Preparing Customer Artwork for Bulk DTF Orders

Md Abdur Rahman

When fulfilling bulk DTF (Direct-to-Film) orders, the most important step is making sure customer artwork is properly prepared. Clean, consistent, print-ready files not only speed up production — they guarantee flawless, vibrant, high-quality transfers across every sheet and every garment.

At DTF 2 Print in Lewisville, TX, we work with clothing brands, resellers, print shops, event organizers, and designers who submit dozens or even hundreds of designs at once. This guide explains exactly how to prepare customer artwork for bulk DTF orders so every print comes out sharp, accurate, and ready to press.

1. Collect All Artwork in the Correct File Format

For bulk orders, consistency is everything. Make sure every design is submitted in supported formats so they can be processed quickly and correctly.

Best File Types for Bulk DTF:

  • PNG (with transparent background) – preferred

  • TIFF – best for large, detailed designs

  • PDF/AI – for vector artwork

  • PSD – layered files if edits may be required

Avoid:

❌ JPG/JPEG
❌ GIF
❌ Screenshots
❌ Files with background boxes

The cleaner the files, the faster production moves.

Learn more on our Artwork Upload Guidelines page.

2. Request High-Resolution Artwork from Customers

Low-resolution files cause delays, reprints, and poor print quality.
Always tell customers to submit artwork at:

  • 300 DPI minimum

  • Actual print size (not stretched or upscaled later)

  • CMYK color mode for accurate printing

If customers are unsure, provide a simple instruction:

“Send the file at the exact size you want it printed — 300 DPI, PNG, transparent background.”

3. Standardize Naming Conventions

Bulk orders require clean file management.
Ask customers to name their files clearly:


CustomerName_DesignName_Size.png BrandName_Logo_11x12.png CompanyName_SleevePrint_3in.png

Avoid:
❌ “final.png”
❌ “newdesign3.png”
❌ “IMG_4512.png”

Clean naming prevents confusion and speeds up bulk processing.

4. Ensure All Backgrounds Are Removed

Most bulk delays happen because designs arrive with white or colored backgrounds.
These backgrounds print as unwanted boxes unless removed.

Customer checklist:

  • Export as PNG with transparency

  • No white glow or faint residue

  • Clear, sharp edges

  • No hidden or leftover pixels

Transparent backgrounds = clean transfers and smoother bulk workflow.

5. Confirm Text Is Converted to Outlines

If a customer uses a font you don’t have installed, it may substitute or break.
Avoid costly errors by requiring all fonts to be converted to outlines.

How customers do it:

  • Illustrator: Type → Create Outlines

  • Photoshop: Right-click text → Convert to Shape

This ensures typography prints exactly as intended on every sheet.

6. Combine Multiple Designs into a Single Gang Sheet

Bulk orders print faster and more consistently when grouped into DTF gang sheets.

At DTF 2 Print, customers can:

Gang sheets save time by:

  • Reducing file uploads

  • Lowering cost per print

  • Speeding up the print queue

  • Ensuring consistent color across designs

For bulk clients, encourage them to fit as many designs as possible onto 22"-wide sheets.

7. Check Spacing and Cutting Margins

Designs must have proper spacing to prevent cutting errors during bulk production.

Recommended spacing:

  • 0.25-inch gap between designs

  • 0.25-inch margin along the borders

Crowded designs create cutting problems. Proper spacing ensures every transfer is clean and ready to press.

8. Standardize Print Sizes Before Upload

Bulk DTF transfers require uniform sizing.
Ask customers to send artwork already sized for specific placements:

  • Chest print: 4–5 inches wide

  • Full front print: 10–12 inches wide

  • Back print: 11–14 inches wide

  • Sleeve print: 2–3 inches wide

  • Hat logos: 3–4 inches wide

Uniform sizing = fewer revisions and faster bulk processing.

9. Use CMYK for Consistent Color Across Bulk Runs

To avoid color shifts between designs or sheets, the entire batch must use CMYK color mode.

Encourage customers to:

  • Convert files to CMYK before export

  • Avoid neon RGB colors (they may print duller)

  • Keep saturation high for best vibrancy

Our premium white underbase + CMYK ink system ensures bright, bold colors on every garment.

10. Review Every File Before Submission

Before uploading a bulk order, inspect artwork carefully at 100–200% zoom:

  • No pixelation

  • No jagged lines

  • No hidden edges or artifacts

  • No unnecessary layers

  • Correct transparency

  • Accurate sizing

A few minutes of pre-checking prevents hours of production delays.

11. Submit Files Through DTF 2 Print’s Upload Tools

Once ready, bulk artwork can be submitted instantly through:

Our system reads files quickly and prints in 24–48 hours with free shipping on orders over $100.

12. Pressing Instructions for Bulk Jobs

Consistent pressing produces consistent results — especially on batch apparel runs.

Follow our DTF Pressing Instructions:

  • 305°F (150°C)

  • 15 seconds

  • Medium–firm pressure

  • Cold peel

  • Optional 5-second repress

Standardizing your pressing process ensures every shirt, hoodie, tote, or accessory looks identical.

13. Benefits of Bulk Ordering from DTF 2 Print

Lewisville businesses trust us because we deliver:

✔ Fast 24–48-hour turnaround
✔ Premium film, adhesive, and inks
✔ Ultra-vibrant, long-lasting prints
✔ Local pickup + free shipping over $100
✔ Expert artwork support
✔ Consistent color accuracy across large orders

Bulk clients get dependable quality and reliable fulfillment every time.

Final Thoughts

Bulk DTF orders run smoothly when customer artwork is prepared correctly from the start. By using transparent PNGs, designing at 300 DPI, standardizing sizes, and grouping artwork into gang sheets, you ensure faster turnaround, fewer revisions, and perfect results across the entire order.

At DTF 2 Print, we make bulk DTF printing simple, consistent, and professional — backed by premium materials, reliable production, and expert guidance.

Start your next bulk project today at DTF 2 Print, and experience the highest-quality DTF printing in Lewisville, Texas.

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