Best File Types for DTF Transfers

Md Abdur Rahman

When preparing your artwork for DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing, the file type you choose directly impacts print clarity, color accuracy, and overall transfer quality. Whether you’re designing a logo, a full-size graphic, or a gang sheet, understanding which formats perform best ensures your artwork prints clean, crisp, and ready-to-press.

At DTF 2 Print, we accept a variety of professional file types—but some consistently deliver better results. Let’s look at the top formats that guarantee perfect prints every time.

1. PNG — The Most Reliable File Format

The PNG (Portable Network Graphics) format is the most popular and dependable option for DTF transfers. It supports transparent backgrounds, meaning your design won’t have unwanted boxes or color blocks when pressed onto garments.

Why PNG Is Ideal for DTF Printing:

  • Maintains high-resolution quality with no compression loss.

  • Supports transparent backgrounds for clean edges.

  • Works perfectly with both light and dark fabrics.

  • Compatible with all major design tools like Canva, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

Recommended Settings:

  • Resolution: 300 DPI

  • Color Mode: CMYK

  • Transparent background

💡 Upload your PNG files directly through our Artwork Upload Page or include them in a custom gang sheet to save time and cost.

2. TIFF — For Professional Print Projects

TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) is another excellent choice for DTF, especially for complex or large-format designs. TIFFs are uncompressed, which means they retain every color and detail.

Benefits of Using TIFF Files:

  • Perfect for high-detail artwork and gradients.

  • Retains original color information — ideal for photographic designs.

  • No image quality loss during saving or resizing.

Best Use Case:
If you’re ordering large gang sheets or need perfect color consistency for premium apparel, TIFF delivers professional-grade precision.

3. PDF — Best for Vector Designs and Text-Based Artwork

The PDF format is a universal file type that preserves vector paths, fonts, and color information across systems. It’s particularly effective for logos, text, and simple vector illustrations.

Why PDFs Work Well for DTF:

  • Ensures fonts and lines remain sharp.

  • Keeps vector shapes editable.

  • Compatible with Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and Affinity Designer.

Tip:
Before exporting your PDF, convert all text to outlines and flatten transparency layers to avoid missing fonts or errors during print setup.

4. PSD — Perfect for Multi-Layered Artwork

If you’re designing in Adobe Photoshop, saving your project as a PSD file is smart when submitting editable artwork. PSDs retain layers, masks, and blending modes, giving the production team flexibility to adjust print layers or backgrounds if necessary.

Ideal When:

  • You want our team to make final adjustments or size modifications.

  • You’re combining multiple design layers (e.g., shadows, glow effects, textures).

⚙️ Remember to also send a flattened PNG copy for faster print processing through DTF 2 Print’s artwork uploader.

5. AI & SVG — Vector Formats for Precision Scaling

If you’re a graphic designer working in Adobe Illustrator (AI) or using scalable vector graphics (SVG), these formats ensure your artwork can be resized infinitely without pixelation.

Benefits of Vector Files for DTF:

  • Clean, smooth edges — perfect for logos and icons.

  • Lightweight file size with no resolution limits.

  • Easy to edit and adjust before printing.

When exporting, make sure to expand all text to outlines and convert gradients to shapes so the colors remain consistent in CMYK printing.

6. Avoid Low-Quality File Types

While some file formats may seem convenient, they often degrade print quality. Avoid:

  • ❌ JPG/JPEG: Lossy compression reduces sharpness and color accuracy.

  • ❌ GIF: Limited to 256 colors — not suitable for full-color transfers.

  • ❌ BMP: Large file sizes, no transparency, outdated format.

Uploading these formats could lead to blurred lines, muted colors, or background artifacts in your final transfer.

7. Resolution and Size Recommendations

No matter which format you use, always design at actual print size (1:1 ratio) with 300 DPI or higher.

Design Type Recommended File Type Resolution
Logo / Text PDF or AI 300 DPI (min)
Full-Color Design PNG or TIFF 300 DPI (min)
Multi-Layer Artwork PSD 300 DPI (min)

For example, if you’re creating a 22 × 24″ gang sheet, your file should be sized exactly 22 × 24 inches in your design software.

8. File Naming for Easier Processing

A clean file name helps our team print faster:


BrandName_DesignName_Size.png Example: DTF2Print_Logo_22x24.png

Avoid spaces, emojis, or special characters in filenames.

9. Upload Checklist Before Submitting

Before you upload your artwork to DTF 2 Print, make sure to:
✅ Remove all background layers.
✅ Flatten your design (for PNG/TIFF).
✅ Convert fonts to outlines.
✅ Double-check resolution and dimensions.
✅ Save in CMYK color mode.
✅ Compress ZIP folder only if uploading multiple designs.

Upload confidently through:

10. Ready to Print?

Once your artwork is uploaded, our production team reviews your file to ensure it’s ready for flawless DTF output. We print using premium film, vivid inks, and industry-leading curing processes, ensuring every color stays bold after multiple washes.

Take advantage of:

  • 🚚 Free Shipping on Orders Over $100

  • 🕒 Fast 24-48 Hour Turnaround

  • 📍 Local Pickup in Lewisville, TX

Explore more details on our DTF Pressing Instructions and FAQ pages for heat settings and garment prep tips.

Final Thoughts

The file type you choose determines how your final product looks and lasts. For most users, PNG offers the perfect balance of quality and simplicity. For advanced designers, TIFF and PDF/AI give maximum color control and scalability.

No matter which format you use, DTF 2 Print ensures your artwork prints with precision and brilliance every time. Upload your design today and experience professional-grade DTF printing built around your creativity.

Back to blog