How to prepare a file for printing without losing quality: a simple guide to getting the best results
Partilhar
Why are some prints perfect... and others not?
One of the most frequent questions we receive at Newstarz is:
👉 "Why didn't my image turn out the way I imagined?"
In most cases, the answer isn't in the printing.
It's in the original file.
Even with professional equipment, it's not possible to create quality where it doesn't exist.
Therefore, preparing the file correctly is essential.
📸 The most common mistake: screenshots
Many people send:
❌ Facebook screenshots
❌ Instagram screenshots
❌ images taken from WhatsApp
The problem?
These images lose quality.
On a phone, they might look perfect.
But when enlarged for printing, defects become visible.
✔️ The ideal: original file
Whenever possible, send:
✔️ PNG
✔️ High-quality JPG
✔️ PDF
✔️ Original design file
The closer you are to the original file, the better the final result.
📏 Resolution makes a difference
A small image might look excellent on a screen.
But for printing, we need details.
As a general rule:
✔️ large files = better quality
✔️ small files = higher risk of pixelation
🔍 How to know if an image is of good quality?
Do a simple test.
Enlarge the image on your computer.
If you start to notice:
❌ squares
❌ jagged edges
❌ lack of sharpness
then the quality probably won't be sufficient.
👕 For T-shirts and textiles (DTF)
When the goal is to print on:
✔️ T-shirts
✔️ sweatshirts
✔️ tote bags
✔️ caps
the file should have:
✔️ good resolution
✔️ transparent background (when possible)
✔️ well-defined colours
☕ For mugs and bottles (sublimation)
Image quality is even more important.
Blurred photos become much more visible after printing.
Therefore, we always recommend sharp and well-lit images.
🎨 Be careful with logos found online
Another frequent mistake.
Many companies send a logo taken from Google.
In most cases:
❌ it's small
❌ it's compressed
❌ it has lost quality
Whenever possible, use:
✔️ PDF
✔️ SVG
✔️ Original logo file
📱 Can mobile phone photos work?
Yes.
Nowadays, many smartphones take excellent quality photos.
But we recommend:
✔️ good lighting
✔️ correct focus
✔️ original photograph
Avoid sending photos that have been re-sent multiple times via messaging apps.
⚠️ The image background also matters
It's not always necessary to remove the background.
But when the design requires a clean result, a transparent background usually produces a more professional finish.
🤝 Don't know if the file is suitable?
No problem.
Many customers don't know how to assess the quality of their files.
At Newstarz, we always check the received material before production.
If there's any problem, we'll let you know before printing.
🚀 How to send your file?
1️⃣ Choose the product
2️⃣ Send the image or logo
3️⃣ Receive a mockup
4️⃣ Validate before production
💡 Newstarz Tip
If you have two versions of the same image, always send the higher quality one.
It's better to receive a file that's too big than one that's too small.
Conclusion
A good print begins long before the press or printer.
It starts with the quality of the file sent.
By using sharp images, original logos, and good resolution files, you ensure a much more professional and lasting result.
📩 Do you have questions about your file's quality? Send it to Newstarz, and we'll be happy to help.
FAQ
Can I send a photo taken with a mobile phone?
Yes, as long as it's of good quality and well-focused.
Can I send an image from social media?
It's possible, but the quality might not be sufficient for printing.
What is the best file format?
PNG, high-quality JPG, and PDF are usually the best options.
Do I receive a preview before printing?
Yes. We send a mockup for validation before production.
How do I receive my order?
✔️ Free delivery in the municipality of Portimão
✔️ Pick-up available in Portimão
✔️ Shipping nationwide via CTT