Artwork Guide
Artwork Preparation
Great prints start with properly prepared artwork. Southeast Prints prints artwork exactly as it is received — here's how to get it print-ready.
Image quality & DPI
Artwork should be 300 DPI at the size you intend to print it.
| Resolution | Result |
|---|---|
| 250–300+ DPI | Great quality |
| 200–249 DPI | Generally acceptable |
| Below 200 DPI | May print blurry or pixelated |
Increasing the DPI number on a low-quality image does not restore missing detail. Enlarging a small image can reduce quality even if the file says 300 DPI.
Transparent backgrounds
A white background will print white. A black background will print black.
✓ Do
True transparency
Remove the background (Canva Pro, Adobe Express, remove.bg or Photoshop) and download as a PNG with Transparent Background selected.
✕ Don't
Fake checkerboard
Some AI and online images contain a checkerboard pattern that looks transparent but is part of the image. If you can see it in the actual PNG, it may print.
Remove a background in Canva
Requires Canva Pro.
Open your design
Open your design in Canva and click the image.
Background Remover
Click Edit Photo, then Background Remover.
Let Canva work
The background is removed automatically in a few seconds.
Inspect your artwork
Zoom in around hair, text, small details, shadows and inside letters. Use Erase and Restore brushes to clean up.
Download a transparent PNG
Share → Download → PNG → check Transparent Background → Download.
Crop & resize
Crop empty space: your visible design may only be 8" wide, but if it sits inside a 12" transparent canvas the sizing system may read the whole 12". Select your artwork, click Crop, remove empty space and download as a transparent PNG.
Resize: click Resize (Canva Pro) or create a new design at your dimensions, fit your artwork and download as a transparent PNG. Enlarging low-quality artwork won't improve print quality.
Colors & AI artwork
Colors on your transfer may vary from your phone or monitor. If an exact color is critical, order a test print first.
AI-generated does not automatically mean print-ready. Check for incorrect text, strange shapes, unwanted objects, rough edges, fake transparency, checkerboard backgrounds and low-resolution areas.
Before you submit
- ✓ PNG format
- ✓ Transparent where needed
- ✓ High resolution, clear and not pixelated
- ✓ Correctly sized and cropped closely
- ✓ Free of unwanted or checkerboard backgrounds
- ✓ Spelling checked
- ✓ Exactly how you want it printed
We print what you submit. Southeast Prints does not redesign artwork, correct spelling, remove backgrounds, improve image quality or clean up AI artwork.
Still have questions?
Contact the Southeast Prints team before you order — we're happy to help you get the best results.