Many printing problems have nothing to do with the printer. They come from the logo file. A blurry, small or badly prepared file gives a blurry, dull print, however good the printing method is. The good news is that preparing a proper file is easy once you know what to check. Use this checklist before you upload your logo for printing on cotton bags, saree covers or storage bags.
1. Use the right file format
The best format is a vector file, such as AI, EPS, PDF or SVG. A vector can be resized to any dimension without losing sharpness. If you only have an image file, send a PNG or a high-quality JPG. Avoid files that were saved from social media, WhatsApp or screenshots, because they are compressed and lose detail.
2. Send high resolution
A larger, clearer image prints better than a small one. If your logo looks soft or pixelated when you zoom in, it will look the same on the bag. Ask your designer for the original file instead of resending a copy that has already been compressed.
3. Remove the background
Your logo should be on a transparent or plain white background. If a coloured or patterned background is included, it may get printed as a box around your design. A PNG with a transparent background works well for most logos.
4. Know how many colours your logo has
This decides the printing method:
- One colour: 1 colour screen printing.
- Two colours: 2 colour screen printing.
- More than two colours, gradients or fine detail: multi-colour DTF printing.
Read the full comparison in screen printing vs DTF.
5. Think about the bag colour
Ink looks different on different fabric shades. A dark logo is clear on natural or light cotton, but a dark logo on a dark bag will not stand out. Check that your logo colours contrast well with the fabric.
6. Keep lines and text readable
Very thin lines and tiny text can fill in or disappear, especially on textured fabric. If your logo includes small text, send a version with larger text or tell us so that we can advise.
7. Decide the placement and size
Think about where the logo should sit: centre of the bag, lower corner, or both sides. A logo that is too small looks lost; one that is too large looks crowded. Add a short note with placement and the approximate size you want.
8. Choose one side or both sides
You can print on one side or both sides. One side costs less. Both sides lets you place the logo on the front and a message, address or social handle on the back.
9. Check spelling and details
Read every word on the design carefully, including phone numbers and addresses. Customised bags cannot be returned once produced according to your approved requirements, so mistakes are costly.
Final checklist
- Vector file or high-resolution PNG/JPG
- Transparent or white background
- Number of colours known
- Good contrast with the bag colour
- Text large enough to read
- Placement and size noted
- Spelling and numbers double-checked
Ready to upload?
You can upload your logo while ordering a printable product, or send it with your requirement on the bulk orders page. Options and printing types are on the custom branding page. Browse printable products like tote bags and saree covers.
