Exporting Print-Ready Files: What Every POD Seller Needs to Know
Resolution, file format, color mode — get these wrong and your prints look terrible. Get them right and they are perfect every time.
Nothing is more frustrating than receiving a product sample with a blurry or washed-out print. It almost always comes down to export settings. GoBower handles most of this for you, but understanding the basics helps you make better decisions.
Resolution: The Most Important Factor
Print requires much higher resolution than screen. The industry standard is 300 DPI. GoBower exports at 4500x5400 pixels at 300 DPI by default — large enough for any POD platform.
- T-Shirt / Hoodie / Sweatshirt / Tank Top front or back: 4500 x 5400 px
- Mug (11 oz wrap): 2700 x 1078 px
- Poster (18x24 in): 5400 x 7200 px
- Tote Bag: 4500 x 5400 px
- Phone Case: varies by model
File Format
GoBower supports PNG and JPEG export. Use PNG for any design with transparency (graphic on transparent background placed on a colored product). Use JPEG for full-bleed designs like posters or all-over prints.
Tip: Toggle "Remove Background" when generating your design to get a clean transparent PNG — essential for colored products where the fabric color should show through.
Color Mode
Screens use RGB. Print uses CMYK. Neon colors that look vivid on screen can appear dull when printed. GoBower exports in sRGB which is the POD industry standard. Always order a sample before mass-listing to check color accuracy.
Front and Back Exports
For apparel products (T-Shirts, Hoodies, Sweatshirts, Tank Tops) and Tote Bags, GoBower supports separate front and back print zones. When exporting, you can export each side independently. Most POD platforms require separate upload files for front and back prints.
Platform Requirements
- Printify: PNG, up to 4500x5400 px, transparent background recommended
- Printful: PNG or PDF, 300 DPI recommended
- Redbubble: PNG, 7632x6480 px max
- Merch by Amazon: PNG, 4500x5400 px, transparent background required
- TeePublic: PNG, 4200x4800 px minimum
Beyond Static Exports: AI Video
In addition to print-ready image exports, GoBower Pro and Business plans let you generate AI videos from your lifestyle mockups. Choose Standard quality (square or vertical) for 15 credits, or HD quality (1920x1080 landscape) for 50 credits. These short videos are perfect for social media marketing on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest.
Always check your platform current upload guidelines. When in doubt, export at the highest resolution available and let the platform scale it down.