Print & POD

Your DPI is fine. What else should you check before uploading?

Print quality also depends on final size, bleed, safe area, and the exact product template.

Last updated: 2026-09-11

DPI only answers one question

A 300 DPI image can still be the wrong physical size or have text sitting too close to the trim line. Resolution and layout are separate checks.

Bleed deliberately extends beyond the finished edge

Trimming is not perfectly microscopic. Background artwork extends past the cut so a tiny shift does not create a white line. Important text moves the other direction—inside the safe area.

Compare services using your actual product and destination

Price, shipping and production options depend on what you are making and where it is going. Pick one real item and one real destination before comparing providers.

Four checks before upload

1Finished size

Make sure the file matches the actual physical size of the product you are ordering.

2Bleed

If artwork runs to the edge, extend it beyond the trim line by the amount the printer requires.

3Safe area

Keep text, logos, and other important elements inside the provider’s safe area.

4The current print template

Specs vary by provider and product, so finish by checking the current template for the exact item you are ordering.

When POD makes sense

You want each item made only after a customer ordersGood POD fitUseful when you do not want to buy inventory upfront.

You plan to sell internationallyWorth comparingProduction locations and shipping coverage can matter a lot.

You need 50 or 100 copies of the same thingCompare printers tooAt larger quantities, a conventional printer may cost less per item.

Paper choice, foil, or tight color matching mattersSpecialist printerA dedicated printer may give you more control over materials and finishing.

Compare Printful, Printify, and Gelato under the same conditions

Price changes with the product and destination. Pick one product and one shipping destination, then compare product price, shipping, and delivery time under the same conditions.

Product range and store integrations matter mostPrintfulStart with the exact product you want and how it connects to your store.

You want to compare base cost and production-provider optionsPrintifyCompare providers for the same product, including price and fulfilment conditions.

Production location and international delivery matter mostGelatoCompare where the item can be produced and what delivery looks like for your target market.

What to look at in each service

Compare Printful on product range and store integrations, Printify on product cost and provider choice, and Gelato on production location and delivery conditions. Use the same product and destination you actually plan to sell.

Printful

A good place to start when product choice and store integrations matter most.

Check that the exact product you want is available
Check how it connects to the ecommerce platform you use

Printify

Useful when you want to compare product cost and production-provider options.

Compare provider price and conditions for the same product
Check shipping cost and delivery time to your target market

Gelato

A good place to start when production location, shipping cost, and delivery time matter most.

Check where the product can be produced
Compare shipping cost and delivery time for your target countries