Artwork Considerations

To achieve the best results with your DTF transfers, please keep these considerations in mind when preparing your artwork.

ACCEPTED FILE TYPES

We accept both raster and vector file formats. The recommended format is PNG with a transparent background. Vector files (SVG, AI, EPS) are also accepted and will be converted for printing.

Raster files: PNG (preferred), JPG, TIFF, BMP
Vector files: SVG, AI, EPS, PDF

PNG files with transparent backgrounds produce the best results. Avoid JPG files as they do not support transparency and may include unwanted white backgrounds.

Raster vs Vector file comparison

COLOR CONSIDERATIONS

Submit your artwork in RGB color mode. Our printing process uses CMYK inks, and the conversion from RGB to CMYK may cause slight color shifts. Extremely vibrant neon or fluorescent colors may appear muted after printing.

For the most accurate color reproduction, avoid using colors that fall outside the CMYK gamut. Pantone or spot colors will be converted to the closest CMYK equivalent.

CMYK color chart

REQUIRED LINE WIDTH

All lines and strokes must be at least 1 px (0.35 mm) thick. Lines thinner than this may not print clearly or may break apart during the transfer process.

For small text, use a minimum font size of 8 pt. Very thin or intricate fonts may lose detail at smaller sizes.

Line width comparison

IMAGE RESOLUTION / PIXEL COUNT

For best print quality, your artwork should be at least 300 DPI at the intended print size. Low-resolution images (72 DPI) will appear blurry or pixelated when printed.

If your design is meant to print at 10 cm wide, the image should be at least 1181 pixels wide (10 cm × 300 DPI / 2.54). Upscaling a low-resolution image will not improve its quality.

300 DPI vs 72 DPI resolution comparison

SHOW THROUGH / HAND FEEL

DTF transfers include a white under-base layer, which means designs will be vibrant on both light and dark fabrics. However, larger solid areas of print will have a slightly thicker hand feel on the garment.

To reduce the hand feel, consider using designs with less solid coverage. Distressed or textured designs will feel softer on the garment compared to large solid blocks of color.

Show through on dark and light fabric

AVOID SEMI-TRANSPARENT GRADIENTS

Semi-transparent areas in your design (opacity below 100%) may not print as expected. The white under-base layer can show through semi-transparent areas, causing unwanted color shifts.

Instead of using transparency to create lighter shades, use solid lighter colors. If a gradient effect is needed, transition between two solid colors rather than fading to transparent.

Semi-transparent gradient example

DISTRESSING

Distressed or vintage-style designs work very well with DTF transfers. The textured look reduces the hand feel and creates a softer print on the garment.

When creating distressed effects, ensure that the individual elements are still at least 1 px thick. Very fine distress details may not transfer cleanly. Use fully opaque distressing rather than semi-transparent overlays.

Distressed design example

COLOR MATCHING

Due to the nature of digital printing, exact color matching cannot be guaranteed. Colors may appear differently on screen compared to the final print due to monitor calibration, ink formulation, and substrate differences.

If precise color matching is critical, we recommend ordering a sample print before placing a large order. Slight variations between batches are normal in digital printing.

Color matching circles comparison

TRANSPARENT BACKGROUND

Always submit your artwork with a transparent background. PNG is the preferred format for this. A transparent background ensures that only your design is printed, without any unwanted white or colored rectangles around it.

You can verify your file has a transparent background by opening it in an image editor – the background should display a checkered pattern (indicating transparency) rather than a solid color.

Transparent background with checkered pattern

Note on color accuracy: Monitor settings, ambient lighting, and display technology all affect how colors appear on screen. The final printed colors may differ from what you see on your monitor. For critical color work, we recommend requesting a physical proof before committing to a large production run.