T-Shirt Print Placement: From a Screen Preview to a Clean Finish
A good design needs the right scale and position. This practical guide covers artwork proofs, alignment and the finishing checks that help a print sit well on a tee.
Start with the garment, not the canvas
A design can look balanced on a computer and feel too low, too wide or too close to a seam on the actual shirt. Before production, check the garment size, neckline, print area and the visual centre of the artwork. Use a proof with a garment outline so the scale is easy to judge.
The video demonstrates one heat-press workflow and several placements. Its settings apply to the materials and transfer shown; decorators should follow the instructions for their own equipment and transfer system.
Make the proof easy to approve
Show the print at its intended size, on the selected tee colour, with enough of the garment visible to judge placement. Keep the artwork inside the front panel and away from sleeve seams, side seams and the collar. For a back mark or a small chest logo, provide a separate view instead of relying on one crowded mock-up.
Use clean, high-resolution artwork. Transparent PNG files work well for many print workflows; vector artwork is useful for crisp edges and scalable logos. Ask the printer which file type and colour profile they need before exporting.
Check the finished piece
Inspect alignment, edges and surface finish after pressing. Follow the care label and the decorator's wash guidance; avoid promising a lifespan from a video or a single sample. A consistent proof-and-approval step makes repeat orders easier to match.
Video: How To Heat Press A T-Shirt With TruePrint DTF Transfers by HeatPressNation. Video publication date: 2026-04-22. The video belongs to its creator; its inclusion does not imply endorsement.
