DTF Artwork & File Requirements
Clean files make clean prints. These DTF file requirements cover the format, resolution and size we need so your transfers come out sharp, with no boxes or fuzzy edges.
- Best format: PNG with a transparent background
- Resolution: 300 DPI at the final print size
- Maximum width: 22 inches
- Smallest text: 8 pt
We also accept AI, EPS, PDF and JPG files, in RGB or CMYK.
DTF file requirements at a glance
| Requirement | What to send |
|---|---|
| File type | PNG with a transparent background (preferred); AI, EPS, PDF and JPG also accepted |
| Resolution | 300 DPI at the size you want printed |
| Size | Up to 22" wide, set to the final print size |
| Text | 8 pt or larger |
| Color mode | RGB or CMYK |
| Background | Transparent, with no white box or color behind the design |
Best file format for DTF
A transparent PNG at 300 DPI is the safest choice. It holds only your design, so nothing prints around it.
- PNG: preferred. Transparency keeps the edges of your design clean.
- AI, EPS and PDF: accepted. Vector artwork stays sharp at any size. Convert text to outlines and delete any background shapes before you save.
- JPG: accepted, but a JPG cannot be transparent. Its background can print as a box around your design, so a PNG is the better choice.
Resolution and print size
Create or export your file at the size you want printed, at 300 DPI. To check, multiply the width in inches by 300. A 10-inch-wide design, for example, should be about 3,000 pixels wide.
Enlarging a small image in software does not add detail, so a low-resolution image stays blurry when printed. Start from the original artwork or a vector file whenever you can.
No single design can be wider than 22 inches, the width of our gang sheets. For typical widths by placement, see the DTF size guide.
Keep all text at 8 pt or larger at the final size, and check it again after you shrink a design for a left chest or a hat.
Color and the white underbase
Send your file in RGB or CMYK; both work. Colors on a backlit screen can look slightly different on fabric, so very bright or neon shades may print a little softer than they appear on your monitor.
Transfers include a white underbase, so colors stay bright on dark garments. There is no need to build a white layer into your file. Use white only where you want white to show in the design.
Black knockout artwork
Black knockout transfers print no black ink. Wherever your artwork is black, the garment shows through instead.
- Use pure black: every area you want to knock out must be exactly #000000.
- Dark garments only: black knockout is for black, charcoal and deep heather garments.
- Separate sheets: these designs print on their own sheets, apart from standard designs. Lay them out in the Black Knockout Gang Sheet Builder.
See how it works on our black knockout DTF page.
Common file mistakes and how to avoid them
- Semi-transparent pixels: soft shadows, glows and faded edges are partly see-through and can print as a speckled haze. Make them solid or remove them.
- White boxes and backgrounds: a background left in the file prints as a block around the design. Delete it and save as a transparent PNG.
- Low resolution: images saved from websites or social media are usually too small. Use the original file at 300 DPI.
- Thin lines: hairline strokes can break up on fabric. Thicken fine lines and simplify tiny details.
Before you upload, zoom in on the edges of your artwork. Stray pixels and specks of background color are easy to miss at normal size.
Check your files in the Gang Sheet Builder
The Gang Sheet Builder is free, runs in your browser and needs no account. Add your designs, arrange them on the 22-inch sheet and preview everything before you order.
Ordering a single design instead? Upload it as DTF transfers by size and choose the size you need.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best file format for DTF transfers?
A PNG with a transparent background at 300 DPI. We also accept AI, EPS, PDF and JPG files.
Does my file need to be 300 DPI?
Yes, at the final print size. A lower-resolution file can print blurry or pixelated, even when it looks fine on screen.
Can I send a JPG?
Yes, JPG files are accepted. Because a JPG cannot have a transparent background, convert it to a PNG with the background removed for the cleanest edges.
Should my artwork be RGB or CMYK?
Either works. Expect very bright screen colors, especially neons, to look slightly softer on fabric.
Do I need to add white behind my design for dark shirts?
No. Transfers include a white underbase, so colors stay bright on dark garments without any extra white in your file.
What is the largest design I can print?
Up to 22" wide, the full width of a gang sheet. Most designs are much smaller, so check typical widths by placement before you order.
Ready to upload your artwork?
Run through the checklist above, then build your sheet and preview it before you order.
