Print-Ready Checklist
Bad files equal bad prints and delayed turnaround times. To guarantee your DTF transfers or custom banners hit production immediately, ensure your artwork strictly follows the specifications below.
300 DPI Minimum
Your artwork canvas must be built at 300 DPI (Dots Per Inch). Low-resolution images pulled from Google or screenshotted from phones will print blurry.
Exact Sizing
Build your file at the exact physical dimensions you want it printed (e.g., 22" x 60" for a gang sheet). Do not rely on us to guess how large your logo should be.
Proper File Types
Export your final files as high-resolution PNGs, vector PDFs, Adobe Illustrator (.ai), or EPS files. Avoid using JPGs if you need a transparent background.
DTF Transfers & Gang Sheets
- Transparent Backgrounds Are Required If you leave a solid white or black box behind your logo, our machines will print that box onto the transfer film.
- Do Not Mirror Your Artwork Upload your files exactly as you want them to read on the final garment. Our RIP software handles the mirroring automatically.
- No Semi-Transparent Effects DTF relies on a white ink underbase. Soft drop shadows, glows, and faded edges with 50% opacity will print harsh or pixelated. Use solid, hard edges.
- Minimum Line Weight: 2 Pixels Extremely thin lines or tiny floating text may not hold enough adhesive powder to stick to the garment. Thicken your strokes.
- Use CMYK or RGB Our software automatically converts standard RGB files to our specific CMYK color profiles for maximum vibrancy.
Banners, Posters & Signage
- Vector Artwork is King Because signs are massive, raster images (PNGs) can lose quality. PDF or AI vector files ensure logos stay razor-sharp no matter how large the banner gets.
- Outline All Fonts If you are uploading an Illustrator or PDF file, highlight all text and select "Create Outlines". If you don't, our computers might replace your custom font with a standard one.
- Embed Your Images If your vector file contains linked photos, ensure you "Embed" them before saving, otherwise they will show up as blank boxes on our end.
- Include Safe Margins Keep critical text and logos at least 1.5 inches away from the edges of custom banners to ensure they aren't punched through by metal grommets.
The Rejection Zone: Top 3 Order Killers
1. Screenshots & Web Rips
Downloading a 72 DPI image from a website or taking a screenshot on your iPhone and stretching it to 22 inches wide will result in an unusable, heavily pixelated blur.
2. "Fake" PNG Backgrounds
Saving a JPG with a white background as a ".png" file does not magically make the background transparent. You must actually remove the background layer in Photoshop or Canva before exporting.
3. Overlapping Gang Sheets
Cramming logos so tightly together that they touch or overlap means you won't be able to cut them apart with scissors when the gang sheet arrives. Leave at least 0.25" of space between designs.
Artwork FAQ
Do you check files before printing?
We run a basic pre-flight check to ensure the file fits the dimension ordered and isn't catastrophically blurry. However, we do not automatically remove backgrounds, fix typos, or enhance resolution. You are responsible for the quality of the file uploaded.
If my artwork is rejected, does my SLA timer restart?
Yes. If you order "Same Day Premium" but upload a blurry file at 11:45 AM, we will pause your order and email you. Your same-day turnaround timer does not begin until a correct, print-ready file is approved.
I don't know how to use Photoshop. Can you help?
Yes! If you need background removal, file vectorization, or custom graphic design, please contact our design team before placing your order. Design services require an additional fee and add to standard turnaround times.