INTRODUCTION
You’ve got a design or photo ready to go on a mug.
But here’s the twist most people miss:
👉 If your image is too small or low resolution, it will look blurry or pixelated when printed.
Even if you use high-quality mugs and sublimation, the wrong image size can ruin the final product.
So, what size should your image be for a mug? Let’s break it down.
Standard Image Sizes for Mugs
Most custom mugs use sublimation printing or heat transfer. The standard printable area depends on the mug size:
| Mug Size | Printable Area (WxH) | Resolution | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 oz mug | 9 cm x 20 cm (approx 3.5” x 7.8”) | 300 DPI | Full-wrap designs |
| 15 oz mug | 10 cm x 22 cm (approx 3.9” x 8.7”) | 300 DPI | Larger print area |
| Travel mug | 9 cm x 19 cm (approx 3.5” x 7.5”) | 300 DPI | Adjust for curved surface |
💡 Tip: Always use 300 DPI (dots per inch) for crisp prints. Lower DPI = blurry results.
How to Prepare Your Image
- Set correct dimensions
Use Photoshop, Canva, or Illustrator to size your canvas to the printable area. - High resolution
Minimum 300 DPI ensures sharp print.
Example: For 9 cm x 20 cm (11 oz mug) → 1063 x 2362 pixels. - Colour mode
Use CMYK if printing professionally, but sublimation printers often prefer RGB. - Margins & bleed
Leave 2–3 mm margin to avoid clipping the edges.
Full-wrap designs should extend slightly beyond edges to avoid gaps. - Check for text readability
Small text can become unreadable if resolution is too low or font size too small.
Image Size by Printing Type
| Printing Method | Recommended Image Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sublimation | PNG or JPEG, 300 DPI | Supports full colour and photos |
| Screen Printing | Vector (AI, EPS, PDF) | Works best for single/multi-colour logos |
| Pad Printing | Vector or high-contrast raster | Small logos, minimal colour |
| Laser Etching | Vector line art | Monochrome only |
Most businesses use PNG or JPEG at 300 DPI for sublimation, which gives crisp, vibrant prints.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using low-resolution images (<150 DPI) → Blurry, pixelated prints
❌ Not sizing for full-wrap mugs → Cut-off design edges
❌ Ignoring curved surface → Distorted prints
❌ Using RGB images without checking printer specs → Colour mismatch
❌ Overcomplicating small designs → Loss of detail
Quick Tip for DIY Designers
- For 11 oz mugs, set canvas to 1063 x 2362 pixels, 300 DPI
- For 15 oz mugs, set canvas to 1181 x 2598 pixels, 300 DPI
This ensures your images print vividly and clearly without pixelation.
Before vs After Correct Sizing
Before:
- Blurry photo
- Cropped edges
- Hard-to-read text
After:
- Crisp, professional-quality print
- Full-wrap designs align perfectly
- Clear, vibrant colours
Even small mistakes in sizing can make your mugs look amateurish don’t risk it.
Final Thoughts + CTA
The right image size is critical for custom mugs.
Always check:
✔ Canvas matches mug’s printable area
✔ Resolution is 300 DPI or higher
✔ Margins and bleed included
✔ Colours match printing method
👉 Ready to create high-quality, perfectly sized custom mugs? Contact Social Media Max today.
Don’t wait your competitors won’t.