Artwork

Artwork Do's & Don'ts

Great prints start with great files. Follow these guidelines to get the sharpest, most vibrant transfers and avoid production delays.

Quick File Specs

  • Format: PNG with a transparent background
  • Resolution: 300 DPI at the actual print size
  • Sizing: Build your artwork to final dimensions before uploading
  • Color: CMYK color mode 

✓ Do This

  • Upload PNG files with a transparent background so only your design prints.
  • Use 300 DPI at full print size for crisp, clean edges.
  • Size your artwork to the exact dimensions you want it printed before uploading.
  • Use bold, solid shapes and high-contrast colors—DTF reproduces them beautifully.
  • Keep text and fine lines thick enough to hold up (we recommend 4pt+ text and ~1.5pt minimum line weight).
  • Add a thin outline or stroke around small details for extra definition if needed.
  • Fully remove the background—make sure no stray pixels or boxes are left behind.
  • Start from vector or high-resolution source art whenever possible.

✗ Avoid This

  • Don't pull low-res images from Google or social media—screenshots are usually 72 DPI and print blurry.
  • Don't send JPEGs with a white or colored background expecting it to disappear—it won't.
  • Don't rely on soft drop shadows, glows, or gradients that fade to transparent—these can print with a rough, dotted edge.
  • Don't include tiny text or hairline details that are too thin to reproduce.
  • Don't enlarge a small, low-res image to fill a large sheet—it will pixelate.
  • Don't leave artwork in low resolution and assume we'll "clean it up."
  • Don't expect exact color matching to your screen—monitors and prints vary slightly.
  • Don't submit flattened files with backgrounds baked in when you need them removed.

Good File vs. Bad File

A few quick examples of what prints clean—and what causes problems.

1. Use a Transparent Background

✓ Transparent PNG

Only your design prints.

✗ White / Solid Background

The whole white box prints too.

2. Use High Resolution (300 DPI)

✓ High-Res

Crisp, clean edges.

✗ Low-Res

Blurry, soft edges.

3. Keep Edges Solid

✓ Solid Edges

Prints sharp and full.

✗ Soft Fades / Glows

Fades break up into a dotted edge.

Why We Don't Recommend Fades to Transparent

DTF prints a layer of white ink under your design so colors show on dark fabric. That white prints under any pixel that isn't fully transparent—so a gradient fading out still gets white beneath it, creating a hazy "white cloud" on dark shirts.

On Your Screen

The soft glow looks great on a monitor.

✗ Printed on a Black Shirt

White underbase shows through as a cloudy haze.

Recommended: use solid shapes and hard edges. Avoid gradients, glows, and drop shadows that fade to transparent.

Not sure if your file is print-ready? Send it over and we'll take a look before we print.

Pressing instructions