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Design Guidelines

Getting the best print starts with a great file. Follow these guidelines and your transfers will come out crisp, vibrant, and exactly as intended — every time.

File Formats

.AI (Preferred)
.PDF Vector (Preferred)
.PNG 300+ DPI (Accepted)
.JPG 300+ DPI (Accepted)
Screenshots
Low-Res Web Images

Vector files (.AI, .PDF) are always preferred because they scale to any size without quality loss. Raster files (.PNG, .JPG) are accepted at 300 DPI or higher at the intended print size.

Color Mode

Submit all files in RGB color mode. DTF printing reproduces color digitally, and RGB gives us the full color gamut our printers are calibrated to. CMYK files may result in slightly shifted colors.

We print in full color with no color limitations — unlimited colors at no extra charge, including gradients, photographic images, and complex multi-color artwork.

Resolution

Minimum 300 DPI at the intended print size. For best results, supply files at 300–600 DPI. Files at 150 DPI are the absolute minimum we will work with — we will alert you if your resolution is too low before printing.

A quick way to check: open your file in Photoshop, go to Image → Image Size, and verify the resolution at the intended dimensions. Do not simply increase DPI in software — this does not add detail.

Background & Transparency

Use transparent backgrounds for PNG files. DTF printing does not automatically remove white backgrounds — any white pixels in your file will print as white ink on the garment. This is intentional for designs that include white elements, but unintentional white bounding boxes will show as a white rectangle on the shirt.

If your design has a white background that should not print, export from Photoshop or Illustrator with a transparent background (PNG format) before uploading.

Bleed & Safe Zone

Keep all important design elements at least 0.25" from the edge of the transfer boundary. Elements placed too close to the edge risk being cut off during trimming or appearing ragged after application. Text, logos, and critical details should have adequate clearance on all sides.

Sizing Guide by Placement

Use these standard sizes as a starting point. Custom sizes are always available — just specify your dimensions at checkout.

PlacementAdult SizeYouth Size
Left Chest3.5" × 3.5"2.5" × 2.5"
Full Front10"–12" wide7"–9" wide
Full Back10"–14" wide8"–10" wide
Sleeve3"–4" tall2"–3" tall
Hood Back5"–8" wide4"–6" wide

Gang Sheet Tips

Gang sheets let you pack multiple designs onto a single sheet to maximize value. Here's how to get the most out of yours:

0.25" SpacingLeave at least a quarter-inch gap between every design to allow for clean cutting and prevent bleed between prints.
Pack TightlyArrange designs as close together as the 0.25" gap allows. Wasted white space is wasted money — nest designs intelligently.
Group by QuantityPlace designs of the same quantity together on the sheet so you never cut more than you need of any single design.

White Ink & Underbase

We automatically add a white underbase to every transfer — you do not need to include white ink in your artwork file. The underbase ensures colors appear vivid and accurate on dark garments. It also protects the design from the fabric color bleeding through.

If your design intentionally uses white as a design element (white text, white shapes), simply include those elements in your file as white and they will print correctly.

Before You Upload — Checklist

Run through this list every time to avoid delays or reprints.

  • File is in .AI, .PDF, .PNG, or .JPG format with no embedded low-res images
  • Color mode is set to RGB (not CMYK)
  • Resolution is 300 DPI or higher at intended print dimensions
  • Background is transparent (for PNG files without intentional white backgrounds)
  • All important design elements are at least 0.25" from the transfer edge

Ready to upload your design?

No minimums. Full-color DTF transfers shipped in 1–3 business days.

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