If you're selling designs on print-on-demand platforms, understanding file requirements is the difference between pixelated, rejected designs and best-selling products that look professional on every item.
This complete guide covers exact file specifications for every major POD platform, plus pro tips for creating designs that sell and scale perfectly across hundreds of products.
POD Platform Requirements Comparison
Redbubble
Size Requirements
Min: 2400 x 2400px
Max: 7632 x 6480px
DPI & Formats
300 DPI minimum
Accepts: PNG, JPG, GIF
Recommended Workflow:
Export SVG to PNG at 4500x5400px, 300 DPI
Printful
Size Requirements
Min: Varies by product
Max: Unlimited (vector)
DPI & Formats
Vector preferred
Accepts: PNG, SVG, AI, EPS, PDF
Recommended Workflow:
Use SVG for scalability, 300 DPI PNG as backup
Printify
Size Requirements
Min: 4500 x 5400px
Max: No limit
DPI & Formats
300 DPI minimum
Accepts: PNG, JPG
Recommended Workflow:
Export SVG to PNG at 4500x5400px, transparent BG
TeePublic
Size Requirements
Min: 2000 x 2000px
Max: 4500 x 5400px
DPI & Formats
150-300 DPI
Accepts: PNG, JPG, GIF
Recommended Workflow:
Export SVG to PNG at 3000x3000px minimum
Society6
Size Requirements
Min: 6500px shortest side
Max: Unlimited
DPI & Formats
300 DPI
Accepts: PNG, JPG, TIFF
Recommended Workflow:
Export SVG to PNG at 7500x9000px or larger
Zazzle
Size Requirements
Min: 1500 x 1500px
Max: No limit
DPI & Formats
300 DPI minimum
Accepts: PNG, JPG, SVG, AI, EPS
Recommended Workflow:
Upload SVG directly, or 300 DPI PNG
SVG File Specifications for POD
Resolution: 300 DPI minimum
When exporting SVG to PNG, always use 300 DPI for print quality. 150 DPI is acceptable for large items like wall art.
Size: 4500 x 5400px (safe default)
This size works for most platforms and products. Go larger for Society6 (7500x9000px minimum).
Color Mode: RGB (not CMYK)
POD platforms handle color conversion. Always save as RGB for web uploads, even for print products.
Background: Transparent PNG
Always export with transparent background unless design specifically requires a background. Use PNG-24 for transparency.
File Size: Under 25MB
Most platforms have upload limits between 10-50MB. Compress if needed while maintaining quality.
Design Best Practices for POD Success
Keep designs centered and balanced
Your design will be placed on various product shapes and sizes. Centered designs adapt better to different placements.
Leave safe margins (10-15%)
Don't place critical elements at the very edges. Allow breathing room for different product applications.
Design for square format first
A 1:1 square ratio works on the most products. Create variations for landscape/portrait if needed.
Consider product mockups
View your design on actual product mockups before uploading to see how it scales on different items.
10 Common POD File Mistakes to Avoid
Low Resolution (72 DPI)
Using web resolution results in pixelated prints. Always export at 300 DPI.
White Background Instead of Transparent
A white box around your design looks unprofessional. Always use transparent PNG.
Wrong Color Mode (CMYK)
Uploading CMYK files causes color shifts. POD platforms require RGB.
Embedded Fonts Not Outlined
Fonts must be converted to paths/outlines or they'll be substituted.
File Too Small (Under 2000px)
Small files can't scale to large products without quality loss.
Uploading JPEG Instead of PNG
JPEG compression artifacts ruin print quality. Use PNG for sharp edges.
Copyrighted Content
Using trademarked logos or characters gets your account banned. Create original designs.
Not Testing Product Mockups
Designs that look good on screen may not work on actual products. Always preview.
Ignoring Platform Guidelines
Each platform has specific content policies. Read them before uploading.
Over-Compressing Files
Aggressive compression saves file size but degrades print quality noticeably.
How to Export SVG for POD Platforms
Create Design in Vector Editor
Design in Illustrator, Inkscape, or use our AI converter to vectorize existing artwork.
- • Keep artboard at least 4500x5400px
- • Use RGB color mode
- • Convert all text to outlines before exporting
Export to PNG at 300 DPI
Most platforms need PNG, not SVG directly.
- • File → Export → Export As (PNG)
- • Set Resolution: 300 DPI
- • Enable Transparent Background
- • Use PNG-24 format for full transparency
Optimize File Size
Reduce file size without losing quality using lossless compression.
- • Use TinyPNG or similar for lossless compression
- • Target: Under 10MB for fast uploads
- • Don't use lossy compression (JPEG quality slider)
Save SVG Source File
Keep the original SVG for platforms that accept it (Printful, Zazzle).
- • Save as SVG 1.1 (most compatible)
- • Embed fonts as outlines/paths
- • Optimize SVG code (remove unnecessary metadata)
Test on Mockups
Preview your exported file on product mockups before uploading.
- • Use platform-provided mockup generators
- • Check clarity at small and large scales
- • Verify colors look good on different backgrounds
Platform Upload Tips
🔴 Redbubble Upload Process
- 1. Upload PNG at 4500x5400px minimum (300 DPI)
- 2. Add at least 7 tags (maximum relevance)
- 3. Enable products that fit your design's aspect ratio
- 4. Preview on mockups for each enabled product type
- 5. Adjust positioning if design appears off-center
📦 Printful Upload Process
- 1. Upload SVG directly for best quality (or PNG at 300 DPI)
- 2. Select specific product to upload to (t-shirt, mug, etc.)
- 3. Position and scale design in product editor
- 4. Check design doesn't exceed printable area
- 5. Save to library for reuse across products
🖨️ Printify Upload Process
- 1. Upload PNG with transparent background (4500x5400px)
- 2. Select print provider (quality varies by provider)
- 3. Choose specific products to enable
- 4. Preview how design fits on each product
- 5. Publish to connected sales channels (Etsy, Shopify, etc.)
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Cause: File resolution is too low (under 300 DPI) or image was scaled up after export.
Solution: Re-export from your original SVG at 300 DPI. Ensure artboard size is at least 4500x5400px before exporting.
Cause: PNG exported with white background instead of transparent.
Solution: Re-export as PNG-24 with "Transparent Background" enabled. Delete any white background rectangle in your source file.
Cause: Monitor colors (RGB) don't always match print (CMYK). Also, different fabrics affect color appearance.
Solution: Order test samples before bulk selling. Avoid super-bright neons. Use CMYK-safe RGB colors when possible.
Cause: PNG file size exceeds platform's upload limit (usually 10-50MB).
Solution: Use lossless PNG compression (TinyPNG). Reduce canvas size if design doesn't need extreme detail. Remove unnecessary elements.
Cause: Fonts not converted to outlines/paths before export. Platform substitutes a different font.
Solution: In your vector editor: Select all text → Convert to Outlines/Paths → Re-export. Text becomes shapes that can't be changed.
Cause: Different products have different printable areas and aspect ratios.
Solution: Keep important elements centered with 10-15% safe margins. Preview on each product type before enabling. Create product-specific versions if needed.
About the Author
Emma Rodriguez
Craft Designer & Etsy Business Coach
Emma Rodriguez is a craft designer, Etsy seller, and small business coach who has built a six-figure Etsy shop selling SVG files and custom designs. With over 7 years of experience in the crafting industry, she specializes in Cricut and Silhouette design, print-on-demand business strategies, and helping creative entrepreneurs scale their handmade businesses. Emma has taught over 10,000 students through her online courses and has been featured in Craft Industry Alliance and Creative Business Magazine for her expertise in digital product sales.
Areas of Expertise:
Credentials:
- • Six-figure Etsy shop owner since 2018
- • 7+ years craft business experience
- • 10,000+ students taught online
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