How to Prepare Artwork for DTF Printing: PNG File Setup, DPI, and Transparency

How to Prepare Artwork for DTF Printing: PNG File Setup, DPI, and Transparency 

At Griffin Expressions, we believe that high-quality prints start with high-quality artwork. One of the most important steps in ensuring great results with DTF (Direct to Film) printing is submitting your artwork in the correct format. We highly recommend PNG files for all DTF transfers. 

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how to prepare your PNG file for DTF printing, including ideal resolution, color settings, and background transparency—so your designs print clean, vibrant, and professional. 

Why We Use PNG for DTF Printing 

While PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is the file type we most recommend at Griffin Expressions, our Gang Sheet Auto Builder also accepts PDF, PSD, and AI files. 

Here’s why PNG is preferred for DTF printing: 

• Using PNG helps ensure the most efficient and consistent print results, but we're flexible—submit your design in the format that works best for you. 

Design Size and DPI: Create Your PNG at Full Scale 

To ensure sharp, professional-looking results, your artwork should be saved at 300 DPI (dots per inch) and at the exact size you want printed. 

Guidelines: 

CMYK Color Mode: Brighter and More Accurate Colors 

CMYK is better for DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing because it’s a subtractive color model specifically designed for physical printing, where inks are layered to produce accurate colors on film and fabric. Unlike RGB, which is used for digital screens and relies on adding light to create color, CMYK reflects how ink behaves in real-world applications. RGB colors often don’t translate well to print, leading to unpredictable shifts and loss of vibrancy since many RGB tones fall outside the printable CMYK gamut. Working in CMYK ensures better color accuracy, consistency, and predictability. While most DTF RIP software is built to process CMYK input, we use a RIP software that automatically converts RGB files to CMYK. 

If you're unable to design in CMYK, RGB files are still accepted. However, please note that we cannot guarantee an exact color match, as on-screen colors (RGB) may differ from the final printed result due to the nature of the CMYK printing process. 

Transparent Backgrounds Are Essential 

One of the biggest benefits of PNG is the ability to save a transparent background. This is critical for DTF printing—if your design includes a background (even solid white), it will be printed as part of the transfer. 

To ensure a clean cut: 

Pro Tips for Clean PNG Files 

To get the best results with your PNG artwork: 

Final Artwork Checklist for the best quality DTF Files