Photo uploads (most common)
- JPG/JPEG — universal, best for photos, lossy compression
- PNG — lossless, best for logos with transparency
- HEIC — iPhone default since iOS 11; auto-convert to JPG with EXIF orientation preserved
- WebP — modern, smaller than JPG; some POD partners don't accept — convert to JPG server-side
Logo + vector uploads
- SVG — web-native vector, best for logos
- AI — Adobe Illustrator, industry standard
- EPS — legacy but universal
- PDF — accepted by most POD partners for print files
Embroidery-specific
- DST — Tajima format, universal embroidery standard
- EXP — Bernina/Melco format
- PES — Brother format
File size limits
| Tier | Max size | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Free / Basic | 10 MB | Fits most JPG at 300 DPI up to 20×24 in |
| Pro | 25 MB | Covers PNG with transparency at high DPI |
| Unlimited | 100 MB | Vector .AI files, RAW photos, embroidery masters |
DPI targets by product
- Business cards, small labels — 600 DPI
- Standard print products (mugs, phone cases) — 300 DPI
- Large-format (canvas 24×36, banners) — 150 DPI acceptable
- DTG on cotton — 200-300 DPI
- Embroidery — DPI irrelevant; stitch count matters
Frequently asked questions
Which image file formats should I accept for custom printing?
JPG, PNG, HEIC minimum for photos. Add SVG, AI, EPS for vector logos on higher tiers. DST for embroidery.
What's the best format for logos on print products?
SVG or AI (vector) — scales infinitely without quality loss. PNG with transparency as fallback for customers who don't have vector files.
Should I accept HEIC uploads from iPhone?
Yes. HEIC is default iPhone format since iOS 11. Auto-convert to JPG server-side with EXIF orientation preserved (prevents rotated prints).
What file size should I limit customer uploads to?
10 MB free tier, 25 MB pro, 100 MB unlimited. Above 100 MB, upload experience degrades on mobile networks.
Do I need to accept PDF uploads?
For B2B / print shops with pre-made designs, yes. For consumer POD (mugs, apparel), rarely needed — JPG/PNG covers 95% of use cases.
What DPI is needed for print-on-demand?
300 DPI at final print size is universal target. 150 DPI acceptable for large-format (canvas 24×36+, banners) where viewing distance is greater.
Should I accept WebP format uploads?
Web-native but not universally accepted by POD partners. If accepting, convert to JPG server-side before sending to fulfillment.
How to convert HEIC to JPG on upload?
Server-side conversion with libheif or ImageMagick. Print It My Way handles this transparently — customer uploads HEIC, gets JPG in the print pipeline.
What's DST format for embroidery?
Tajima format — the universal stitch file format for commercial embroidery machines. Accept if you fulfill embroidered products.
Should I let customers upload PSD or Sketch files?
No. Those are editable design files, not print-ready. Reject with clear message: 'Export to JPG, PNG, or PDF for printing.'
Related reading
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