Whether you’re looking to showcase your brand with merchandise, give a unique gift or create eye-catching apparel, printing a photo on T-shirts is a surefire way to turn heads. Custom T-shirts have surged in popularity, and it’s no wonder — they help businesses stand out and let individuals wear their personality on their sleeves (literally!).
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about printing photos onto T-shirts, from DIY methods to professional printing techniques. We’ll answer questions like, “How do I put a photo on a T-shirt?” and “How can I print photos onto custom T-shirts with a professional finish?” Whatever your project, there’s a printing method to match your style, budget and vision.
Things to consider before printing a photo on a T-shirt
Before you print that epic photo on a T-shirt, let’s make sure it will look epic when printed. A few key details can take your design from “meh” to “wow,” so it’s worth a quick look at what makes all the difference.
Source: Custom T-shirt via VistaPrint
We’re talking fabric choices, printing methods and T-shirt colors, as well as the resolution and dimensions of your photo. These elements are the building blocks of how to print a T-shirt and will guide you toward professional-looking results.
Fabric type
The fabric you choose for your T-shirt has a big impact on how well your photo will print — and how long the print will last. Understanding which fabric type works best with which T-shirt printing methods will help you to get the best print results.
Cotton is a classic fabric choice, ideal for direct-to-garment (DTG) and screen printing. It’s versatile and allows for vibrant colors, but these may fade without proper care.
Polyester is perfect for sublimation printing, which bonds colors directly to the fabric, creating vibrant and durable prints. However, polyester isn’t as well-suited for DTG or screen printing, so stick with sublimation for the best results.
Blends, like cotton-polyester, offer a mix of comfort and durability, combining the best of both worlds. Fabric blends are more resistant to wear, but print quality can vary depending on the blend percentage, so results may not be as consistent as with pure cotton or polyester.
Printing method
Different techniques — DTG, screen printing, heat transfer, sublimation and iron-on transfers — have their own strengths and are better suited for certain projects. Generally, professional methods like direct-to-garment and screen printing offer more durability, meaning your design will last longer, even after multiple washes. DIY options, like iron-on transfers, can be a fun, quick solution, but may not hold up as well over time.
To pick the best printing method for your project, check out our guides to custom T-shirt printing and types of printing on T-shirts.
T-shirt color
The color of T-shirt fabric plays a pivotal role in how the photo will look printed on it. Light-colored shirts are the go-to for most printing methods, especially if you’re aiming for detailed or multi-color designs. They’ll give you accurate color reproduction and make those finer details pop.
Source: Custom T-shirt via VistaPrint
Source: Custom T-shirt via VistaPrint
Dark fabrics are a little trickier. To make sure your photo looks sharp and vibrant, you’ll need special treatments, like a white base layer, especially with DTG or sublimation printing.
To avoid dull prints, ensure that photos have high contrast and are optimized for the chosen fabric color. Read our ultimate guide to T-shirt design for everything you need to know.
Photo resolution and dimensions
For a sharp, professional-looking print with crisp details, your photo should have a minimum print resolution of 300 dpi. Anything lower and you risk blurry or pixelated prints.
Before uploading or printing your photo, make sure you understand everything there is to know about T-shirt design sizes, dimensions and placements.
Source: Custom T-shirt via VistaPrint
A standard chest design typically requires dimensions around 10”x12,” while a full-back design might need something larger. Smaller areas, like sleeves, call for more compact images. For more detailed positioning guidance, check out our guide to T-shirt design placement.
If you’re resizing an image, always start with the highest resolution possible to keep it looking sharp, no matter the print size.
Photo file types
For most general printing needs, widely-compatible JPEG files are a solid choice for photos. But if your design has a transparent background, go with a PNG file. This format keeps those areas transparent, making it ideal for printing photo cutout designs onto T-shirts.
How to print a photo on a T-shirt: DIY vs print-on-demand
When it comes to putting a photo on a T-shirt, there are two main routes: DIY or print-on-demand (POD). Let’s break down the pros and cons of each so you can decide which works for your printing project.
| DIY | Print-on-demand | |
| Printing quality | Lower durability; may fade with washing | High quality; durable and long-lasting |
| Cost | Cost-effective for small quantities | More cost-effective for bulk or multiple design orders |
| Convenience | Hands-on; requires time and effort | Hassle-free; printing service handles the entire process |
| Printing methods | Iron-on transfers, basic home printing methods | DTG, heat transfer, sublimation and other professional methods |
| Turnaround time | Immediate if done at home | Dependent on provider; often a few days |
The DIY route is a great fit for personal projects, one-off or small-batch designs — perfect if you’re looking to experiment or print photos on T-shirts with minimal investment.
Print-on-demand, on the other hand, is ideal for those seeking professional-quality prints for promotional products or larger orders that need durability and a polished finish.
Print-on-demand methods: No equipment necessary
No equipment? No problem. With print-on-demand, you can skip the hassle and let professional online printing services handle everything. In this section, we’ll cover two of the top POD methods — direct-to-garment and screen printing — both delivering professional results that last. When you leave it to the experts, you get high-quality prints without lifting a finger.
Source: T-shirt printing methods via VistaPrint
DTG printing services
Online direct-to-garment printing is your go-to for photo T-shirt projects where quality is key, whether it’s a one-of-a-kind design, merch run or custom gift. DTG printing with a print-on-demand service produces vibrant colors and durable, eco-friendly prints without the commitment of buying equipment.
Screen printing services
Screen printing is the go-to print-on-demand service for bulk orders where durability is a must like brand merchandise or event T-shirts. This method works best for printing simple images with minimal colors, but less suitable for photos with a lot of detail or colors.
Source: Professional screen printing service by HayDmitriy via DepositPhotos
If you have access to screen printing equipment, you can also opt to DIY screen print your photo on a T-shirt with photo emulsion. Read our ultimate screen printing guide to find out how.
How to print a photo on a T-shirt using a print-on-demand service
Step 1: Prepare the photo
Make sure your photo is high-resolution (300 dpi or higher) and the right dimensions for the T-shirt placement. Keep in mind that simpler photos with solid colors work best for screen printing.
Step 2: Choose a T-shirt
Browse T-shirts for your preferred style, fit, neckline, fabric and color — just make sure the one you choose is compatible with your photo and the printing method you’ve chosen. DTG and screen printing work with a variety of fabrics, so you’ve got options.
Step 3: Place your photo on the T-shirt digitally
Upload your photo, adjust its placement on the T-shirt and preview how it’ll look, perfecting the position, alignment and size before committing to the print.
Source: A photo on a T-shirt in the VistaPrint editor via VistaPrint
Step 4: Order the quantity you need
With DTG printing, there’s flexibility — order just one shirt or a batch, depending on your print project. Screen printing typically offers the best value for larger quantities, which is ideal if you’re printing in bulk. The more T-shirts you order, the lower the cost per item.
Step 5: Confirm your order and let the pros do their thing
Many print-on-demand services don’t require minimum orders, so you can print exactly what you need. Place your order and let the professionals handle the printing of your photo onto custom T-shirts, delivering durable, vibrant print results.
Source: Custom T-shirt via VistaPrint
Costs involved
The cost of printing a photo onto a T-shirt using an online print-on-demand service includes the T-shirt itself, the print service and shipping. Costs will vary depending on factors like T-shirt style and order size. On VistaPrint, prices range from $7.24 to $24.99 per unit.
DIY methods: Print a photo on a T-shirt at home
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Printing a photo on a T-shirt at home is totally doable with the right equipment. We’ll cover three popular DIY methods: iron-on transfer paper, heat transfer vinyl (HTV) and sublimation printing. Have a read through what each method involves and pick one that fits your project and budget best.
Iron-on transfer paper
Iron-on transfers are perfect for quick, casual T-shirt projects where you want to experiment with designs. Great for one-offs or small batches, this DIY method is ideal if you’re looking for an affordable, accessible and beginner-friendly way to put a photo on a T-shirt without investing in special equipment — you can print your photo onto transfer paper using a standard inkjet printer. However, iron-on transfers can be less durable and may fade or crack after a few washes. The method is also less suitable for darker-colored T-shirts.
Source: Iron-on transfer paper T-shirt printing by alho007 via DepositPhotos
Supplies needed
- Inkjet printer
- Iron-on transfer paper
- Iron
- Scissors
Heat transfer vinyl
Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) is a step up in durability from iron-on transfers, well-suited for T-shirt designs made to last a bit longer. This DIY method is great for personal projects and custom gifts, especially if you’re printing on darker fabrics or need a more professional look. However, heat transfer vinyl is more costly than regular transfer paper and requires a heat press for the best results.
Source: Hibiscus flowers printed onto a custom T-shirt using a heat press via DepositPhotos
Supplies needed
- Inkjet printer
- Printable heat transfer vinyl (HTV)
- Heat press or iron
- Scissors or vinyl cutter
Sublimation printing
Sublimation is your go-to DIY printing method for vibrant, long-lasting, professional-quality prints on polyester fabrics. Because the ink becomes part of the fabric, there’s no cracking or peeling. This makes it perfect for printing larger photos or for projects where durability is needed, like custom T-shirts that need to withstand frequent washing and wear. However, sublimation printers, inks and transfer paper make this method more costly than other DIY methods and a heat press is required for the best results.
Source: Sublimation printing by Wirestock via DepositPhotos
Supplies needed
- Sublimation printer (or inkjet printer with sublimation ink)
- Sublimation transfer paper
- Heat press
- 100% polyester or polyester blend T-shirt
How to put a photo on a T-shirt using DIY methods
Step 1: Prepare the photo
Ensure the photo is in high resolution (300 dpi or higher) and is the desired dimensions to fit the T-shirt.
Step 2: Print the photo
Print your photo onto the iron-on transfer paper, heat transfer vinyl sheets or sublimation transfer paper, depending on the DIY method you’ve chosen. If you’re using an inkjet printer for the sublimation method, make sure to use sublimation inks. For iron-on transfers on light-colored fabrics, mirror the image before printing.
Step 3: Cut the photo
Use scissors or a vinyl cutter to cut around the edges of the printed photo, removing any excess paper or vinyl. Make sure that only the section of the photo you want printed on the T-shirt remains.
Step 4: Place the photo on the T-shirt
Position the transfer paper or vinyl onto the T-shirt where you want the photo to be printed. Place sublimation transfer paper on the T-shirt printed side down. With iron-on transfers, place the photo face down for light fabrics or face up for dark fabrics.
Step 5: Apply heat
For iron-on transfers: preheat your iron to the recommended temperature, then press the iron firmly over the transfer in circular motions for about 2-3 minutes.
For HTV: Use a heat press or iron to transfer the photo onto the T-shirt. Press for the recommended time (usually about 15-20 seconds at 300°F).
For sublimation: Use a heat press to apply heat (at around 400°F) and press for 30-45 seconds.
Step 6: Peel off the backing paper
After allowing the T-shirt fabric to cool slightly, peel off the transfer or vinyl backing paper to reveal your printed photo.
Costs involved
Typically, the iron-on transfer method costs about $5-$10 per T-shirt, including the transfer paper. The main cost of this DIY method is the T-shirt itself. With the heat transfer vinyl method, expect to spend around $10-$15 per T-shirt. The sublimation printing method averages $12-$20 per T-shirt. As with professional printing services, DIY costs vary depending on T-shirt style and fabrics.
Ready to print a photo on a T-shirt?
No matter your budget or project, there’s a perfect way to get your chosen photo on a T-shirt. From simple DIY setups to professional printing services, there’s an option for any size printing project. Whether you want to print a photo on a T-shirt for a quick one-off design to give as a gift or you’re aiming for durable custom merch, you’ll find the right printing method here.
For larger-scale projects or when you want a polished look, turning to professional services can be a game-changer. Not only do they save you the cost of equipment and hassle of doing it yourself, but printing photos on T-shirts online using direct-to-garment or screen printing is surprisingly affordable, especially for bulk orders.
