Artwork Preparation Guide
Prepare and export artwork for clean transfer prints, sticker borders, and accurate cut previews.
On this page
Accepted file formats
Start with a transparent PNG at the size you want printed. Upload the artwork the right way round: we handle any mirroring needed for production. Check the imported preview before ordering.
| 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 | Vector shapes scale cleanly. Outline text and check the imported preview; embedded photos still need enough pixels. |
| TIFF | Yes | Print-ready files from professional software | Use lossless compression and check that transparency survives import. |
| PSD | Yes | Photoshop files with layers | Imported as a single image. Check the visible layers, effects and background in the preview. |
| JPEG | No | Rectangular photos where the background is part of the design | Lossy compression — avoid for logos or text. |
| WebP | Yes | Photos and graphics | Can use lossy or lossless compression. Check the source quality and final size. |
Upload differences: The gangsheet builder accepts PNG, JPEG, SVG, WebP, AVIF, TIFF, BMP and PSD, up to 25 MB per file. Single-transfer and sticker uploads also accept PDF and PDF-compatible AI files, using the first page or artboard. For other upload tools, use the formats shown beside the upload control. Export unsupported files as PNG.
Transparency & backgrounds
Transparency handling is one of the most common sources of problems with DTF transfers. Here's what you need to know:
For a cutout design
- PNG with genuine transparency (the checkerboard in your editor is only a viewing aid)
- SVG with no background rectangle
- Clean edges with no fringing or halos
- Only the intended artwork is present; no stray pixels or unwanted padding
Check before ordering
- Unwanted white or coloured background baked into the file
- JPEG background still present in the final preview
- 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.
- In a photo viewer: a white viewing background does not tell you whether the file is transparent. Use the coloured-background test below.
- 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.
Artwork and the sticker cut preview
For stickers, transparency can affect both the print and the cut. Auto contour builds a cut line around the visible artwork, so unwanted halos, detached pixels and tiny islands can create unwanted contour detail.
- Use a transparent file with no hidden background rectangle for an irregular contour.
- Inspect the complete cut line. Red highlighted, disconnected artwork will be excluded: increase the border to connect it or choose a fixed shape, then check again.
- Circle fits around the visible artwork; Square creates sharp corners; Rounded Square creates softened corners.
- The finished width and height include the border and cut line. A wider border can leave less room for the artwork at the same finished size. Check the preview after each change.
- Choose a border colour deliberately, including the Artwork edge swatch when it suits the design.
Resolution (DPI) guidelines
Image resolution is measured in pixels per inch (PPI), often called DPI in print ordering. Check it at the final print size. Enlarging the same image spreads its pixels over a bigger area, reducing detail.
| Content type | Starting target | Recommended | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logos & text | 300 DPI | 300+ DPI or vector | Use SVG with outlined text or a high-resolution PNG; inspect the imported preview. |
| 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
For SVG, convert text to outlines before exporting to prevent font substitution. PNG already stores text as pixels.
Bold over thin
Thin, light, and hairline fonts don't reproduce well at small sizes. Use medium or bold weights.
Minimum size
There is no universal minimum font size. Thin strokes and small gaps can fail even in a high-resolution file. Test at the ordered size.
Vector vs raster artwork
Vector artwork
- Infinitely scalable with no quality loss
- Perfect for logos, text, geometric designs
- Check thin strokes at the final size and after import
- Embedded photos and effects can increase file size
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. Refine the edge on a copy and inspect it on light and dark backgrounds; a fixed pixel adjustment can remove fine detail.
Blurry or pixelated output
Cause
Artwork is too low resolution for the print size
Fix
Source higher resolution artwork or reduce the print size. Upscaling can smooth some files but cannot recreate genuinely missing detail.
Sticker cut line follows specks or rough detail
Cause
The transparent artwork contains stray pixels, fringe, or a rough transparent edge
Fix
Clean the transparent edge and stray pixels. Check for red warnings; increase the border or choose a fixed shape to retain disconnected artwork.
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
Screen brightness, colour profiles, printable colour range and the chosen material all affect appearance
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 check the actual stroke thickness and gaps at the ordered 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
- Create the document at the intended physical print size and 300 PPI. Changing the resolution number alone does not add detail.
- Use Export As to save a PNG with Transparency and Convert to sRGB enabled.
- Colour mode: RGB, 8-bit. Convert from CMYK before export if needed.
- Keep your editable original. Export a PNG copy with the intended layers visible; do not flatten onto a white background.
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 and enable Transparent background if your plan offers it.
- If transparency is unavailable, check the exported background and remove it in an image editor if it is unwanted.
- 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 imports correctly, with transparency wherever you do not want a background printed
Aim for 300 PPI at the final size; sticker artwork can benefit from the 360 PPI target shown in the configurator
Colour profile is sRGB (not Adobe RGB or CMYK)
Text in vector files is outlined; text in PNG files is sharp at the ordered size
Inspect at actual size for readability, then zoom in to check unwanted halos and stray pixels
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
For stickers, the chosen cut shape, border width, colour, and complete cut preview are correct