Articles on: Design Guidelines

Creating a Design in Photoshop

How do you create a design in Photoshop?



Do you want to create your own design for printing on clothing or other products? With Adobe Photoshop, this is easy to do. It’s important to set up your file correctly from the start to ensure your design looks sharp and professional. Below, we explain step by step how to do this.



Print Areas per Product

When creating a design, it’s important to take the product’s print area into account. The print area defines where your design can be placed and the maximum printable dimensions.

Each product has a different print area. For example, the front and back of a T-shirt or the front of a hoodie differ from items like tote bags, kids’ products, neck labels, or mugs.

👉 You can always find the correct print dimensions in the product specifications on our website.




Step 1: Create a New File

  • Open Photoshop and click File > New
  • Set the size of your design. For example: if you want a print of 30 × 40 cm, set your canvas to the same size
  • Set the resolution to 300 DPI (this ensures a sharp and professional print)
  • Choose RGB color mode (not CMYK). Our machines are optimized for RGB
  • Set Background Contents → Transparent
  • Click Create



Step 2: Create Your Design

Now you can start designing:

  • Add text → Use the text tool (T) to add names, slogans, or other text
  • Insert images → Go to File > Place to add photos or logos. Make sure they are also high resolution (at least 300 DPI)
  • Draw shapes → Use the shape tools to add icons, lines, or graphic elements

👉 Tip: Work with layers as much as possible. This makes it easier to edit individual parts of your design later.



Step 3: Choose Colors

  • Always use the RGB color profile for the best and most vibrant print results
  • Avoid CMYK, as it is intended for paper printing and may result in dull or inaccurate colors with our equipment



Step 4: Save Your File

Once your design is complete, save it via File > Save As…


  • Choose PNG as the file format (this supports transparency and maintains high quality)
  • Give your file a clear name (e.g. Logo_Tshirt_Black_Front.png)

If you are unsure whether your file is set up correctly, you can check this by reopening it in Photoshop and pressing:

  • Windows: Alt + Ctrl + I
  • Mac: Command + Option + I

This allows you to verify the file dimensions and settings.



Extra Tips

  • Make sure your text is large enough to remain readable on clothing
  • Pay attention to contrast: black text on a dark T-shirt is hard to see. Choose colors that stand out against the fabric
  • Test your design by zooming in closely in Photoshop. If lines remain sharp and details clear, your file is ready for printing



If the print area is not clear, you can download a Photoshop template with specifications via this link:

👉 https://promio.nl/softstyle-v-neck-t-shirt-gildan?tab=specification

Updated on: 23/06/2026