For the best results, we recommend enabling Apliiq's New Customizer.

Before you upload

For the best results:

• Use a transparent PNG for artwork that does not need a background.

• Prepare raster artwork at approximately 300 DPI at the size you want it printed (PNG recommended)

• Make sure small text and fine details are large enough to reproduce clearly.

• Use the original artwork file instead of a screenshot or an image downloaded from social media.

• Keep high-resolution production files under 20 MB.

Apliiq accepts PNG, JPG, JPEG, BMP, PDF, PSD, AI, SVG, and EPS files through the new artwork uploader. The separate high-resolution production-file uploader accepts AI, PDF, EPS, PSD, SVG, PNG, JPG, and JPEG files.

Upload new artwork

1. Open a product in the Apliiq customizer and select Customize.

2. Select Upload artwork from the design toolbar.
   

3. Click Upload artwork, then choose the artwork file from your device.

4. Follow the instructions shown for your file type.

If you upload a PNG, JPG, JPEG, or BMP

Apliiq prepares the file for the customizer and places it on the product. For transparent PNG files, the customizer automatically removes unnecessary transparent space around the visible artwork and adds a small safety border. This makes sizing and placement more accurate.

If you upload an AI, EPS, SVG, PDF, or PSD file

The customizer will read the artwork and ask you to Choose your print size.

Choose one of the suggested widths:

• 4 inches wide — small: Often suitable for a left-chest placement.

• 8 inches wide — medium: A useful mid-size print.

• 12 inches wide — large: Often suitable for a full-chest print.

• Custom width: Enter a width from 1 to 20 inches. The height is calculated automatically so the artwork keeps its original proportions.

After you choose a width, select Optimize artwork. The customizer creates a 300 DPI PNG for accurate placement and mockup generation. When the original file is 20 MB or smaller, Apliiq also attaches it as the final production artwork.

Large or layered files may take a little longer to process. Keep the customizer open until the artwork appears on the product.

Check artwork quality

Select the artwork on the product to open Artwork settings. The customizer displays the artwork's size and quality at its current print dimensions.

The quality rating changes when you resize raster artwork:

• Ideal quality: Approximately 296 DPI or higher.

• Very good: Approximately 250–295 DPI.

• Good: Approximately 200–249 DPI.

• OK: Approximately 150–199 DPI.

• Low: Below 150 DPI.

Increasing the printed size lowers the effective resolution. Reducing the printed size raises it. When possible, aim for Ideal, Very good, or Good quality.

What to do when the customizer shows low quality

If the artwork falls below 150 DPI at the selected print size, the customizer displays a warning that a high-resolution file is needed.

You can:

1. Reduce the artwork's print size until the quality improves; or

2. Upload a larger version of the same artwork using the high-resolution upload control shown with the selected artwork.

Choose the original AI, PDF, EPS, PSD, SVG, PNG, JPG, or JPEG file, up to 20 MB. The high-resolution file is attached to the artwork for production without changing the size or position you already selected on the garment.

When a production file is attached successfully, its filename appears under Final artwork in Artwork settings. You can select the filename to review the attached file.

Important: preview artwork and production artwork

For layered, vector, or large artwork files, Apliiq may use two related files:

• A browser-ready PNG for the customizer preview and product mockups.

• Your attached original file as the final production artwork.

This is expected. The optimized PNG keeps the online preview reliable, while the original high-resolution file remains available to the Apliiq production team, in case changes are required.

Troubleshooting

My artwork becomes low quality when I make it larger

Raster files contain a fixed number of pixels. Upload a version with more pixels or reduce the print size. Changing the DPI setting in a graphics program without adding real image detail will not improve quality.

My file cannot be converted

Export the artwork as a transparent PNG and upload it again. Make sure the artwork is visible, the file opens normally on your device, and the exported PNG is under 12 MB.

My original production file is larger than 20 MB

Reduce the file size before uploading. Remove unused layers, embedded images, artboards, or other content that is not part of the final design. You can also save a simplified production copy while keeping your original working file.

My transparent PNG has too much empty space

The V5 uploader automatically trims extra transparent space around visible PNG artwork. If it cannot process the file, export it as a new transparent PNG and try again.

I uploaded the wrong high-resolution file

Remove the artwork from the product and upload the correct artwork again. Confirm the filename shown under Final artwork before saving or purchasing the design.

Recommended artwork checklist

Before completing your design, confirm that:

• The artwork is positioned and sized correctly on every product view.

• Raster artwork is at least 150 DPI at the selected size, with 300 DPI preferred.

• Transparent artwork does not contain an unwanted background.

• The correct production method is selected.

• The correct high-resolution file appears under Final artwork, when applicable.

• Any special sizing, placement, or production instructions are included in the artwork's Production note.