DTF artwork
How to prepare DTF artwork
Files that are set up correctly print sharper, press cleaner and move through proofing faster. Here is exactly how we want your artwork before you upload it to a gang sheet order.
File setup
The requirements, in order of importance
Transparent PNG for raster art
PNG with a genuinely transparent background is the safest format. Anything left white in the file prints as white ink, so remove the background before exporting rather than relying on it looking white on screen.
300 DPI for raster files
PNG, JPG and TIFF files should be 300 DPI at the size you want printed. A 12 inch wide print at 300 DPI is about 3,600 pixels wide. Vector files (SVG, vector PDF) have no DPI and scale cleanly at any size.
Saved at exact print size
Set the document to the finished dimensions — a 3 inch pocket logo should be a 3 inch file. We print artwork at the size submitted, so scaling up a small file in our software would only soften it.
0.25" spacing between designs
If you are nesting your own sheet, leave about a quarter inch of clear space between pieces so they trim apart, and stay slightly inside the 23 inch width.
No mirroring
Send artwork reading the correct way around. DTF transfers press face up, so mirrored files come out reversed.
16MB maximum per upload
Flatten layers and export a single PNG or PDF at final size if your file is larger. Hidden layers and embedded originals are usually what push files over the limit.
Accepted formats
What you can upload
Upload directly on the gang sheet order page. Files are stored privately and are only accessible to our production team.
- PNG — preferred for raster artwork with transparency
- PDF — good for print-ready layouts and vector art
- SVG — vector, scales to any size without resolution loss
- JPG — accepted, but has no transparency; background must already be correct
- TIFF — accepted at 300 DPI, watch the 16MB limit
- One file per upload, 16MB maximum each
Checklist
Pre-upload checklist
- Background is truly transparent, not white
- Raster art is 300 DPI at final print size
- Document size matches the size you want pressed
- Text is spelled correctly and reads the right way around (not mirrored)
- Thin strokes and small text are heavy enough to survive trimming and pressing
- At least 0.25" of clear space between nested designs
- File is under 16MB and flattened if needed
- You know the sheet length you need — check the size guide if not
Not sure which sheet to buy? See the DTF gang sheet size guide. Already ordered? Review the pressing instructions before your first press.
Layout help
Do not want to lay it out yourself?
Send loose files and add the optional layout and nesting design service at checkout for $25.00 flat per order. We will arrange your designs on the sheet at the sizes you specify and handle straightforward background removal. Tell us the exact print dimensions you want for each design so the layout comes back right the first time. The production proof itself is included free on every order, laid out by you or by us — nothing prints until you approve it.
Order DTF gang sheets
Upload artwork and pay online.
DTF transfers in Aurora, CO
Free pickup at the Aurora shop.
DTF transfers in Denver
Denver metro delivery and wholesale.
Bulk custom t-shirts
100+ pieces printed and pressed for you.
We can also print your art on custom t-shirts or custom hoodies so you never touch a heat press.
Order
Get your transfers printed
Ready to order?
Files ready? Pick a sheet length, upload your art and approve the free production proof before we print.
Ordering from outside Colorado? See how nationwide DTF shipping works.
Questions
DTF artwork FAQ
+ What file format should I send for DTF printing?
A transparent PNG is the best choice for raster artwork. We also accept PDF, SVG, JPG and TIFF. JPG cannot hold transparency, so anything with a background you want removed should be a PNG, PDF or SVG.
+ What resolution does DTF artwork need?
Raster artwork such as PNG, JPG or TIFF should be 300 DPI at the exact size you want it printed. Vector files such as SVG and vector PDF have no DPI — they scale cleanly at any size, so DPI does not apply to them.
+ Do I need to mirror or flip my artwork?
No. Do not mirror your files. DTF transfers are printed and pressed face up, so we print your artwork exactly as you submit it. Mirroring will result in reversed text.
+ What is the maximum file size I can upload?
Uploads are limited to 16MB per file. If your file is larger, flatten it, export it as a PNG at 300 DPI at final print size, or send us a link and we will pull it down.
+ Can you remove the background from my image?
Simple background removal and gang sheet layout can be handled for you — that is an optional design service, $25.00 flat per order at checkout, and it is separate from the free production proof every order gets. Complex cutouts such as hair or fine detail may need to be quoted; call us first if you are not sure.
+ Will I see a proof before you print?
Yes. We send a production proof showing sizes and placement on the sheet, and nothing goes to the printer until you approve it. Check dimensions and spelling carefully on the proof — we print approved files as submitted.
+ How should I space designs on a gang sheet?
Leave about 0.25 inch of clear space between pieces so they can be trimmed apart, and keep artwork slightly inside the 23 inch sheet width rather than running to the edge.
Files ready? Build your sheet.
Upload your artwork, pick a sheet length and approve the production proof before we print.