How to Prepare Files for Direct to Garment (DTG) Printing
Getting your files set up properly is the key to fantastic results when it comes to direct to garment (DTG) printing. DTG allows you to print full-colour, high-resolution designs directly onto fabrics, making it easy to customise apparel like t-shirts. Here are some essential tips to make sure your designs look crisp and professional.
1. File Types for DTG Printing
The file type you use is crucial for DTG printing. The ideal file type is PNG because it supports high-quality images and, most importantly, allows for transparent backgrounds. A transparent background is essential as it ensures that only your design gets printed onto the fabric, without any unwanted elements like background colours.
When creating your file in software like Adobe Photoshop, always use a transparent background and save the file as a PNG. JPG files do not support transparency, which means your design may end up with an unwanted white background, diminishing the quality of your final print. Before uploading any design files, check for transparency in your graphic editor and follow any transparency guidelines from your printing company.
Other file formats, such as JPEG or TIFF, can be used, but PNG is the most reliable. If your design contains complex or irregular edges, a PNG file with transparency will prevent any awkward block backgrounds from appearing on your final print.
2. Image Resolution: Keep It Sharp!
The quality of your printed design relies heavily on its resolution. DTG printing requires high-resolution images to produce clear and detailed prints. The recommended resolution is 300 DPI (dots per inch). This ensures your design will look sharp and vibrant when printed.
Using a lower DPI can lead to blurry or pixelated prints, especially on larger garments. Always check the DPI before sending your file to print, and avoid upscaling a low-resolution image, as this can compromise quality.
3. Match Your File Size to the Print Size
Make sure your image dimensions match the intended print size. For example, if you want your design to be 10 inches wide on the t-shirt, the digital file should also be 10 inches in width at 300 DPI. If you’re using our downloadable print templates, place your onto the template, ensure the graphic is 10 inches in width and export the entire artwork with all order areas remaining transparent.
4. Choosing the Right Colour Mode
DTG printing works best with RGB (Red, Green, Blue) colour mode. Although CMYK is traditionally used for printing, RGB is preferable for DTG because it better represents how colours are displayed digitally. DTG printers mix colours similar to how your home printer works, so starting with an RGB file helps ensure better colour accuracy.
We recommend using the sRGB colour profile, specifically sRGB IEC61966-2.1, as this is what most DTG systems are calibrated to use. Keep in mind that when your file is printed, it will be converted from RGB to CMYK, which can sometimes slightly alter the colours. Using sRGB IEC61966-2.1 helps minimise these changes.
Also, remember that DTG prints may not exactly match the vibrancy of on-screen colours or other printing methods like screen printing. The type of fabric can also impact the final look, with 100% cotton garments generally providing the most vibrant results.
5. Challenges with Different Garments
Not all garments are created equal for DTG printing. Simple garments like t-shirts usually provide a flat surface, making them ideal. However, more complex garments, such as sweatshirts, hoodies, and zip-ups, can pose challenges due to seams, pockets, and zippers. These elements can make it tricky to achieve consistent prints, as they don’t lay flat and may cause uneven prints.
We do our best to adjust your graphics to avoid printing directly over seams, pockets, and zippers, but it’s good to be mindful of these limitations when designing.
6. Embrace Garment Variations
No garment is perfect—they’re all sewn by hand, which means there can be small differences even between items of the same size. Slight variations in seam placement or pocket alignment can affect print placement. While we do our best to inspect every garment, minor inconsistencies can happen.
7. Choose the Right Fabric
The type of fabric you choose has a big impact on DTG printing results. 100% cotton garments generally give the best results, as their tight weave helps the ink adhere more effectively. Polyester blends, tri-blends, and heathered fabrics can lead to a more faded or vintage appearance due to their looser weave and mixed fibres. If you want vibrant, solid prints, stick with 100% cotton garments.
8. Important Things to Remember for DTG Printing
- Solid Colours Over Semi-Transparency: For the best results, use solid colours in your designs. Semi-transparent graphics may not print well with DTG. If you need a semi-transparent effect, try using half toning techniques.
- Avoid Dark Colours on Dark Garments: Avoid using dark designs on dark-coloured garments, as the end result may lack contrast.
- White Ink on Light Garments: White ink isn’t printed on white or natural-coloured garments, leaving those areas blank.
- White Ink on Bright Garments: White ink printed on bright-coloured garments can appear tinted due to the garment colour underneath.
- Print Placement Variations: While we strive for precision, small discrepancies in print placement can occur.
- Avoid Neon Colours: Neon colours may not print as vibrantly as they appear on screen, so it’s best to steer clear of them.
9. Best Practices for DTG File Preparation: Quick Recap
- File Type: Use PNG with a transparent background.
- Resolution: Make sure your file is 300 DPI for the best quality.
- Dimensions: Set your dimensions to match the desired print size on the garment.
- Colour Mode: Use RGB (sRGB IEC61966-2.1) for the best colour accuracy.
- Garment Type: Be mindful of seams, pockets, zippers, and ribbed fabrics that can affect print quality.
- Fabric Choice: Stick with 100% cotton for the most vibrant and reliable results.
- Solid Colours: Use solid colours instead of semi-transparency for the best results.
- Order Samples: Place a sample order to check the final product quality before offering it to customers.
Taking the time to properly prepare your artwork files is key to creating stunning custom apparel. Following these best practices will help you get the most out of DTG printing, resulting in vibrant, professional-looking prints. Always check the file guidelines for each product you decide to print on, and consider placing a sample order to make sure the final product meets your expectations. If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to your printing company for advice—they’re there to help you make your project a success!