Artwork Help
Get print-ready fast. Follow these specs to avoid delays and get the cleanest press.
Must be at final physical size.
Save with a transparent background.
Upload normally. We handle the mirroring.
Overview
What does "print-ready" mean? A print-ready file is artwork that requires absolutely zero editing on our end. It is already sized to your desired dimensions, saved at a crisp 300 DPI, and exported with a completely transparent background. Submitting print-ready files ensures your order skips manual review and prints immediately.
File Types
- PNG (Recommended): The absolute best and most universal format for DTF, provided it is exported with transparency.
- Vector Files (AI, EPS, SVG): Excellent for scaling without losing quality, if our uploader accepts them. Always outline your fonts.
- Avoid Screenshots: Never upload a screenshot from your phone. They are low resolution and will look blurry and pixelated when printed.
- Avoid JPGs: JPG files do not support transparent backgrounds, which means the white box behind your image will print.
Resolution & Sizing
Your artwork must be created at 300 DPI (Dots Per Inch) at the exact physical size you want it printed. Taking a 2-inch low-resolution image and forcing it to be 11 inches wide at 300 DPI will just create a large, blurry image. Build it at the correct size from the start.
Common Sizing Guide
- Left Chest: 3.5" to 4" wide
- Full Front / Back: 10" to 11" wide
- Youth Sizes: 8" to 9" wide
- Sleeve Prints: 2.5" to 3.5" wide
Transparency & Backgrounds
DTF printers lay down a layer of white ink behind every pixel in your design to ensure colors pop on dark garments.
- Transparent Background Preferred: Remove any background color you do not want printed.
- If you see a white box, it will print: If you upload a design with a solid white background block, a solid white square will be printed and pressed onto your shirt.
- Avoid Halos: Ensure your edges are clean. If you poorly cut out an image using a magic wand tool, any remaining semi-transparent pixels will get a solid white underbase, creating an ugly white "halo" around your art.
Color & Detail Tips
- Tiny text & hairline strokes: Keep details bold. While our printers capture extreme detail, ultra-thin lines lack surface area for the adhesive powder to bond to, making them prone to washing off.
- Contrast for dark shirts: If your design has dark edges, add a subtle lighter outline so it doesn't get lost on a black shirt.
- Gradients and photos: These print beautifully! Just ensure the source file is very high resolution.
Common Mistakes
- Mirroring the artwork: We do this automatically. If you mirror it, it will print backward.
- Low-resolution files: Results in jagged, blurry edges.
- Wrong background: Uploading a JPG or a PNG that still has a white/black box behind the design.
- Details too small: Text or lines thinner than 0.5mm.
- Compressed artifacts: Highly compressed images leave messy pixels around the edges that ruin the transfer.
Upload Checklist
Check off these items before you hit submit to ensure a perfect print:
- ✔ Canvas is sized to the exact physical print dimensions needed.
- ✔ Resolution is set to 300 DPI.
- ✔ Background is completely transparent.
- ✔ Artwork is in standard orientation (not mirrored).
- ✔ Spelling and grammar have been triple-checked.
- ✔ No accidental extra elements or hidden layers left in the background.
- ✔ Edges are crisp without fuzzy or semi-transparent artifacts.
- ✔ File is named clearly for your own reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to mirror my artwork?
No. Please upload your artwork in its normal orientation. Our RIP software automatically mirrors all files during the printing process.
What file type is best?
A high-resolution PNG with a transparent background is the best and most reliable format. Vector formats (like outlined SVG or AI files) are also excellent.
What does 300 DPI 'at size' mean?
It means if you want a 10-inch wide print, your canvas must be 10 inches wide, and the resolution must be 300 dots per inch. Do not create a 2-inch design at 72 DPI and try to export it at 10 inches/300 DPI—it will look blurry.
Can you fix my low-resolution image?
We process orders extremely fast and print files as they are submitted. We do not provide graphic design or image upscaling services. Please ensure your art is print-ready before ordering.
My PNG has a white box behind it — will that print?
Yes. If you see a white background in your file, the printer reads that as white ink. We print exactly what you provide, so ensure backgrounds are fully transparent.
How small can text be?
While the printer is very precise, lines thinner than 0.5mm struggle to hold enough adhesive powder to stick to the shirt through multiple wash cycles. Keep fine details bold.
Do gradients and photos work?
Absolutely. DTF prints in full CMYK color, so gradients, shadows, and high-fidelity photographs press beautifully.
Why does my design look blurry when enlarged?
Raster images (like PNGs and JPGs) are made of pixels. When you stretch them, the computer guesses how to fill in the missing data, creating a blurry or pixelated look. Always design at the final output size.
Can I combine multiple designs into one file?
Yes, this is called a gang sheet! Arrange as many designs as you'd like onto a single canvas file. Just be sure to leave about 0.5 inches of space between designs so you can easily cut them apart.
Still need help?
Send your order number and your file preview screenshot. We’ll tell you what to fix before you reorder.