Print-on-Demand
Glossary

A company that handles warehousing, order fulfillment, and shipping on behalf of ecommerce businesses. In the POD context, the POD supplier acts as a 3PL for custom-printed products.

A printing technique that covers the entire surface of a garment from seam to seam, using sublimation on polyester fabric. The garment is printed flat, then cut and sewn. Creates full-coverage designs with zero hand feel.

A set of rules that allows ecommerce software and a print-on-demand platform to exchange data. A POD API can create products, submit orders, retrieve shipping rates, receive tracking updates, and automate fulfillment workflows.

The amount a POD provider charges to manufacture or decorate a product before the seller adds markup. Shipping, taxes, marketplace fees, payment fees, and optional branding may be separate, so base cost is not always the same as landed cost.

An undecorated garment, accessory, or home product used as the base for printing, embroidery, engraving, or another customization method. Its material, color, construction, and surface determine which decoration techniques are suitable.

Extra design area beyond the trim/fold line that ensures no white edges appear after cutting. Standard bleed is 0.125" to 0.25" on all sides. Critical for AOP templates, sublimation products, and any print that extends to the edge.

Packaging that displays the seller's brand rather than the fulfillment provider's. Depending on the provider, options may include branded mailers, boxes, packing slips, cards, tape, or inserts.

Product-specific guidance that helps customers preserve a garment, print, or embroidery. Instructions can cover washing temperature, turning garments inside out, drying method, ironing, bleaching, and special handling.

The degree to which a printed color matches the original digital design. Measured using Delta-E (ΔE) values. ΔE < 2 is considered imperceptible to the human eye. POD printers use ICC color profiles and calibration to maintain consistency. Pantone matching ensures brand color fidelity.

The process of dividing a full-color design into individual color channels for printing. In screen printing, each separated color becomes a separate screen. In DTG/DTF, separation is handled automatically by the RIP software.

The percentage of store visitors who complete a desired action. For ecommerce, it usually means orders divided by visits or sessions, multiplied by 100. Product images, price, shipping clarity, trust, and checkout experience can affect conversion rate.

A garment construction method where fabric is printed flat (before being cut into pattern pieces), then cut and sewn into the final garment. Used for AOP (all-over print) products. Results in fully customized garments with edge-to-edge printing.

The process of converting a raster or vector image into a stitch file (such as DST, PES, or EMB) that an embroidery machine can read. The file specifies stitch type, direction, density, and sequence for each area of the design.

A printing method where designs are printed on PET film with CMYK + white inks, then heat-transferred to the garment using hot-melt adhesive powder. Works on virtually any fabric type. More versatile than DTG for mixed materials.

A digital printing method that uses modified inkjet technology to apply water-based textile inks directly onto fabric. It is commonly used for detailed, multicolor artwork on compatible cotton and cotton-blend garments.

A screen printing technique that removes (discharges) the dye from a dark garment and replaces it with the desired color. Produces an extremely soft print with zero hand feel on dark fabrics. Only works on 100% cotton with reactive dyes.

A measure of print resolution. For garment printing, 300 DPI is the standard minimum for sharp, detailed output. Higher DPI (600+) is recommended for fine detail. AOP templates require 150-300 DPI due to their large physical size.

An ecommerce fulfillment model where the seller does not keep finished products in stock. When a customer orders, the seller sends the order to a third-party supplier that prepares and ships the product directly to the customer.

Tajima embroidery file format — the industry standard for commercial embroidery machines. Contains stitch coordinates, color changes, and machine instructions. Must be generated through digitizing software from source artwork.

A heat-based process where solid dye sublimates (turns to gas) and permanently bonds with polyester fibers or polymer-coated surfaces. The print becomes part of the material — zero hand feel, no cracking or peeling. Requires white/light polyester or coated substrates.

A decoration method where thread is stitched into fabric by an automated machine. It creates a raised, textured finish and is commonly used for logos and lettering. Available colors, stitch area, and detail depend on the product and equipment.

The location, orientation, and maximum stitch area for embroidery on a product. Common placements include the left chest, center chest, sleeve, cap front, and side panel. Seams, pockets, closures, and hoop size can limit placement.

Everything required to complete an order after it is placed. In POD, fulfillment commonly includes order routing, file checks, production, quality control, packing, carrier handoff, tracking, and issue resolution.

The range of colors that a screen, color space, printer, ink set, and substrate can represent. A bright screen color may sit outside a printer’s gamut, which is why printed output can differ from an RGB preview.

A measurement of fabric weight/density. Higher GSM = thicker, heavier fabric. Standard t-shirt: 150-180 GSM. Premium heavyweight: 200-250 GSM. Hoodie fleece: 280-350 GSM. GSM affects print quality, feel, and garment durability.

A pattern of dots that creates the appearance of shades, gradients, or continuous tone using one or more solid ink colors. Halftones are common in screen printing and require attention to dot size, mesh, resolution, and print surface.

The tactile texture of a print on fabric. DTG has minimal hand feel (ink bonds with fibers). DTF has a slight raised texture. Screen print has a noticeable film. Embroidery has a pronounced 3D raised texture. Sublimation/AOP have zero hand feel.

An umbrella term for print methods where designs are first applied to a carrier material (film, paper, vinyl) and then heat-pressed onto the garment. DTF, sublimation transfers, and heat transfer vinyl (HTV) are all forms of heat transfer.

A color-management file that describes how a specific device, ink set, paper, or fabric reproduces color. Software can use ICC profiles to convert artwork more predictably between a monitor and a production workflow.

A software connection that links an ecommerce store or marketplace with a print-on-demand platform. Integrations can publish products, import paid orders, send designs and variants, and return production or tracking updates.

A raster image format designed for photographs and other images with gradual color changes. JPEG files use lossy compression and do not support transparent backgrounds, so they are usually better for product photography than isolated print artwork.

A word or phrase that describes what a shopper is looking for in a search engine, marketplace, or online store. POD sellers use relevant keywords in product titles, descriptions, tags, categories, and educational content to improve discoverability.

The combined cost of getting a product to its destination. For POD sellers, landed cost can include the base product, printing, shipping, taxes or duties, platform fees, payment fees, packaging, and other order-level charges.

The time from order placement until an item is ready to ship. In POD, lead time can include file processing, production, curing, assembly, and quality checks. It varies by product, print method, order volume, and production location.

The amount or percentage added to product cost to establish a selling price. Markup is calculated from cost, while profit margin is calculated from revenue, so the two percentages are not interchangeable.

A photorealistic preview of how a design will look on a finished product. Used for product listings, marketing, and client approval. Generated digitally using product photos with smart object layers or AI mockup generators.

A tool that creates product previews by placing a design onto a garment or product image. Sellers use mockups to prepare listing images, compare placements, and show customers a visual representation before production.

The smallest number of units a supplier will accept or produce in one order. Many print-on-demand products can be ordered one at a time, while some decoration methods, custom materials, or bulk programs may require a higher MOQ.

A defined segment of a broader market with a particular audience, interest, identity, profession, activity, or product need. POD stores often use niches to guide product selection, design themes, keywords, and marketing messages.

The end-to-end workflow used to complete a customer order. For made-to-order products, it includes receiving the order, matching artwork and variants, production, inspection, packing, shipping, and sharing tracking information.

The process of assigning an order to a production facility or print provider. Routing rules may consider product availability, decoration method, destination, capacity, cost, and service requirements.

Automatic transfer of customer orders from your ecommerce platform (Shopify, Etsy, etc.) to the POD supplier's production system. Eliminates manual order entry. Includes order details, design files, shipping address, and product variants.

Pantone Matching System — a standardized color identification system used worldwide. Pantone codes (e.g., PMS 485 C = red) ensure consistent color reproduction across different print providers and techniques. Essential for brand color accuracy.

A raster image format commonly used for POD artwork because it supports transparent backgrounds and lossless compression. A PNG still has fixed pixel dimensions, so it must be large enough for the intended print size.

A measure of how many image pixels are used per inch at the intended output size. In artwork preparation, PPI helps determine whether a raster image contains enough detail for a sharp print. It is often casually called DPI, although the terms describe different things.

A liquid solution applied to dark garments before DTG printing. The pre-treatment creates a base layer that allows white ink to bond properly with the fabric. Required for DTG on dark fabrics. Not needed for DTF printing.

The defined region of a product that can receive printing, embroidery, or another decoration. Print area varies by product, size, technique, equipment, seams, and placement; artwork outside it may be cropped or rejected.

A business model where products are only manufactured after a customer places an order. The seller never holds inventory. The POD supplier handles production, quality control, packaging, and shipping directly to the end customer.

A company or facility responsible for producing custom products. A print provider may supply blanks, operate printing or embroidery equipment, inspect finished items, pack orders, and hand shipments to carriers.

An artwork file that meets the technical requirements for a specific product and decoration method. Requirements can include file type, pixel dimensions, resolution, color settings, transparency, bleed, safe zones, and maximum print area.

Similar to white label, but the seller has more control over product specifications, materials, and design. Private label products are often exclusive to the seller. In POD, this typically means custom fabric, garment construction, and branding.

A specific purchasable version of a product, usually defined by attributes such as size, color, material, style, or finish. Each variant can have its own SKU, cost, availability, weight, and artwork requirements.

The percentage of revenue remaining after subtracting the costs included in the calculation. POD sellers should state whether they mean gross margin or net margin and account for production, shipping, fees, refunds, discounts, and advertising as applicable.

The systematic process of checking a product against defined requirements before it ships. A POD quality check may review print placement, color, visible defects, garment construction, product variants, and packaging.

A digital image built from pixels, such as a PNG or JPEG. Raster artwork can reproduce detailed shading and texture, but enlarging it beyond its available pixel dimensions can make the printed result look soft or pixelated.

The level of detail in an image, commonly described by its pixel dimensions and effective PPI at print size. A file can have a high pixel count but still be unsuitable if it is enlarged too far or contains low-quality source artwork.

The listed selling price charged to the customer. A POD seller typically sets retail price after considering product cost, shipping strategy, fees, taxes, discounts, target margin, market position, and perceived value.

RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is the color mode for screens/digital. CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) is the color mode for printing. Submit files in RGB — POD printers auto-convert to their ink system. Some vivid RGB colors cannot be reproduced in CMYK (gamut limitation).

Raster Image Processor — software that converts digital designs into print-ready instructions for DTG, DTF, or sublimation printers. Handles color management, ink channel separation, and print optimization.

The inner area of a design where all critical elements (text, logos) should be placed to avoid being cut off or distorted at seams/edges. Typically 0.5-0.75" from the trim/seam line.

A platform or route through which a seller reaches customers and accepts orders. Examples include a direct-to-consumer website, an ecommerce platform, an online marketplace, social commerce, wholesale, or in-person sales.

A traditional printing method where ink is pushed through a mesh stencil onto the garment. Each color usually requires a separate screen, so the method is commonly chosen for larger runs with a limited number of colors.

The amount charged to ship an order. Rates can vary by destination, service level, package size or weight, number of items, carrier, production origin, and surcharges. The customer-facing rate may differ from the provider’s shipping cost.

A unique internal identifier assigned to a product or variant. SKUs help connect a storefront item with the correct size, color, blank product, artwork, and fulfillment settings, even when products are made only after purchase.

A formal agreement that defines measurable service expectations, such as response times, production targets, shipping handoff, issue handling, or remedies when the agreed standard is not met.

A color printed from its own separation rather than simulated from process-color dots. Spot colors are common in screen printing and can use a standardized reference when close brand-color matching is important.

The total number of stitches in a digitized embroidery file. Stitch count is influenced by design size, detail, fill areas, underlay, density, and lettering, and can affect production time, fabric stability, and cost.

A code assigned by a shipping carrier after a parcel is accepted or a label is created. POD platforms can pass the tracking number and carrier information back to the connected store so the seller and customer can follow delivery progress.

The property that allows parts of an artwork file to remain clear so the product color or surface shows through. Transparent PNG files are often used for isolated print designs, while an unintended background can print as a visible rectangle.

The elapsed time needed to complete a specified process, such as printing and packing an order. It should be distinguished from shipping transit time and from the full customer delivery estimate.

A digital print method that uses ultraviolet light to cure ink rapidly onto a product surface. It is used for suitable hard goods and promotional items, with compatibility depending on the material, coating, shape, and printer setup.

A graphic made from paths, curves, shapes, and points that can scale without pixelation. Common vector formats include SVG, AI, EPS, and some PDFs. Production software may still rasterize vectors for certain digital printing workflows.

How well a decorated product maintains its color, adhesion, shape, and detail after repeated washing. Durability depends on the print method, fabric, curing, artwork coverage, detergent, wash temperature, and care routine.

A message sent automatically when a defined event occurs, such as an order being accepted, shipped, canceled, or updated. Webhooks help ecommerce and POD systems stay synchronized without repeatedly checking for changes.

A business arrangement where a product or service made by one company is sold under another company's brand. In POD, available white-label options may include unbranded fulfillment, branded labels, packing slips, packaging, or inserts.

A layer of white ink printed beneath the colored inks on dark fabrics. Prevents the garment color from showing through and ensures color vibrancy. Required for DTG on dark garments. In DTF, the white layer is built into the transfer film.

Ordering custom-printed products in larger quantities for resale, events, teams, or distribution. It combines product customization with volume-based production and pricing.

A machine-readable XML file that sends product information to another platform. A product feed can include titles, descriptions, prices, availability, image URLs, variants, and identifiers for marketplaces, shopping ads, or catalog tools.

A measurement used to describe yarn thickness or fineness. Different direct and indirect numbering systems are used across textile production, so a larger number does not always mean a thicker yarn. Yarn count influences fabric weight, texture, drape, and print surface.

A selling model designed to avoid holding finished-goods inventory before purchase. In POD, a product is produced after an order is received, though the production partner may still keep blank materials and components in stock.