Artwork Preparation Guide
How to prepare and export your artwork for the best possible DTF transfer results. File formats, resolution, transparency, and more.
Accepted file formats
We accept all common image formats, but some produce better results than others. The quality of your transfer starts with the quality of your file.
| Format | Transparency | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PNG | Yes | Most artwork — logos, graphics, photos with cutouts | Recommended default. Lossless, supports transparency. |
| SVG | Yes | Logos, text, vector graphics | Infinitely scalable. Best for clean, sharp edges. |
| TIFF | Yes | Print-ready files from professional software | Large files but zero compression artifacts. |
| PSD | Yes | Photoshop files with layers | We flatten on import. Keep layers clean. |
| JPEG | No | Full-bleed photos where transparency isn't needed | Lossy compression — avoid for logos or text. |
| WebP | Yes | Web-sourced artwork | Supported but often low resolution. Check DPI. |
Transparency & backgrounds
Transparency handling is one of the most common sources of problems with DTF transfers. Here's what you need to know:
Correct
- PNG with a transparent (checkerboard) background
- SVG with no background rectangle
- Clean edges with no fringing or halos
- Only the design element is present — no invisible rectangles
Incorrect
- White or coloured background baked into the file
- JPEG with a white background (will print as a white rectangle)
- Transparent PNG with a white halo around the edges
- Screenshot of a design on a white canvas
How to check transparency
- In Photoshop: Turn off the background layer. If you see the grey/white checkerboard, the background is transparent.
- In Illustrator: View > Show Transparency Grid. Delete any background rectangle.
- On your desktop: Open the PNG in Preview (Mac) or Photos (Windows). If the background appears white but should be transparent, the file likely has a baked-in background.
- Quick test: Drag the PNG onto a coloured background in any image editor. If the area around the design is white instead of showing the colour through, it's not truly transparent.
Resolution (DPI) guidelines
DPI (dots per inch) only matters at the final print size. A 300 DPI image at 5cm wide isn't the same quality as a 300 DPI image at 30cm wide when both are scaled up.
| Content type | Minimum DPI | Recommended | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logos & text | 300 DPI | 300+ DPI or vector | Use vector (SVG/AI) whenever possible for sharpest edges. |
| Detailed graphics | 200 DPI | 300 DPI | Fine lines and small details need higher resolution. |
| Photographic prints | 150 DPI | 200–300 DPI | Photos are more forgiving than text. Higher DPI reduces visible pixelation. |
Fonts & small text
Text is where DTF quality shows. Fine fonts and small sizes are the first things to break down.
Outline fonts
Convert text to outlines before exporting. This prevents font substitution issues.
Bold over thin
Thin, light, and hairline fonts don't reproduce well at small sizes. Use medium or bold weights.
Minimum size
Text below ~6pt at print size may be unreadable. Test small text before committing to production.
Vector vs raster artwork
Vector (SVG, AI, EPS)
- Infinitely scalable with no quality loss
- Perfect for logos, text, geometric designs
- Always sharp edges at any size
- Smaller file sizes
Best for: logos, text, clean graphics
Raster (PNG, JPEG, TIFF, PSD)
- Made of pixels — quality depends on resolution
- Necessary for photographs and complex effects
- Can't be scaled up without quality loss
- Larger file sizes at high resolution
Best for: photos, textured artwork, complex illustrations
Common artwork issues we see
White halo around cutout artwork
Cause
Anti-aliasing against a white background that was removed
Fix
Use "Select and Mask" or "Refine Edge" in Photoshop. Contract the selection by 1–2px before deleting the background.
Blurry or pixelated output
Cause
Artwork is too low resolution for the print size
Fix
Source higher resolution artwork or reduce the print size. Don't upscale low-res files — it doesn't add real detail.
Unexpected white rectangle around design
Cause
File has a white background instead of transparency
Fix
Export as PNG-24 with transparency. Check in a viewer that shows the checkerboard pattern.
Colours look different on screen vs print
Cause
Monitor using wide gamut (P3/Adobe RGB) while file is sRGB, or vice versa
Fix
Work in sRGB. Calibrate your monitor. See our Colour & Resolution guide for details.
Text looks rough or broken
Cause
Text rasterised at low resolution, or thin font at small size
Fix
Use vector text, outline fonts, and avoid light/thin weights below ~8pt at print size.
JPEG compression artifacts visible in print
Cause
File saved as JPEG at low quality — blocks and banding become visible
Fix
Always use PNG or TIFF for final export. If JPEG is unavoidable, use maximum quality (100%).
Tips by design software
Adobe Photoshop
- Work at 300 DPI from the start. Setting it later doesn't add real resolution.
- Use File > Export > Export As (not “Save for Web”) for PNG with transparency.
- Colour mode: RGB, 8-bit. Convert from CMYK before export if needed.
- Flatten all layers before export, or use “Export As” which handles this automatically.
Adobe Illustrator
- Convert all text to outlines: Type > Create Outlines.
- Export as SVG or high-resolution PNG.
- Remove any background rectangles before exporting.
- Set colour mode to RGB for DTF printing.
Canva
- Download as PNG with transparent background (requires Canva Pro).
- Free Canva exports have a white background — this will print.
- Check for unexpected padding around your design.
CorelDRAW
- Export as PNG at 300 DPI with transparent background.
- Convert text to curves before exporting.
- Use RGB colour mode for DTF output.
Artwork preflight checklist
Run through this checklist before uploading your artwork:
File is PNG, SVG, or TIFF with transparency (no white background)
Resolution is 300 DPI at the final print size (or vector)
Colour profile is sRGB (not Adobe RGB or CMYK)
All text has been converted to outlines/curves
Zoomed to 300–400% — no visible halos, jaggies, or compression blocks
No thin hairlines or ultra-light fonts at small sizes
Design dimensions match the intended print size
No extra whitespace, padding, or invisible elements around the design