How to Prepare Artwork for a DTF Gang Sheet (Plus RGB vs CMYK)

Quick answer: Prepare DTF artwork at the final print size at 300 DPI, save it as a transparent PNG, leave space between designs, and design in CMYK so very bright screen (RGB) colours do not surprise you when printed.

Most print problems start with the file, not the press. A blurry edge, a white box around a logo or colours that look duller than on screen can all be fixed before you upload. Use this checklist to prepare a DTF gang sheet that prints the way you expect.

1. Use 300 DPI at the final print size

Set up your artwork at the size it will be printed, at 300 DPI. A small image pulled from a website or social media will look pixelated when enlarged, and raising the DPI in software afterwards does not add real detail. Start from the original file or a vector version of your logo when you can.

2. Save as a transparent PNG

DTF prints everything that is in the file, including white or coloured backgrounds. Remove backgrounds and export as a PNG with transparency so you do not end up with a box around your design. Zoom in to check for stray pixels and semi-transparent edges.

3. Leave space between designs

Gang sheets are cut by hand after printing. Leave a little space around each design so it is easy to trim without cutting into the artwork.

4. Size designs for the garment

Measure the garment before you size the artwork. As a rough guide, a left chest logo is often about 3 to 4 inches wide and a full front print about 10 to 12 inches wide for adult shirts. Kids’ and toddler sizes need smaller prints.

5. Check your colours: RGB vs CMYK

Your screen and a printer make colour in different ways, which is why a design can look slightly different once printed.

• RGB (red, green, blue) is how screens create colour, by adding light. Mixing all three at full strength makes white. RGB can show very bright, glowing colours.
• CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) is how printers create colour, by layering ink that absorbs light. It has a smaller range of colours, so some very bright RGB shades cannot be reproduced exactly.

Colours most likely to shift are neon greens, electric blues and bright oranges or pinks. They usually print a little duller than they look on a backlit screen.

How to get more predictable colour

• Follow our artwork guidelines: 300 DPI, CMYK colour.
• If your design software has a CMYK mode or a soft-proof option, use it to preview how colours will shift before you order.
• For brand colours, choose CMYK values instead of converting at the last minute.
• If colour accuracy matters, order a small test before a large run.

Frequently asked questions

What file type is best for DTF transfers?

A high-resolution PNG with a transparent background, set up at 300 DPI at the final print size.

Should DTF artwork be RGB or CMYK?

Our guidelines ask for CMYK. Designing in CMYK lets you see roughly how colours will print and avoids surprises with very bright RGB shades.

Why does my print look different from my screen?

Screens glow with light while ink on fabric reflects it, and CMYK cannot match every bright RGB colour. Previewing in CMYK helps you see the difference first.

How big should a left chest logo be?

Often about 3 to 4 inches wide on adult shirts, but measure the garment and adjust to suit.

Ready? Lay out your designs in the DTF gang sheet builder or upload a finished gang sheet.