Direct to Film (DTF) printing is a versatile print method that produces vibrant, durable prints on a wide range of fabrics. It's so versatile we use it for all printed nack labels!
Following these guidelines will help ensure you achieve the best possible print quality.
1. Supply High-Resolution Artwork
Provide artwork at 300 ppi at the final print size.
Print boundaries can be found on each product page to help you size your design files.Wherever possible, create your print files using vector artwork (AI, SVG, EPS).
Vectors create sharp edges at any size. However, all files must be rasterised and saved as JPGs, or preferably PNGs with transparent backgrounds before uploading to your products.Avoid enlarging low-resolution images
Enlarging low-resolution images to 300 ppi or uploading low-resolution artwork will result in soft or pixelated prints. The most common error is uploading at 96 ppi, which is screen resolution, not print resolution. Check you're exporting correctly.
2. Use a Transparent Background
Save artwork as a PNG with a transparent background.
Remove any unwanted white or coloured backgrounds before uploading.
Only include a background if it is intended to be printed.
3. Keep Fine Details to a Minimum
DTF is capable of producing excellent detail, but extremely fine elements can become difficult to reproduce consistently.
We recommend:
Minimum line thickness: 1 mm
Minimum gap between elements: 1 mm
Text no smaller than 10 pt, depending on the font style.
Very thin lines, tiny text and intricate details may not print as cleanly as they appear on screen.
4. Use RGB Colour Mode
Design your artwork in RGB rather than CMYK.
Our print workflow is colour managed to convert RGB artwork accurately for production, allowing for a wider colour gamut and more vibrant results.
5. Consider Garment Colour & Gradients
DTF prints include a white underbase, allowing colours to remain vibrant on both light and dark garments.
However:
Very subtle off-whites or creams may appear brighter than expected
This is due to the white underbase which is designed to maximise vibrancy.Transparent effects are not possible
White ink is printed beneath the artwork wherever a pixel is detected, regardless of the transparency of that pixel. Having a transparent gradient at the edge of your design will create a white halo effect and your gradient will become colour to white rather than colour to transparent. Consider using halftones no smaller than 1 mm to create transparent-like effects.
6. Avoid Artificial Effects
Some digital effects don't translate well to DTF printing (especially around the edges of the design), including:
Very soft glows
Heavy blurring
Subtle gradients
Where possible, use solid colours and clean artwork for the sharpest results.
7. Check Your Artwork at 100%
Before uploading, view your artwork at 100% zoom.
If the artwork appears blurry, pixelated or fuzzy on your screen, it will print that way too.
8. File Formats
Recommended file formats:
PNG (transparent background)
JPG
Avoid screenshots, compressed images or artwork copied from websites or social media, as these are typically too low in resolution for high-quality printing.
9. Final Checklist
Before placing your order, make sure your artwork is:
✅ 300 ppi at final print size
✅ High resolution or vector
✅ Saved with a transparent background (where required)
✅ Free from unwanted backgrounds
✅ Large enough for the intended print size
✅ Sharp when viewed at 100%
✅ Saved in a recommended file format
Following these guidelines will help ensure your DTF prints are crisp, vibrant and ready to wear.