DTF Image Requirements

DTF Artwork Upload Guidelines

Please follow these requirements to ensure your prints are crisp, vibrant, and durable.

1. File Prep - Format & Transparency

  • Format: PNG is the industry standard. (TIFF or PDF also work if they support transparent background).
  • Background: Must be 100% transparent. Remove all background colors unless they are part of the design. If you save your file with a white background, the printer will print a giant white square around your design.
  • No "Stray Pixels": Ensure there are no stray pixels. Stray pixels are not visible to the naked eye; however, the DTF printer does see them and will print them white. These are frequently caused from background removal sites. Pro Tip: in Photoshop do a red stroke effect of 10 pixels to make sure there aren't any stray pixels outside of the design area.
  • No Mirroring: Do not mirror your artwork. Our software handles the flipping process automatically.

2. Resolution & Scale

  • DPI: files must be 300 DPI at the actual print size. (anything lower will not print clearly)
  • Scale: Create your canvas at the physical size you want it printed (e.g., 10" x 12"). Scaling up a small image later will cause pixelation.

3. Color Profile

While our DTF software handles the conversion, starting in the right space helps with color accuracy.
  • Color Mode: CMYK preferred over RGB/sRGB. DTF prints are printed in CMYK color codes.  Designs created in RGB color codes will be converted to the closest color for printing.  Please be advised colors may vary from screen to screen. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure their artwork is color coded correctly for CMYK coloring. 
  • Neon/Metallics: Note that DTF cannot print "true" neon or reflective metallic colors.
  • Pro Tip: If you are printing on a black shirt, make sure your design doesn't have a thin black border around it. It might look fine on screen, but it can create a thick, rubbery feel on the garment.

4. Design Constraints

DTF is durable, but physics still applies to the adhesive powder. To ensure the adhesive powder sticks properly and your design survives the wash:
  • Line Thickness: Avoid lines thinner than 0.02 inches (approx. 2 points). If lines are too thin, there isn't enough surface area for the adhesive powder to grab onto, and they may peel off after one wash.
  • Fades/Glows: Avoid "smoke"effects, soft "feathered" edges and soft glows that fade into 0% opacity. These often print with a choppy "white base" or fuzz around the edges. It's often better to use halftones for a vintage look or ensure the fade is solid enough to hold ink.
  • Negative Space: Small "knockouts" (gaps in the design) should be at least 3 points wide to prevent them from filling in with ink/powder.

If your file is...
Result
Low Resolution (<300 DPI)
Your print will look blurry or pixelated.
Non-Transparent
The printer will print a white box around your art.
Too Thin (<2pt)
The design may peel or fail to stick to the garment.
A Screenshot
It will not print correctly. Please use original art files.

 

We print your files EXACTLY as we receive them. To maintain our fast turnaround times, our process is fully automated and We Do Not Edit Files - this means:
  • No Touch-ups: We do not fix pixelation or "fuzzy" edges.
  • No Background Removal: If your file has a white box, it will print with a white box.
  • No Resizing: Files are printed at the dimensions provided in the upload.
  • No Color Swapping: We do not adjust hex codes or color profiles.