Designing for Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing

Overview of DTF Printing

Direct-to-Film is a flexible print method that works on any fabric type, offering high color fidelity and durability with no minimums. Great for small runs, team gear, or fast product launches.

Artwork Resolution & Format

Use vector files or 300 DPI PNGs with transparency. Avoid JPGs or screen captures. SVG, AI, PSD, and PDF formats also supported. View full file prep guide.

Color Considerations

DTF uses CMYK printing with white underbase. Avoid neon, metallic, or transparent overlays. Use bold color contrast for best vibrancy.

Line Weight & Detail

Use lines no thinner than 0.5pt. Avoid distressed textures unless deliberate. Gradients are okay but may show banding if not high-res.

Transparency, Drop Shadows & Effects

Flatten all effects. Transparency does not print and will convert to solid. Drop shadows should be rasterized or avoided entirely.

Text Guidelines

Convert all text to outlines. Use fonts with good readability—minimum size 10pt. High contrast between text and background is key.

Print Area & Placement

Max print sizes are generally 11x11\" front and 11x14\" back. Use our templates or online designer for scale and alignment. Sleeve and chest prints also supported.

Best Practices for Online Designer

Upload vector files if you have them. The platform supports .ai, .eps, .pdf, and .svg. If you do not have the vector originals then PNGs are your next best option. The higher the resolution the better. We charge a fee to vectorize png and jpeg graphics to ensure a consistent print quality.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Uploading low-res JPGs
• Using transparency or shadows
• Fonts not outlined
• Text too small
• Artwork not centered or too large