How to Design Class T-Shirts Online

T-shirts are created for all sorts of occasions today: for homecoming, for graduation, for major events within a school year, or to unify a team, a club, group or class. T-shirts can also serve as a memory or artifact left over from an event or occasion: a closet piece that reminds us of the good times we've had. It may be for a competition, graduation barbecue, a class trip, or for identification purposes for a certain group. Designing a t-shirt is a fairly simple process itself that shouldn't take up a lot of time. Plus, designing a t-shirt online removes the trouble and cost of going to the t-shirt shop.

Things You'll Need

• ideas for the t-shirt

Instructions

1. If you haven't already, spend some time brainstorming ideas for the t-shirt. What colors may look good, what should it say, what graphics or pictures should it feature, if any. Once you have this knowledge, you can begin the online designing process.
   There are several t-shirt designing websites online. Some of them give you more freedom to design than others. Once you've found your favorite site, log on and click "design online."

2. Select the type of shirt. Is it for girls or boys only? Or is it for both girls and boys? If it's for both, choose a uni-sex t-shirt variety. Also, decide whether you want short sleeves, long sleeves or a hoodie. Next, select the color. This may be listed under "swap item."

3. Type in the text you want on the t-shirt. Then, hit "enter" or click "next." Once written, you can play with the size, shape and font of the text and you can move it around on the shirt. Don't forget to add any names that need to be on the shirt.

4. Add pictures or graphics. Most websites will have clip art available. You may be able to find a pictorial version of your school's mascot, for example. If the website doesn't have what you want or if you've already designed something on your computer, upload it.
   To upload: click on the link "upload your own picture" or "upload graphics." A menu may pop up asking you what type of file it is: go with the source you last saved the picture with or with the program you created the image with. A box will pop up with a list of your computer documents. Click on the file you want then click "open." The box should close and and your file will be listed on the website's upload menu. Click the "upload" button to have it appear on your t-shirt. Place the picture where you would like it on the t-shirt. You can re-size the picture either by clicking on the bottom corner of the picture and moving it, or with a menu to the side detailing the height and width of the photo or graphic.

5. At this point, you can either save the design by clicking "save/send" or "e-mail to a friend." If you need to get it approved or bring it to a meeting, this is the route to go. You can even make edits to the design later if needed.
   Once the design is finished and ready to purchase, click "add to cart." You will need to list how many shirts of each size you need. You can also use the "add to cart" option if you only need a quote for how much each shirt will be individually and as a group. If you only need a quote, however, cancel out of the payment process before giving your payment information. Print out the order form if you'll need to show it to anyone.

Tips & Warnings

• If you use simple graphics, try over-lapping them for a different effect. The shirt will be more expensive or less expensive depending on the number of colors on the shirt's front and back, and the amount of images on the shirt. E-mail it to yourself if you would like to have your own copy of the shirt. Or some websites will make a link to the t-shirt that can be posted online (for example, on Facebook, or in a Facebook message).