Good DTF transfers start with good artwork. A printer can reproduce the information in your file, but it cannot restore detail that is missing, fix a hidden background automatically or make tiny elements printable.
Use this checklist before uploading artwork to the Strong N Free DTF gang sheet builder.
The short version
- Use a transparent PNG.
- Prepare the file at 300 DPI at its final print size.
- Crop the canvas closely around the visible design.
- Use crisp, solid edges without feathering or unwanted haze.
- Check small text, thin lines, fades and glows carefully.
- Keep the original proportions when resizing.
Why 300 DPI matters
DPI describes how much image information is available at the size it will be printed. A file can look sharp on a phone and still be too small for a clean garment print.
The important measurement is effective DPI at final size. For example, enlarging a small graphic from 4 inches wide to 12 inches wide reduces the effective resolution to one-third of the original value.
- 300 DPI or higher: ideal.
- 280–299 DPI: usually good, but inspect fine detail.
- Below 280 DPI: not recommended because softness or pixelation becomes more likely.
The Strong N Free builder displays effective DPI so you can check each item after setting its print size.
Use a transparent PNG
A transparent background means the empty parts of the design contain no printable pixels. This allows the garment colour to show around and through the artwork.
A JPG cannot contain transparency. If you upload a JPG with a white background, that white rectangle may become part of the transfer. Saving a JPG as a PNG does not remove the background; it only changes the file format.
Check for hidden backgrounds and edge haze
Automatic background-removal tools can leave a faint semi-transparent halo around a design. It may be difficult to see on a white screen but can appear after printing, especially on dark garments.
Zoom in and inspect the artwork on both a light and dark background. Look for:
- white or coloured boxes behind the design;
- soft grey haze around letters and logos;
- stray pixels away from the main artwork;
- rough cut-out edges;
- small holes that should be transparent.
Keep edges crisp
DTF artwork generally performs best with intentional, well-defined edges. Heavy feathering and anti-aliased pixels can create a faint border. If a soft edge is part of the artwork, review it at print size and understand that semi-transparent pixels may reproduce differently than they appear on screen.
Fades and glows can work, but they require clean high-resolution files and enough tonal separation. Avoid using a soft glow to hide a rough cut-out.
Watch thin lines and tiny text
Very thin strokes, small gaps and tiny letters may not reproduce or press consistently. There is no single minimum that suits every design because results depend on colour, garment, ink coverage and the surrounding artwork.
As a practical check, print the design on paper at its intended size. If text is hard to read or details nearly disappear, simplify or enlarge them before submitting the file.
Set the artwork to its real print size
Decide how wide the design should be on the finished garment, then prepare it at that physical size. Measure the usable print area of the actual item because a size label does not tell you the available decoration space.
Do not stretch a design to hit both a width and height. Lock the proportions and change one dimension so circles stay round and logos keep their intended shape.
Export settings
From Canva or another online editor
- Download as PNG.
- Enable transparent background if your plan supports it.
- Export at the largest practical dimensions.
- Reopen the file and inspect the edges before uploading.
From Adobe Illustrator
For vector artwork, export a high-resolution transparent PNG at the final size. If supplying a PDF for another workflow, use a High Quality Print or Press Quality preset. The “Smallest File Size” preset can reduce raster artwork sharply and may produce a file around 100 DPI.
From Photoshop
Confirm the document dimensions and resolution with resampling turned off before final sizing. Remove hidden background layers and export a transparent PNG.
Print-ready artwork checklist
- Correct spelling and colours
- Transparent background
- 300 DPI at final print size
- Tight crop around the artwork
- No stray or semi-transparent pixels
- No accidental clipping
- Readable text and printable line thickness
- Original proportions preserved
Frequently asked questions
Can a low-resolution logo be fixed by increasing the DPI number?
No. Changing the DPI setting without adding real image detail does not improve the artwork. A vector original or a properly redrawn file is the best solution.
Should I use RGB or CMYK?
Submit a high-quality file with the intended colours and avoid relying on an uncalibrated screen for an exact match. Printed colour can differ from a phone or monitor because screens emit light while transfers use ink.
Can I upload several designs?
Yes. Build a sheet with different designs, sizes and quantities using our gang sheet guide.