How to Prepare Your Files for DTG Printing

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing is a digital printing technology that allows you to print full-color designs directly onto garments. DTG printing is a great way to create custom t-shirts, hoodies, and other apparel items. However, in order to get the best results from DTG printing, it is important to properly prepare your files.

Here are some tips on how to prepare your files for DTG printing:

Use the Correct File Format

The first step in preparing your files for DTG printing is to use the correct file format. DTG printers can only print files that are in the following formats:

PNG

JPG

TIFF

PSD

If your file is not in one of these formats, you will need to convert it before you can print it.

Set the Correct Resolution

The resolution of your file determines the quality of the printed image. The higher the resolution, the better the quality of the image. For DTG printing, the recommended resolution is 300 dpi. This means that there should be 300 dots per inch in your image.

If your file has a resolution that is too low, the printed image will be blurry. If your file has a resolution that is too high, the printed image will be too large and may not fit on the garment.

Create a Transparent Background

The background of your file should be transparent. This means that there should be no white or colored areas around your design. If there is a background around your design, it will be printed on the garment.

You can create a transparent background in Photoshop by using the “Magic Wand” tool to select the background and then pressing the “Delete” key.

Size Your Design Correctly

The size of your design will determine the size of the printed image. When you are sizing your design, be sure to take into account the size of the garment that you are printing on.

If your design is too small, it will be difficult to see. If your design is too large, it may not fit on the garment.

Test Your Design

Before you print your design on a garment, it is important to test it on a piece of scrap fabric. This will allow you to make sure that your design is the correct size and that the colors are correct.

If you are not satisfied with the test print, you can make adjustments to your file before you print it on a garment.