File Preparation Guidelines

Professional results start with professional files. These guidelines are designed to help you submit print-ready artwork that produces sharp detail, clean edges, and consistent output—especially for high-volume production and repeat orders.

If you follow the standards below, you’ll reduce delays, avoid quality issues, and get transfers that apply clean and look premium on garments.

1) Accepted File Types

We accept industry-standard formats commonly used for print production:

  • PNG (recommended) — best for transparency and clean edges

  • PDF — ideal for print-ready layouts and preserved quality

  • AI / EPS — best for vector artwork and scalable designs

Recommended: Use PNG when you need a transparent background and your design is already finalized at the correct size.

2) Resolution & Quality Standards

Your artwork should be high-resolution at the size you intend to print.

Avoid Low-Quality Artwork

Low-quality files can result in:

  • Pixelation or blurry edges

  • Rough-looking text and fine lines

  • Unwanted artifacts or jagged outlines

Do not submit: screenshots, social media images, or artwork copied from the web unless it is confirmed high-resolution.

Best Practice

Build or export your artwork from a professional design file and upload the final version. If you’re scaling artwork larger, confirm the file quality still holds detail at the final print size.

3) Backgrounds & Transparency

If your design is not supposed to have a box behind it, your file should have a transparent background.

PNG Transparency Rules

  • Make sure the background is truly transparent (not white)

  • Avoid “checkerboard” baked into the image (that indicates the design was exported incorrectly)

  • Remove unwanted halos or faint background edges

Important: White backgrounds that look “invisible” on screen often print as a visible box on garments.

4) Color & Artwork Cleanup

DTF prints best when your artwork is clean, intentional, and properly prepared.

Tips for Clean Output

  • Use solid fills where appropriate

  • Avoid random gradients created by compression

  • Remove dust, stray pixels, or unwanted shadows

  • Ensure your design does not include accidental outlines or rough edges

Black-on-Black or Dark Artwork

If your artwork is very dark and will be applied to dark garments, make sure details are intentionally designed to remain visible after pressing.

5) Thin Lines, Small Text & Fine Details

DTF can hold detail extremely well—but fine elements still need to be designed properly.

To Prevent Loss of Detail

  • Avoid ultra-thin lines at small sizes

  • Keep small text bold and readable

  • Increase spacing on tight lettering or intricate patterns

Best practice: If the design includes micro text or very thin strokes, size it appropriately so it reads clean on fabric texture.

6) Correct Sizing Matters

Most quality issues aren’t printing issues—they’re sizing problems.

Sizing Best Practices

  • Submit artwork at the exact print size you want

  • Confirm your layout fits your intended application area

  • Don’t rely on “stretching” a small file bigger—it reduces quality quickly

If you are ordering multiple designs, label sizing clearly so each graphic is processed correctly.

7) Gang Sheet Organization

If you are submitting multiple designs in one layout, organization is everything.

Gang Sheet Setup Guidelines

  • Keep designs spaced cleanly apart

  • Avoid overlapping artwork

  • Keep a consistent orientation

  • Do not crowd designs so tightly that trimming or spacing becomes risky

If you’re building a sheet intended for repeat use, keep the layout consistent so you can reorder with confidence.

8) Trim & Cut Expectations

Prepare your artwork with the final outcome in mind.

Best Practices

  • Avoid excessive empty space around designs

  • Do not add unnecessary borders unless you intend them to print

  • Make sure the artwork edges are clean and intentional

9) Naming & Submission Notes

Clear labeling reduces errors and speeds up production.

Recommended Naming

Use simple file names like:

  • brand_logo_left_chest

  • full_front_design_1

  • sleeve_logo_right

If your order contains multiple designs, include short notes like:

  • Intended placement (left chest, full front, sleeve)

  • Final print size

  • Any special concerns (fine text, small details)

10) Responsibility & Print-Ready Standard

ONYX DTF is built as a production platform. You are responsible for submitting print-ready artwork. We focus on reliable output and may flag obvious issues that could cause poor results, but we do not recreate or redesign customer artwork as part of standard ordering.

If you want premium results every time, submit premium files every time.