Artwork requirements

The specification

One file, single-page PDF or PNG with a transparent background. 300dpi or better at print size. Canvas sized to the sheet you're buying: 540 x 1000mm. Artwork the right way round (never mirror it; we handle that). Leave at least 5mm between designs so you can cut them apart, and 5mm margin at the sheet edges.

Transparency is everything

Whatever is transparent in your file prints as nothing; whatever isn't, prints. The classic mistake is a white background that looked invisible on screen: it will print as a solid white rectangle around your design. Flatten to PNG only with transparency preserved (PNG-24), and if you're exporting a PDF, keep the background layer off.

Colour: screens lie

Screens are RGB and backlit; print is CMYK ink on film. Vivid neon blues and greens will come back deeper than they glowed on your monitor. Blacks: use rich black for large areas (C40 M30 Y30 K100) and pure K for small text. If exact colour matters, order the sample pack first and judge on fabric, not glass.

Small text and fine lines

Keep text above 5mm cap height and strokes above 0.7mm. Below that, ink and adhesive have nothing to hold onto and edges go ragged after a few washes. Hairline serifs and 300dpi don't mix at 6pt; test with the sample pack if in doubt.

What gets your file bounced

Multi-page PDFs. RGB files with colour-critical branding and no warning. 72dpi web images scaled up. White backgrounds. Designs touching the sheet edge. If any check fails we email you the same day and print when a fixed file arrives; we never silently fix or alter your artwork.

Written by the production team at our Swindon DTF factory, decorating garments since 1998. Ready to order? Order custom DTF transfers.