Incorrect in colour
Difficult to embroider
Hard to cut for HTV
This is why preparing your logo correctly is one of the most important steps in custom apparel production.
At EVNIX, we work with DTF Printing, Embroidery, Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV), T-Shirt Logo Printing, Corporate Uniform Printing, Custom Polo Shirts, Jackets, Workwear, Caps, Aprons, Tote Bags, and other custom apparel.
In this guide, we explain how to prepare your logo for T-shirt printing and embroidery in Malaysia, including the best file formats, vector artwork, transparent backgrounds, resolution, RGB vs CMYK, Pantone colours, embroidery digitising, HTV requirements, logo sizing, and common artwork mistakes.
Why Artwork Quality Matters
Printing equipment cannot recreate detail that does not exist in the original artwork.
If a logo contains only a small number of pixels, enlarging it does not create real detail.
It simply enlarges the existing pixels.
This can result in:
Blurry text
Rough edges
Pixelation
Poor small details
The same principle applies to embroidery.
If the source artwork is unclear, it becomes much harder to determine:
Exact logo shape
Small lettering
Colour separation
Outline thickness
Fine details
A clean source file gives the production team much more control over the final result.
What Is Print-Ready Artwork?
Print-ready artwork is a file that can be prepared for production without requiring major reconstruction.
A good print-ready logo should normally have:
Clear artwork
Correct proportions
Sufficient resolution
Correct background
Correct colours
Readable text
No unwanted elements
Depending on the decoration method, the artwork may also need to be:
Vector
Transparent
Digitised
Simplified
Separated into shapes
There is no single file type that is perfect for every printing method.
Best File Formats for Custom Apparel
Common artwork formats include:
AI
EPS
SVG
PNG
JPG
Each format has different advantages.
AI – Adobe Illustrator
AI is one of the best formats for professional logo production.
It is commonly used for vector artwork.
Advantages include:
Scalable without losing quality
Easy to edit
Easy to resize
Colours can be adjusted
Shapes remain sharp
Excellent for logos
AI files are particularly useful for:
DTF artwork preparation
HTV cutting
Logo resizing
Embroidery preparation
Corporate branding
If you have your original company logo in AI format, keep it safely.
It can be useful for almost every future branding project.
PDF can be an excellent artwork format if the original design inside the PDF is vector.
A vector PDF can preserve:
Sharp shapes
Text
Colours
Logo proportions
However, not every PDF is automatically vector.
For example, placing a blurry JPG into a PDF does not make the image high resolution.
The quality still depends on the original artwork.
EPS
EPS is another common professional vector format.
It is widely used for:
Logos
Printing
Signage
Apparel customisation
Like AI, an EPS file can usually be resized without losing quality if the artwork is genuinely vector.
SVG
SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics.
It is commonly used for digital and web graphics but can also be extremely useful for printing and cutting applications.
Advantages include:
Scalable
Clean shapes
Small file size
Excellent for logos
Useful for HTV cutting
SVG is particularly useful when clean vector paths are required.
PNG
PNG is one of the most common file formats customers send.
It can work very well for DTF Printing if it is:
High resolution
Large enough for the intended print size
Transparent where required
PNG supports transparency, which is very useful for apparel printing.
For example, if you want only the company logo printed without a white box around it, a transparent PNG is much better than a JPG with a white background.
JPG / JPEG
JPG is one of the most common image formats online.
It is excellent for photographs but is not always ideal for logos.
JPG does not support transparent backgrounds.
It can also use compression, which may introduce:
Blur
Artifacts
Rough edges
Reduced detail
A high-resolution JPG may still be usable depending on the artwork.
However, vector files or transparent high-resolution PNG files are generally preferable for company logos.
Vector vs Raster Artwork
Understanding the difference between vector and raster artwork is important.
What Is Vector Artwork?
Vector artwork is built using paths, shapes, and mathematical information rather than fixed pixels.
Common vector formats include:
AI
EPS
SVG
Vector PDF
The biggest advantage of vector artwork is scalability.
A vector logo can often be resized from:
5 cm
to:
50 cm
without becoming blurry.
This makes vector artwork excellent for:
T-shirt printing
Embroidery preparation
HTV cutting
Signboards
Packaging
Large-format branding
What Is Raster Artwork?
Raster artwork is made from pixels.
Common raster formats include:
PNG
JPG
JPEG
Raster images have fixed resolution.
If they are enlarged beyond their original size, they may become pixelated.
Photographs are normally raster images.
Logos can also be raster, but they need sufficient resolution for the final printing size.
Why Vector Artwork Is Best for Logos
Company logos are often used at many different sizes.
For example:
Cap Logo:
6 cm
Left Chest Logo:
8 cm
T-Shirt Back Logo:
28 cm
Signboard:
200 cm
If the original logo is vector, all these sizes can be produced from the same master file.
This helps maintain brand consistency.
What Does 300 DPI Mean?
DPI stands for Dots Per Inch.
In practical artwork discussions, 300 DPI is commonly used as a target for high-resolution print artwork.
However, DPI alone does not tell the whole story.
Pixel dimensions also matter.
For example:
A very small 300 DPI image may still be too small for a large back print.
What matters is whether the image contains enough actual detail at the intended physical print size.
How Large Should a PNG Be?
There is no single required pixel size because it depends on the final print dimensions.
As a general rule:
Small chest logo:
A high-resolution image can work well if it contains sufficient detail.
Large full-front or full-back artwork:
The file should have much larger pixel dimensions.
If your artwork is going to be printed at 30 cm wide, a tiny logo downloaded from a website is unlikely to provide enough detail.
Why Screenshots Are Bad for Printing
Screenshots are one of the most common artwork problems.
Customers may send a screenshot from:
Website
PDF preview
Screenshots are usually created for screen viewing rather than professional production.
They may contain:
Low resolution
Compression
Unwanted backgrounds
Interface elements
Incorrect cropping
Whenever possible, send the original design file rather than taking a screenshot.
Why WhatsApp Images Can Lose Quality
Messaging platforms may compress images.
If your original logo is high resolution but you repeatedly save and resend it through messaging apps, the file may lose quality.
For important artwork, it is better to send the original file as a document or original attachment where possible.
Transparent Backgrounds
A transparent background allows only the actual logo or artwork to remain visible.
For example, imagine a logo consisting of:
EVNIX
on a transparent background.
When printed onto a black T-shirt, only the EVNIX logo appears.
If the same logo is supplied as a JPG with a white background, the white rectangle may still be part of the artwork.
This is why transparent PNG files are useful for DTF Printing.
How to Check If a PNG Is Transparent
A transparent image may appear with:
A checkerboard background
inside graphic software.
However, do not rely only on how it looks inside messaging apps.
Some platforms may display transparency against a white preview background.
The actual file should be checked properly before production.
Should My Logo Be RGB or CMYK?
This depends on the production workflow.
RGB stands for:
Red
Green
Blue
It is commonly used for:
Phones
Monitors
Digital screens
CMYK stands for:
Cyan
Magenta
Yellow
Black
It is commonly associated with print production.
However, modern DTF workflows may use specific colour-management systems and profiles.
The most important thing for customers is not simply changing a file from RGB to CMYK without understanding the production workflow.
Instead, provide:
Original artwork
Correct brand colour information
Pantone references where available
The printing provider can then prepare the artwork according to the production system.
Why Colours Look Different on Screen and Print
A computer monitor produces colour using light.
Printed apparel uses physical ink, thread, vinyl, and fabric.
These are fundamentally different colour systems.
The final result can also be affected by:
Screen brightness
Monitor calibration
Artwork profile
Printing profile
Ink
White ink
Fabric colour
Garment texture
Lighting
This means the colour displayed on your phone should not automatically be treated as an exact physical colour reference.
What Is Pantone?
Pantone is a recognised colour reference system used in branding and production.
If your company has an official Pantone colour, providing that reference can help communicate your intended brand colour more clearly.
For example:
Pantone 123 C
is much more specific than saying:
"Use the yellow from my phone."
Can DTF Match Pantone Exactly?
DTF is a CMYK-based digital printing process and cannot always reproduce every Pantone colour exactly.
However, a Pantone reference provides a useful target for colour matching.
Some colours may be outside the printable colour gamut.
Customers should discuss colour-critical projects before bulk production.
Preparing Artwork for DTF Printing
DTF can reproduce highly detailed artwork, but good artwork preparation still matters.
Ideal DTF artwork should be:
High resolution
Correctly sized
Clean
Free from unwanted backgrounds
Properly cropped
Vector artwork is excellent, but high-resolution transparent PNG artwork can also work very well.
DTF Supports Full Colour
DTF can reproduce:
Multiple colours
Gradients
Shadows
Illustrations
Fine details
Photographic elements
This gives designers significant creative freedom.
Remove Unnecessary Backgrounds
One of the easiest ways to improve a DTF design is removing unnecessary solid backgrounds.
For example:
A 30 × 40 cm rectangular graphic containing a fully solid background will cover much more fabric than a design containing transparent spaces.
Removing unnecessary areas may improve:
Comfort
Flexibility
Visual appearance
It can also create a more professional result.
Avoid Extremely Tiny Elements
DTF can reproduce excellent detail, but there are still practical limits.
Extremely tiny:
Text
Dots
Lines
Disconnected shapes
may be difficult to produce or may not remain visually clear after repeated wear.
Artwork should always be designed according to its final physical size.
Preparing Artwork for Embroidery
Embroidery artwork is fundamentally different from print artwork.
An embroidery machine does not simply "print" an image using thread.
The design must first be translated into stitches.
This process is called:
Embroidery Digitising
What Is Embroidery Digitising?
Digitising converts artwork into instructions that tell the embroidery machine:
Where to stitch
Which direction to stitch
Which stitch type to use
How dense the stitching should be
Where underlay is required
When to change thread colours
This is a specialised production process.
Why You Cannot Simply Convert PNG to Embroidery Automatically
Automatic conversion may not understand the structure of the logo properly.
Good embroidery requires decisions about:
Stitch direction
Stitch type
Density
Small details
Fabric
Logo size
Professional digitising is important for achieving clean results.
Embroidery Artwork May Need Simplification
A digital logo can contain details that are too small to reproduce effectively with thread.
For example:
Tiny text
Thin lines
Very small gaps
Complex gradients
Microscopic shapes
These may need to be simplified for embroidery.
This is normal.
The goal is to preserve the overall brand identity while making the artwork suitable for thread.
Minimum Text Size for Embroidery
There is no universal minimum text size because the result depends on:
Font
Thread
Fabric
Needle
Digitising
Letter thickness
However, very tiny text is generally difficult to reproduce clearly.
If your company logo contains extremely small wording, you may need to:
Enlarge the logo
Remove secondary text
Simplify the artwork
Use DTF instead
Thin Lines in Embroidery
Very thin lines can also be difficult to reproduce using thread.
A line that looks perfect on a computer screen may be physically thinner than the embroidery thread and needle combination can reproduce cleanly.
The digitiser may need to adjust it.
Embroidery and Gradients
Embroidery does not reproduce digital gradients in the same way as printing.
A smooth:
Blue → Purple → Pink
gradient on screen may need to be approximated using different thread colours and stitch techniques.
If maintaining the exact gradient is essential, DTF may be the better option.
Preparing Artwork for HTV Printing
HTV stands for Heat Transfer Vinyl.
HTV is often cut from sheets of coloured material.
This means clean vector artwork is extremely useful.
Best Artwork for HTV
Ideal formats include:
AI
EPS
SVG
Vector PDF
The design should generally consist of clean shapes and paths.
Why Complex Photographs Are Not Ideal for Cut HTV
HTV cutting works best for:
Text
Numbers
Logos
Shapes
Simple graphics
A highly detailed photographic image may contain thousands of tiny elements that are not practical to cut and weed manually.
DTF is usually a better choice for photographic artwork.
Specialty HTV Artwork
Specialty HTV options may include:
Reflective
Puff
3D Silicone
Glitter
Metallic
Glow in the Dark
Chrome
Crystal-style materials
The artwork should be designed according to the physical properties of the material.
For example, very small details may not be suitable for thick 3D materials.
Why Logo Size Matters Before Preparing Artwork
The final physical size determines whether details will remain readable.
A logo may look excellent at:
20 cm
but become impossible to reproduce at:
5 cm
because text and fine details become too small.
Always prepare artwork with the actual intended printing size in mind.
Typical Logo Sizes
As a general starting point:
Left Chest:
Approximately 7–10 cm wide
Centre Chest:
Approximately 15–25 cm wide
Full Front:
Approximately 25–32 cm wide
Full Back:
Approximately 25–32 cm wide
Sleeve:
Approximately 5–9 cm wide
Back Neck:
Approximately 5–8 cm wide
These are only guidelines.
The correct size depends on the artwork proportions and garment.
Horizontal vs Square vs Vertical Logos
Two logos with the same width may look completely different.
For example:
Square Logo:
8 cm × 8 cm
Horizontal Logo:
8 cm × 3 cm
Vertical Logo:
8 cm × 15 cm
All three are technically 8 cm wide, but they occupy very different amounts of garment space.
Artwork sizing should therefore consider both:
Width
and
Height
Convert Fonts to Outlines
When sending editable vector artwork, fonts can sometimes cause problems if the receiving computer does not have the same typeface installed.
Converting fonts to outlines turns the text into vector shapes.
This helps preserve the intended appearance.
Check Spelling Before Printing
Always check:
Company name
Employee name
Telephone number
Website
Slogan
Event date
before approving artwork.
Production will reproduce whatever is approved.
A printing machine cannot know whether a customer name has been misspelled.
Employee Name Personalisation
For personalised company uniforms, prepare employee information carefully.
For example:
AMIR – XL
NURUL – M
JASON – L
SARAH – S
For larger orders, use a structured spreadsheet.
Recommended columns include:
Name
Size
Department
Job Title
Number
Quantity
This reduces the risk of confusion.
Avoid Sending Multiple Versions of the Same Logo
One common problem is receiving several different files such as:
Logo Final.jpg
Logo New Final.png
Logo Final 2.pdf
Logo Correct.ai
This creates uncertainty about which version is actually approved.
Before production, clearly identify one master artwork file.
Keep a Master Brand Folder
Businesses should maintain a central folder containing:
Original AI logo
Vector PDF
EPS or SVG
Transparent PNG
Pantone colour references
Brand guidelines
This makes future printing and branding projects much easier.
Do Not Stretch Your Logo
A company logo should keep its original proportions.
Avoid stretching it wider or taller simply to fit a certain space.
Incorrect proportions can make the logo look unprofessional.
Always resize proportionally.
Do Not Use Artwork From Google Images
Searching your own company name on Google and downloading the logo from search results is not recommended.
Search-engine preview images may be:
Low resolution
Compressed
Outdated
Incorrect
Use the original logo file from your company records or designer whenever possible.
Removing White Backgrounds
If your logo has a white background but you need transparency, the artwork may require background removal.
Simple logos can often be cleaned easily.
Complex images with:
Shadows
Hair
Soft edges
Transparency
may require more detailed artwork preparation.
Why White Artwork Can Be Hard to See
A white logo on a transparent background may appear invisible when previewed on a white screen.
This does not necessarily mean the artwork is empty.
Professional design software can display the artwork against a contrasting background for inspection.
Black Artwork on Black T-Shirts
If you print black artwork onto a black shirt, contrast may be very low.
The design may technically be present but difficult to see.
Artwork colour should be selected according to the garment colour.
Colour Contrast Matters
Good logo visibility depends on contrast.
Examples:
White Logo + Black Shirt
Excellent contrast
Black Logo + White Shirt
Excellent contrast
Dark Navy Logo + Black Shirt
Low contrast
Yellow Logo + Black Shirt
Strong contrast
Always consider how the logo colour interacts with the garment.
Should You Add an Outline Around the Logo?
Sometimes a logo needs an outline when placed on a garment colour similar to the logo itself.
However, outlines should not be added automatically.
They change the original brand artwork.
If an outline is required, it should be approved before production.
Artwork for Dark T-Shirts
Dark garments often require an appropriate white underbase for DTF colour reproduction.
This is handled during the printing workflow.
Customers generally do not need to manually create a separate white layer unless specifically requested by the printer.
Artwork for Light T-Shirts
Light-coloured garments may display certain colours differently from dark garments.
The appearance of the final print depends on:
Artwork
Ink
Underbase
Garment
Printing profile
For colour-sensitive branding, discuss the garment colour before production.
Artwork for Polo Shirts
Polo shirts are commonly customised using:
Embroidery
DTF
For small corporate logos, embroidery is very popular.
If the logo contains:
Complex gradients
Fine details
Many colours
DTF may be more appropriate.
The artwork should therefore be prepared according to the selected decoration method.
Artwork for Jackets
Jacket materials vary significantly.
Some contain:
Special coatings
Water-resistant surfaces
Lining
Heat-sensitive fabrics
Before preparing a large DTF design, the jacket material should be checked for heat-press suitability.
Embroidery may be more suitable for some jackets.
Artwork for Caps
Caps are usually excellent for embroidery.
However, cap artwork should be designed for the available embroidery area.
Large or tall artwork may not fit the cap front properly.
The curve and construction of the cap also affect the embroidery design.
Artwork for Aprons
Aprons provide larger branding areas than many garments.
They can be customised using:
Embroidery
DTF
HTV
The best artwork format depends on the chosen decoration method and apron material.
Artwork for Tote Bags
Tote bags can support:
DTF
HTV
Embroidery
depending on the material and construction.
Canvas and cotton bags may have different surface textures, so artwork suitability should be considered.
Common Artwork Mistakes
Mistake 1: Sending Screenshots
Always send the original artwork when possible.
Mistake 2: Low-Resolution Logo
A small image cannot simply be enlarged indefinitely.
Mistake 3: Wrong Background
Make sure transparent backgrounds are provided when required.
Mistake 4: Incorrect Colours
Provide official brand references where available.
Mistake 5: Tiny Text
Check whether the text will still be readable at the actual printing size.
Mistake 6: Thin Lines
Fine details may need adjustment for embroidery, HTV, or small prints.
Mistake 7: Wrong Logo Version
Confirm the final approved artwork before production.
Mistake 8: Stretching the Logo
Maintain the correct proportions.
Mistake 9: Forgetting to Outline Fonts
For editable vector files, outlined fonts help avoid font substitution.
Mistake 10: Approving Artwork Without Checking Spelling
Always review names, numbers, dates, and wording before production.
Artwork Checklist Before Sending to EVNIX
Before submitting artwork, check:
✓ Correct logo version
✓ High-resolution or vector artwork
✓ Correct logo colours
✓ Transparent background if required
✓ Correct spelling
✓ Correct print size
✓ Correct printing position
✓ Correct employee names
✓ Correct numbers
✓ No unwanted background
✓ No unnecessary tiny details
✓ Final artwork approved
How to Send Artwork for a Quotation
For faster quotation and artwork review, provide:
1. Artwork
Send the actual logo or design.
2. Garment
Example:
Black Polo Shirt
3. Quantity
Example:
50 pieces
4. Print Position
Example:
Left Chest
5. Approximate Size
Example:
8 cm wide
6. Decoration Method
If known:
Embroidery
or
DTF
or
HTV
7. Required Date
Provide your deadline.
8. Personalisation
Example:
50 different employee names
This information allows the printing provider to understand the project much more accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best logo file for T-shirt printing?
AI, vector PDF, EPS, and SVG are excellent formats for logos. High-resolution transparent PNG artwork can also work very well for DTF Printing.
Is PNG good for T-shirt printing?
Yes. A high-resolution transparent PNG can produce excellent results, especially for DTF Printing.
Is JPG good for T-shirt printing?
A high-resolution JPG may be usable, but JPG does not support transparency and may contain compression. Vector artwork or high-resolution PNG is generally preferred for logos.
What resolution should my T-shirt artwork be?
For raster artwork, 300 DPI at the intended printing size is a common professional target. Actual pixel dimensions must also be sufficient for the final print dimensions.
Do I need CMYK artwork for DTF?
Not necessarily. DTF production uses specific colour-management workflows. Providing the original high-quality artwork and brand colour references is more useful than randomly converting artwork between colour modes.
What is the best file for embroidery?
Vector artwork such as AI, PDF, EPS, or SVG is excellent source artwork, but it still needs to be professionally digitised into an embroidery stitch file.
Can a PNG be embroidered?
A PNG can be used as reference artwork, but it cannot simply be sent directly to an embroidery machine. The design must first be digitised.
What is embroidery digitising?
Digitising is the process of converting artwork into stitch instructions for an embroidery machine.
Can embroidery reproduce gradients?
Not in exactly the same way as digital printing. Embroidery uses physical thread colours, so gradients may need to be simplified or simulated.
What artwork is best for HTV?
Clean vector artwork is usually best because HTV designs are often cut from material using vector paths.
Can EVNIX remove the background from my logo?
Artwork preparation may be possible depending on the file and complexity. Clean source artwork is always preferable.
Can EVNIX vectorise my logo?
If your existing artwork is too low resolution, vectorisation may be required depending on the design and intended production method.
Can EVNIX help check my artwork before printing?
Yes. EVNIX can review the artwork together with the garment, decoration method, size, and position before production.
About EVNIX
EVNIX provides professional custom apparel printing and embroidery solutions for businesses, organisations, restaurants, factories, contractors, events, schools, sports teams, and clothing brands throughout Malaysia.
Our services include:
DTF Printing
Embroidery
HTV Printing
T-Shirt Logo Printing
Custom T-Shirt Printing
Corporate Uniform Printing
Custom Polo Shirt Printing
Custom Hoodie Printing
Custom Jacket Printing
Custom Workwear
Safety Vest Printing
Cap Embroidery
Custom Apron Printing
Custom Tote Bag Printing
Because EVNIX provides multiple decoration methods under one roof, our team can help determine whether your artwork is better suited for DTF Printing, Embroidery, HTV, or another available customisation method.
Conclusion
Preparing your logo correctly is one of the most important steps in professional custom apparel production.
The best artwork is not simply the file that looks good on your phone.
It should be suitable for the actual production method.
For DTF Printing, high-resolution transparent PNG or vector artwork can provide excellent results.
For Embroidery, the logo must be converted into a properly digitised stitch file.
For HTV, clean vector shapes are especially important because the material often needs to be cut and weeded.
Whenever possible, keep professional master files such as:
AI
Vector PDF
EPS
SVG
High-resolution PNG
and maintain official brand colour references.
Avoid relying on:
Screenshots
WhatsApp-compressed logos
Images downloaded from Google
Low-resolution JPG files
Stretched artwork
Unapproved logo versions
Good artwork helps create:
Sharper prints
Cleaner embroidery
Better colour consistency
More accurate logo placement
Fewer production delays
More professional company apparel
Most importantly, prepare the artwork according to its final physical size.
A logo designed for a website is not automatically suitable for embroidery at 6 cm wide or a full-back print at 30 cm.
The garment, artwork, logo size, placement, decoration method, and intended use should all be considered together.
If you're unsure whether your logo is suitable for T-Shirt Printing, Embroidery, or HTV, send EVNIX your artwork together with your garment, quantity, required size, and printing position.
Our team can review the file and recommend the most suitable preparation and decoration method before production begins.
Aug 20,2026