Preparing Artwork for DTG Printing

How to Prepare DTG Artwork

1. Create your image the correct size
2. Create your image with the Correct Resolution. 300 DPI
3. Make sure the Color Mode is in RBG mode and Not CMYK
4. Use the right Colors in your design with the Dtg Artwork Chart.
5. Make sure you have a transparent Background
6. Save Your Image as a PNG file type

If you are interested in DTG Printing then you want to know how to create your artwork for your custom t-shirts. It is not done the same way that you would prepare screen printing artwork. You have a few different options to design a t-shirt. 

DTG Printers have the capability to print Full color Raster images. We don't need Vector images to print but we can print them also if you convert them to Png files with a transparent background.

Artwork size

We are capable of printing oversized 16x18 inches with DTG Printing but we print our images 10x12 for standard printing.

Image Resolution

The Resolution of the image should be 300 dpi. Dpi stands for Dots Per Inch.

Color Mode

Your artwork should be saved in RGB for DTG Printing. For Screen Printing you would want CMYK. It is different for DTG because we are printing full color. The Rip Software will determine any other settings.

Background Color

You want to save your file with a Transparent Background. You will notice right away if the background is transparent. If you are in photoshop then the background has checkered squares.

How to convert a CMYK Image to RGB Mode

If you are using photoshop you can click the Image tab at the top. You should see the Word Mode. Then Click on RGB to for DTG artwork. If you were creating it for screen printing or business cards you would want to select CMYK.

How to select pan tones?

Dtg does not use Pan tones. There are ways that you can get your images close to a specific color but it is not guaranteed. Below is a chart that you can use for reference. 

DTG Color Matching

The Best way to get color matching for your design is to order the DTG Artwork Chart on a white shirt and a dark shirt. Then you will see the colors that you are looking for. After you receive both shirts you will know what colors to adjust to get the colors that you are looking for. 

Thes DTG color swatches are available to order just like a normal order. Just add the chart to the shirt and place your order.

DTG Artwork Chart

File Types for DTG

• PNG
• JPG
• Jpeg
• SVG

Png is the Best file type for Direct to Garment Printers. This also keeps your Transparent background saved. If you have a transparent background and save your image as a JPG. You will end up with a White background in your image.

DTG does not produce super bright neon colors the way that vinyl or another form of printing. Also, every computer monitor is different so there should be no expectations of a match.

Let us know some of your tips and tricks for DTG Printing below in the comment section