Artwork Preparation
Artwork Preparation
Great prints start with properly prepared artwork. Please review your files carefully before submitting your order. Southeast Prints prints artwork exactly as it is received.
File Requirements
For the best print quality, we recommend:
- PNG format
- Transparent background
- 300 DPI recommended
- Artwork created at or near the actual size you want it printed
- Artwork cropped closely with unnecessary transparent space removed
Transparent Backgrounds
If you do not want a background printed, it must be removed before uploading.
A white background will print white. A black background will print black.
Be especially careful with AI-generated images and online background-removal tools. Some images contain a checkerboard pattern that looks transparent but is actually part of the image. If you can see the checkerboard in the actual PNG, it may print.
We recommend using a reliable program such as Canva Pro's Background Remover, then downloading your artwork as a PNG with Transparent Background selected.
Image Quality & DPI
For best results, artwork should be 300 DPI at the size you intend to print it.
- 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. If you enlarge a small image significantly, the quality can decrease even if the file says 300 DPI.
Check Your Artwork Before Uploading
Zoom in and inspect your design carefully. Look for:
- Blurry or pixelated areas
- Misspelled words
- Rough or unwanted edges
- Unwanted backgrounds
- Checkerboard backgrounds
- Tiny unwanted dots or artifacts
- Extremely thin lines
- Small text that may be difficult to print
- AI-generated mistakes or distortions
If you can see an issue in the artwork before uploading, there is a good chance you will see it in the finished print.
Crop Your Artwork
Crop unnecessary empty or transparent space from around your design.
For example, your visible design may only be 8" wide, but if it is sitting inside a 12" transparent canvas, the sizing system may recognize the entire 12" canvas.
Cropping closely around your artwork helps ensure your design is sized correctly.
Colors
Colors on your finished transfer may vary from what you see on your phone, tablet, or computer monitor. Screens display colors differently depending on brightness, settings, and the device being used.
If an exact color is critical for your project, we recommend ordering a test print before placing a large order.
AI-Generated Artwork
AI artwork can produce great results, but AI-generated does not automatically mean print-ready.
Please inspect AI artwork carefully for incorrect text, strange shapes, unwanted objects, rough edges, fake transparency, checkerboard backgrounds, and low-resolution areas before submitting it.
Background Removal
Southeast Prints does not remove backgrounds from submitted artwork.
If you need to remove a background, Canva Pro is an easy option:
- Upload your image to Canva.
- Select Edit Photo → Background Remover.
- Inspect and clean up the edges.
- Download as a PNG.
- Select Transparent Background.
- Open your downloaded file and check it before uploading.
Before You Submit
Make sure your artwork is:
✓ PNG format
✓ Transparent where needed
✓ High resolution
✓ Correctly sized
✓ Cropped closely
✓ Free of unwanted backgrounds
✓ Spelling checked
✓ Clear and not pixelated
✓ Exactly how you want it printed
We Print What You Submit
Our ordering and production process is highly automated. Your artwork is printed as received.
Southeast Prints does not automatically redesign artwork, correct spelling, remove backgrounds, improve image quality, clean up AI-generated artwork, or make other changes to submitted files.
Please review your artwork carefully before completing your order.