Design File Guidelines
- DTF printing
Placement
Sizes
Max print area
Print file size
Recommended print file size
Front & Back
All sizes
12.5″ × 16″
12.5″ × 16″
12.5″ × 16″
Chest Pocket
All sizes
4″ × 3.5″
4″ × 3.5″
4″ × 3.5″
Upper Back
All sizes
5″ × 12″
5″ × 12″
5″ × 12″
Cap/Hat Front
Front Print
4″ × 2″
4″ × 2″
4″ × 2″
* This is the max print area. We scale graphics according to the product size.
**Double-check spelling in any text — we print exactly as submitted.
Must-follow guidelines
Submit files in PNG format with at least 300 DPI at actual print size is. requiredI.
Preferred: PNG (transparent background), PDF, or AI
Accepted: PSD, EPS, TIFF, JPG (high resolution)
Do not upload: low-resolution screenshots, Word docs, or PowerPoint files
Create files in RGB color mode profile
Avoid neon/metallic colors (these cannot be accurately printed)
What you see on your screen may vary slightly from final print due to monitor settings and garment color
Remember to delete the background layer before saving your file if you don’t want it on apparel.
Tips for best results
- Avoid semi-transparent designs
Semi-transparent graphics (or elements with lowered opacity) don’t translate well in direct-to-film printing. We advise using solid colors or simulating semi-transparency by halftoning (for more information and tips, visit this page). - Have see-through elements in your design
Incorporate see-through elements throughout the design to give your print a lighter feel. This way, less ink and adhesive will be applied to the garment, creating a softer final result compared to large, solid-color designs. - Create the designs with the necessary DPI
Simply entering a new resolution value won’t result in a higher-resolution print. If your graphic’s resolution is too low, the best solution is to make a new one - Skip soft edges for designs
Designs with soft edges don’t work for direct-to-film prints because the small ink dots that create the effect don’t have a big enough surface area to adhere to the garment. As a result, you’ll most likely have a rough, blotchy edge. - Customize products with high-resolution images
Direct-to-film printing is a great choice for photography designs as it allows to print full-color, high-quality images. Note that the higher the image resolution, the clearer and sharper the print result
Direct-to-film printing disclaimers
- Due to printing specifications, the white color layer may be visible under the color ink layer.
- The print might feel slightly stiff at first, but will wear in after a few washes. The feel of the print can vary based on the type of fabric the garment is made of. The breathability for these prints is relatively low.
- The direct-to-film print might develop small cracks if the garment is washed in hot water.
- We recommend ironing garments inside out, as ironing the print might change its color. For example, white design elements could turn yellow.
- Ensure all lines are a minimum of 1 pt thick in Adobe Illustrator or approximately 4 px at 300 DPI in Photoshop.
- Keep all text lines at least 1 pt thick. Font sizes may vary depending on the typeface, but should generally be between 10–12 pts.
- Add a background color to small text to help prevent it from peeling off.
