Designing for DTF – Best Practices for Artwork & File Prep

🔍 Why File Prep Matters in DTF Printing

Beautiful DTF prints start long before the press. Whether you're creating custom shirts, tote bags, or all-over apparel prints, the quality of your final output depends on how you prepare your design files. Proper file setup not only ensures sharp, vibrant, and durable results—but also helps you avoid waste, save time, and reduce the need for reprints or costly edits.

At Multicraft, we support our customers with every step of the process, from design setup to finished product. In this guide, we’ll cover the essential best practices for DTF artwork preparation, plus everything you need to know about creating custom DTF gang sheets for print.

🖼️ File Formats & Resolution: What to Use (and Avoid)

Before uploading or exporting any design, make sure your file follows these guidelines:

✅ Accepted File Types:

• PDF (Preferred for vector artwork and gang sheets)
• PNG (Must have transparent background)

⚠️ Other file types (like JPEG, SVG, PSD, AI) will be converted to a transparent PDF prior to printing, which may affect quality.

📐 Resolution Requirements:

• 300 DPI (dots per inch) for all raster graphics

• Low-res files may appear blurry or pixelated after printing.

🎨 Color Mode:

• Set files to RGB color mode.
• DTF RIP software automatically converts colors for CMYK + White Ink, so there's no need to manually convert to CMYK.

🎯 Design Guidelines for Optimal DTF Results

1. Transparency Matters

Your design must have a true transparent background—not just a white one. Any non-transparent background will result in a solid white box being printed around your artwork.

🔍 Pro Tip: Avoid soft fades or feathered edges. Our print software doesn’t support gradients that fade to transparency. If your design uses fades, convert them to halftone dots for proper print results.

2. Color & Edge Clarity

• Use bold, vibrant colors with clear, solid edges.
• Avoid fine hairlines or very light pastels, especially on light garments—they may not transfer cleanly.
• Outline strokes should be thick enough to remain visible once printed and pressed.

3. White Underbase Planning

Our DTF RIP software automatically adds a white underbase beneath colored ink to improve vibrancy on dark fabrics.
Do not add white manually unless you’ve been specifically instructed to.

4. Size Smart

• Make your canvas the exact dimensions of your design.
• Crop images tightly—extra white space reduces how many designs fit on a gang sheet and may increase your cost.

🧾 Custom DTF Gang Sheets: File Requirements & Pricing

We print on DTF film that is 22 inches wide. You can upload designs or full gang sheets for printing at any custom length.

🧷 File Requirements:

• High-resolution (300 DPI) PDF or PNG
• Transparent background only
• Files should be cropped close to the artwork
• Any white boxes or backgrounds will be printed as-is unless transparent.

🧼 Tightly cropped images allow you to fit more onto your gang sheet, saving space and cost.

📏 Example Dimensions:

A 60-inch long sheet = 22 in x 60 in

💰 Pricing:

• Minimum Price (1"–12") = $15
• 13”–239” = $1.25 per inch
• 240” and up = $0.62 per inch
• Discounts are applied automatically at checkout as length increases.

🧰 How to Build Your Gang Sheet

🖼️ Option 1: Auto-Builder Tool (Multicraft.com)

Use our Auto-Builder to quickly upload and arrange your designs.

1. Upload individual PNG files, cropped tightly.
2. Set exact image sizes and number of copies.
3. Add multiple images to the same sheet.
4. Click “Create Sheet”—our tool builds the gang sheet for you.
5. Preview and approve before submitting for print.

📁 Option 2: Upload a Print-Ready Gang Sheet

Already created your layout in Illustrator, Photoshop, or Canva? Upload a print-ready PDF (preferred) or PNG file.

• Size your canvas to 22" wide and custom length.
• Make sure everything is arranged, cropped, and ready to print.

🛠️ Special Considerations & Additional Fees

🔎 Transparency & Gradients

• Gradients that fade to transparent will not print correctly.
• Convert fades to halftone dots for accurate results.
• Avoid drop shadows that fade out unless flattened to solid shapes.

💸 Additional Charges (only if needed):

• Artwork edits by Multicraft: $25 per image
• Gang sheet built by Multicraft: $25 per sheet
• Rush order processing fee: $25 (in addition to any edits)

📝 You’ll always be notified before any additional fees are applied to your order.

✅ Final Checklist for DTF File Prep