Artwork Guidelines
Please review and submit artwork that adheres to the guidelines below. Files that are not properly prepared may result in production delays and miss prints. We are no responsable for misprints due to issues related to the artwork.
Please send us your file to customzitseneca@gmail.com
Sharp Images
A hard, defined edge in your artwork will give you the best looking result. Transparencies or soft edges that fade into the garment or background will show white ink when transferred onto a dark colored garment.
Solid Colors
Artwork or designs with transparencies or fade effects that blend into the garment or background, will not print out as it appears on screen. Any pixel or spot of color in your design will have white ink printed behind it, so the garment/background color will not show through. Because of this, we do not recommend this effect. A workaround for this is using a Halftone effect. This video shows the process of creating a halftone effect for a DTF print.
PNG File
Any backgrounds included in the artwork file will print (even if they are just to represent the garment color). If you do not want a solid background printed, save your file using a format that allows transparencies - .PDF, .PNG NOTE: .JPG and .JPEG files have solid backgrounds. Use your design software to remove the background and save the file in one of the formats above. This free online tool may be helpful.
Why CYMK and not RGB
CMYK is preferred over RGB for DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing because printers use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) inks to produce colors. RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is designed for digital screens, and colors in RGB often don’t translate accurately to print. Converting your images to CMYK ensures more accurate color reproduction and helps avoid unexpected shifts when printing.
Why?!
Converting fonts to curves (or outlines) before printing ensures that the text appears exactly as intended, even if the printer doesn’t have the original fonts installed. This process turns the text into vector shapes, preventing font substitutions or layout issues during the printing process.
0.25 in. x 0.25 in.(6.5mm x 6.5mm)
The minimum recommended print size of 0.25 in. x 0.25 in. (6.5mm x 6.5mm) ensures that small design elements remain clear, legible, and printable. At sizes smaller than this, fine details may blur, fill in, or not transfer properly during the DTF printing process, especially on textured or flexible surfaces. Sticking to this minimum size helps maintain quality and readability.
Design width is 12 in (304.8cm)
Our system works on a roll size of 13 inches leaving a print area of 12 inches width. You can print up to 24 inches long.
Minimum Line Thickness Must be 0.02 in (0.5mm)
A minimum line thickness of 0.02 in (0.5mm) is recommended for DTF printing to ensure lines print cleanly and don’t break or disappear. Lines thinner than this may not be picked up properly by the printer or may not transfer well during the heat press process, leading to gaps or incomplete prints. Keeping lines at or above this thickness ensures durability and clarity in the final result.
We do it for you
Please do not mirror your images — we’ll take care of that for you! This ensures proper orientation during the DTF printing process and helps avoid any printing errors.
Artwork Expectations
Printed colors do not match your screen color
Colors on your screen may look different from your DTF prints because screens use RGB light, while printing uses CMYK ink. RGB displays more vibrant colors that don’t always translate exactly to print. Additionally, screen brightness, settings, and calibration can affect how colors appear.
We don’t offer color matching for DTF prints
We do not offer color matching for DTF prints because screen colors (RGB) and print colors (CMYK) use different systems, and exact matches can’t be guaranteed. Variations can also occur due to fabric type, ink absorption, and heat press settings. We aim for the closest possible result, but exact color replication isn’t feasible.
Gang Sheets
We offer our DTF prints as sheets instead of rolls to make handling, cutting, and pressing easier and more precise. Sheets are flatter, reducing the chance of curling or misalignment during application, and are more convenient for small to mid-size projects.
We can help you
Need help with your design? We offer design services and support for your DTF prints! Whether you need a full design or just help preparing your file, our team is here to make sure your artwork is print-ready and looks great. Let us know how we can assist!
PNG, PDF, AI & PSD are the best
Accepted file types for DTF printing are PNG, PDF, AI, PSD and EPS. Files should be high resolution (300 DPI) with a transparent background when possible. This ensures the best print quality and accurate results.
Please send us your file to customzitseneca@gmail.com
