How to Prepare Artwork for DTF Printing

Md Abdur Rahman

Designing for DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing is an exciting process that lets you turn your creative ideas into vibrant, long-lasting prints on shirts, hoodies, totes, and more. But to get those perfect results, your artwork needs to be prepared correctly before upload.
At DTF 2 Print, we make it easy to submit your designs through our Artwork Upload Guidelines page — but this guide will help you understand exactly how to prepare your files for flawless printing.

1. Choose the Right File Type

The most reliable file formats for DTF transfers are:

  • ✅ PNG (Transparent Background) — ideal for finished designs with no background.

  • ✅ TIFF or PSD (Layered Files) — perfect if you’re sending high-resolution editable designs.

  • ✅ PDF (Vector or Flattened Artwork) — good for text-based graphics.

Avoid low-quality formats like JPG or screenshots — they compress your design and reduce print clarity.

Pro Tip: All artwork should be saved at 300 DPI resolution to maintain color sharpness on fabric.

2. Use the Correct Color Mode (RGB vs CMYK)

DTF 2 Print uses CMYK color output for professional film printing.
If your design is created in RGB, convert it to CMYK before saving. This ensures color accuracy between your digital design and the printed result.

In Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator:

  • Go to Image → Mode → CMYK Color (Photoshop)

  • Or File → Document Color Mode → CMYK Color (Illustrator)

3. Design at Actual Print Size

Before uploading, set your canvas to match the exact print dimensions you’ll order.
If you’re building a custom sheet through our Build a Gang Sheet tool, make sure the artwork fits within your chosen size — whether that’s 22 × 24″ or 22 × 120″.

Always keep 0.25″ margin on each side for safe trimming.

4. Ensure Transparent Backgrounds

When preparing a PNG file, remove all unwanted white or colored backgrounds.
A transparent background prevents unwanted borders and keeps your transfer clean when applied to the garment.

If you’re unsure how to remove a background, use Photoshop’s Remove Background tool or a transparent export option from Canva or Illustrator.

5. Use High-Contrast Colors

For DTF printing, contrast is key.
Designs that pop against the garment color will look more professional and vibrant.

If you plan to press onto dark fabrics, use light colors and avoid low-opacity overlays. Our prints are full-color and opaque, but visibility improves with strong contrast.

6. Convert Text to Outlines

Before uploading, convert all fonts into vector shapes (Outlines).
This prevents missing-font issues and ensures your typography looks exactly as intended.

In Illustrator:

  • Select your text → Type → Create Outlines

In Photoshop:

  • Right-click your text layer → Convert to Shape

7. Check Your Image Resolution

A low-resolution image will print blurry, no matter how advanced the printer.
For DTF, always use 300 DPI (dots per inch) or higher.

To verify:

  • In Photoshop: Image → Image Size → Resolution = 300 DPI

  • In Canva: Export → PDF Print → 300 DPI

If your file is under 150 DPI, upscale or recreate the artwork for best print quality.

8. Avoid Thin Lines and Small Details

While DTF printing captures sharp details, extremely thin lines may not transfer perfectly.
Keep lines thicker than 1 pt and avoid micro-text smaller than 10 pt font size for the best adhesion and readability.

9. Combine Multiple Designs into a Gang Sheet

If you’re printing multiple logos, team names, or graphics at once, combine them into a gang sheet layout.
Our Upload Your DTF Gang Sheet tool allows you to upload a pre-made sheet, saving both time and money.

You can also design directly online with our Build a Gang Sheet tool — just drag, drop, and resize your designs.

10. Verify Artwork Alignment & Bleed

Ensure your artwork is centered and aligned properly.
Add a small bleed area (0.125") if your design extends to the edges. This prevents unwanted white edges during trimming.

11. Double-Check White Ink Areas

DTF 2 Print automatically prints a white underbase layer beneath your colors.
However, if you have parts of the artwork that need transparency (like open spaces or cut-outs), make sure they’re transparent in your design file.

Don’t use solid white unless it’s meant to appear on the shirt.

12. Save with Correct Naming and Layers

When uploading files, name them clearly:


BrandName_DesignName_Size.png

Example:


DTF2Print_Logo_11x12.png

This helps our team process your orders faster and reduces confusion when ordering multiple files.

13. Follow DTF 2 Print’s Upload Guidelines

Before final upload, review our official Artwork Upload Guidelines page.
It includes technical specs, accepted formats, and tips for achieving the best transfer quality.

14. Run a Quick Proof Check

Before submitting, zoom in to 100–200% to verify:

  • No blurry pixels or stray marks

  • Clean edges and no background box

  • All design elements aligned properly

Once ready, upload it directly through our Artwork Upload Page and place your order.

15. Let DTF 2 Print Handle the Rest

Once your artwork is approved, our production team prints using premium film, ink, and powder, then cures each sheet for crisp, ready-to-press transfers.
You can select your preferred size from DTF Transfer by Size for smaller runs, or build a full-size gang sheet for bulk orders.

We guarantee vibrant colors, fast turnaround, and free shipping on orders $100+.
If you’re local to Lewisville, TX, enjoy convenient in-store pickup too!

Final Thoughts

Preparing your artwork properly saves time, reduces print errors, and ensures every color, line, and detail comes out perfect.
Whether you’re an apparel brand, print reseller, or creative designer — following these DTF 2 Print guidelines guarantees a professional result every time.

Upload your design today and see why DTF 2 Print is the most trusted DTF gang sheet printer in Texas!

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