Print-Ready Images for Spreadshirt

Below are the verified Spreadshirt upload targets for the common product types. Export at the pixel dimensions shown, 300 DPI, and use the file format called out. For apparel and stickers make sure PNGs have true transparency; for posters and mugs JPG is acceptable when you don’t need a cut shape.

Product	Pixel Dimensions	DPI	Format	Notes
T-shirt (DTG, Front)	4961 x 5740 px	300	PNG (transparent)	Print area 42 x 48.6 cm; transparent PNG required so fabric can show through
Hoodie (DTG, Front)	3543 x 4252 px	300	PNG (transparent)	Print area 30 x 36 cm; transparent PNG
Mug 11oz Wrap	2480 x 1063 px	300	PNG / JPG	Print area ~21 x 9 cm; leave handle-zone clear
Sticker	1417 x 1417 px	300	PNG (transparent)	12 x 12 cm die-cut; transparent PNG for exact shape
Poster 30x40 cm	3543 x 4724 px	300	PNG / JPG	30 x 40 cm matte poster, use sRGB; JPG ok if no transparency
Phone Case	1500 x 2700 px	300	PNG (transparent)	Template varies by model; include bleed and transparent PNG

If you need a quick cross-check of a file’s DPI, open the file in your editor and confirm the document PPI or run it through our DPI checker. For pattern-based designs consider testing a downscaled proof at 100% on a mockup before uploading.

Spreadshirt expects RGB uploads and will auto-convert CMYK files on their side. That conversion is a common source of unexpected desaturation or hue shifts, so export from your app in sRGB and embed the profile. For DTG apparel you should never send flattened CMYK PDFs — export PNG with sRGB embedded where possible.

Format decisions by product:

• Apparel (T-shirt, Hoodie): PNG, true transparency, sRGB. Avoid white backgrounds or the print will contain a visible white box.
• Mugs: PNG or high-quality JPG for photographic wraps. Keep the handle-zone clear in the artboard.
• Stickers & Phone Cases: PNG with transparency and added bleed specific to the model. See how to add bleed.
• Posters: JPG or PNG in sRGB; JPG is fine for large photographic posters to save size.

If you’re used to Etsy or Printful workflows you’ll notice differences — compare our notes for Etsy and Printful to adjust color and file types when selling cross-platform. When in doubt, export both a PNG (with transparency) and a JPG proof and preview them on-screen to check saturation after embedding sRGB.

Spreadshirt flags uploads that fail basic technical checks. Here are the precise failure modes I see most often and the corrective actions you can take before uploading.

• Below 200 DPI on apparel: Spreadshirt rejects images under 200 DPI for DTG assets. Always export apparel art at 300 DPI. If you inherited a low-res file, follow how to convert an image to 300 DPI and recreate artwork at the proper pixel dimensions.
• PNG without transparency: Uploading a PNG with a flattened white background will show a white box on shirts and hoodies. Use true alpha transparency for cut shapes and layered designs.
• CMYK → auto-convert colour shift: CMYK uploads are auto-converted and often desaturate. Export in sRGB to reduce surprises and proof on-screen or in a soft-proofing tool.
• Flat single-tone areas on DTG: Large flat fills with no halftone or texture can lead to saturation or banding after printing. Add micro-texture or slightly vary tones in large fills to help DTG inks render smoothly.
• Missing bleed for cut products: Stickers and phone cases without bleed can be clipped. Add at least 2–3 mm bleed (follow model template) — see how to add bleed.

Fix these before upload and you’ll avoid the most common quality flags. If Spreadshirt returns a specific PDF/X or print-ready error, capture the message and compare it to the pixel and DPI targets in the spec table above.

When you want the same design on a T-shirt, hoodie, mug and sticker, start with one high-resolution master and derive exports for each product. Use these steps to keep colours consistent and avoid rework:

1. Create a layered master: Build the artwork at or above the largest target pixel size — for Spreadshirt that means at least 4961 x 5740 px at 300 DPI for T-shirt-front. Keep text as vectors or high-res smart objects and keep layers separated for recolour or texture adjustments.
2. Set document color to sRGB: Work in sRGB and embed the profile on export. Avoid CMYK during design; you can make a CMYK copy if you need to proof for another printer later.
3. Make product artboards: Add artboards sized to each product pixel target (hoodie, mug wrap, sticker, poster, phone case). Copy the master artwork into each artboard and scale/position within the print area. For phone cases and stickers add bleed using the template or follow our bleed guide.
4. Export per-product files: Export PNG (transparent) for apparel, stickers and phone cases at the exact pixel dims shown in the table. Export JPG or PNG for posters and mugs, but always keep a backup PNG if you need transparency later.
5. Check final DPI and file size: Use the DPI checker or your editor to confirm 300 DPI. Avoid excessive file compression on JPGs; keep 10–12 quality in Photoshop/Exporter for posters.

If you also sell on other platforms, export a copy adjusted to those platform templates — compare to our /print-ready/printful and /print-ready/etsy pages to see where pixel targets and bleed rules differ. For wall art sellers, review wall art guidance when producing posters.

If Spreadshirt flags a file, first confirm pixel dimensions and DPI, then check transparency and embedded profile. Small fixes on the master file are faster than redoing single-product exports.

If you need a refresher on which image formats work best for listings, see best image format for Etsy listings. The same basic rules — sRGB, embedded profile, correct DPI and transparent PNGs for cut shapes — apply across most POD platforms.