Understanding print areas is essential for creating high-quality products on Spreadconnect. This guide explains how print areas work, tips for proper design placement, and common mistakes to avoid.
What is a Print Area?
A product’s print area refers to the part of the clothing or accessory that can be printed on. In the Design Tool, you will see a square (either black or white) representing this area. All designs and text must fit within this square to be printable.
- Red Design Frame: Indicates the design cannot be printed. Drag the design into the print area to correct this.
- Green Design Frame: Indicates the design is properly positioned and ready for printing.
Tips for Design Placement
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Larger Designs Work Best on the Front:
Use the center of the shirt’s front for larger designs. A center aid line will appear to help you align the design correctly.
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Smaller Designs for Chest Placement:
Logos or smaller designs look great on the left or right chest. Ensure they are not placed too close to the armpit—a general rule is to stay within a third of the shirt’s width. -
Avoid Seams and Zippers:
Designs placed over seams, zippers, or edges of the print area cannot be printed. While the Design Tool may allow it, the order will not process if the design is in these areas.
Use Contrasting Colors
For optimal visibility:
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Avoid Similar Colors: For example, a dark design on a dark product or a bright design on a bright product will reduce visibility.
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Use Contrasting Colors: Pair dark designs with light products and vice versa for the best results.
Adjust Design Size Based on Product Size
The Design Tool displays products in a standard size (e.g., Medium). Be aware that design dimensions won’t automatically adjust for smaller or larger sizes.
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For larger products (e.g., aprons or pillows), increase the design size to prevent it from appearing too small.
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Check the design’s visual proportion relative to the product to ensure it fits appropriately.