Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of services we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Custom T-Shirt Design Service.

Ratings

Print Type Options

Custom t-shirt designers should provide a variety of printing options including screen printing, digital printing, embroidery or flex printing. Although no designer offers all options, they should provide several choices.

Design Features

Online design programs should give the user a considerable amount of control when designing their apparel. Features should include the ability to manipulate image and text placement as well as support popular file formats for uploading and printing.

Apparel Options

The online service should provide a large selection of apparel and sizes for customers to customize. This includes t–shirts, tanks, sweaters, women’s wear and children’s clothing. Some include additional items like buttons, mouse pads and mugs.

Help/Support

Custom t-shirt design services should provide excellent help and support. Since a customer could possibly spend hundreds of dollars in one order, responsive email and telephone support are a necessity. Additionally, the service should include a comprehensive FAQ or help center to minimize the need for email or telephone contact.

Print Type Options

Screen Printing

The process of transferring an image or text to a garment using a stencil method in which a design is imposed on a screen of silk or other fine mesh, ink is forced through the mesh onto the printing surface.

Digital Printing

A computer prints the image directly to the material’s surface. It is incredibly durable and allows for softer feeling decals.

Flex Print

A sensitive computer–controlled cutting tool cuts images, texts and logos from a special foil that merges with the shirt under heat and pressure.

Embroidery

Images are sewn directly into the fabric.

Flock Print

Designs are created with a velvet type material that adheres to the shirt.

Design Features

Back

Images can be placed on the back of a garment.

Pocket

The online designer can place an image on a shirt pocket.

Sleeves

Images may be place on t–shirt sleeves. In some cases this can be done using the online designer; however, most of the time it is required to contact the company directly.

IMAGES

From Disk

You can upload your own images into the online designer.

From Clip Art or Previously Designed Shirts

The t–shirt service provides a selection of images from clip art or decals previously designed by other artists for you to choose from to personalize your shirt.

Change Size

You can adjust the size of your image.

Adjust Placement

The image or text can be placed in multiple locations on the shirt and are not limited to "left," "right" or "center."

Image Alignment

The online designer can align your image at left, right or center justification.

Multiple Images

You can place more than one image on a shirt.

TEXT

Add Text

You can add text to your shirt.

Change Font

The online designer provides various fonts.

Color

You can choose your text color.

Size

You can adjust the size of text on your shirt.

Text Alignment

Text can be aligned using left, right or center justification.

Curvature

Text can be curved into various arches or shapes.

Spacing

You can adjust the spacing between letters and words.

Rotate

You can rotate your image.

SUPPORTED FILE

PNG

Portable Network Graphics

GIF

Graphics Interchange Format

TIFF

Tagged Image File Format

JPEG

Joint Photographic Experts Group

EPS

Encapsulated PostScript

AI

Adobe Illustrator Document

PSD

Photoshop Document

PPD

PostScript Printer Description

PPT

Microsoft PowerPoint slideshow file

EXTRAS

Keep Notes

You can save and keep notes for reminders to yourself or as additional instructions to the company.

Save Designs

You can save your design and return later to order or modify.

Email

You can email a copy of your custom t–shirt.

Create Shop

You can create your own designs and open a store with the t–shirt design service.

Apparel Options

Athletic Wear

You can order and customize shirts specifically designed for sports like baseball or soccer.

Additional Options

In addition to shirts, you can customize other items like office supplies, hats, bags and aprons

Help/Support

Telephone Support

The design service provides a telephone number.

Email Support

You can contact the design company through email.

Online Help

The apparel design service provides online help like tips and suggestions.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions can often address concerns prior to contacting the company.

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