DTF vs DTG vs Sublimation: Which Print Files You Need

All three processes work best with a high-resolution file at the real print size, usually around 300 DPI. DTF and DTG files are normally PNGs with a transparent background, because anything that is not transparent gets printed. Sublimation files are usually filled edge to edge, since sublimation cannot print white and only works on polyester or poly-coated items.

The rest of this guide explains why, and what to set up so every customer order arrives in the right format.

The three processes in one minute

DTF (direct-to-film) prints your design onto a clear PET film with color inks plus a layer of white ink. An adhesive powder is applied and cured, and the transfer is then heat pressed onto the product. It works on cotton, polyester, blends and many other fabrics, on light and dark colors.

DTG (direct-to-garment) is an inkjet printer that prints straight onto the garment. It works best on cotton or high-cotton fabrics. On dark garments the shirt is pretreated and a white ink layer (an “underbase”) is printed under the colors.

Sublimation prints special dye inks onto transfer paper. Under heat and pressure, the dye turns into a gas and bonds with polyester fibers or a polymer coating. It suits white or light polyester apparel and coated “sublimation blanks” such as mugs, mouse pads and coasters.

Side-by-side comparison

	DTF	DTG	Sublimation
Prints on	Most fabrics, light and dark	Cotton and high-cotton blends	Polyester or poly-coated items, white or light colors
Can print white?	Yes (white ink layer)	Yes (white underbase)	No. White areas show the item’s own color
Usual file format	PNG	PNG	PNG, JPG or PDF (ask your printer)
Background	Transparent	Transparent	Usually filled, edge to edge
Resolution	About 300 DPI at print size	About 300 DPI at print size	About 300 DPI at print size
Color mode in file	RGB, usually	RGB, usually	RGB, usually
Mirroring	Usually handled by the RIP	Not needed	Usually handled by the printer software
Typical file shape	Single designs or a gang sheet	One design per placement	Product template, such as a mug wrap

A RIP (raster image processor) is the software that turns your file into instructions for the printer. It often handles color conversion, mirroring and the white ink layer for you. That is why most DTF and DTG shops ask for RGB files, not CMYK. Always confirm with your own printer or RIP.

DTF print files

What to send: a PNG with a transparent background, at the exact size you want it printed, at around 300 DPI.

Things to watch:

• Transparency is the design edge. Every pixel that is not transparent is printed, with white ink behind it. A white rectangle around a logo will print as a white rectangle.
• Soft edges and glows. Semi-transparent pixels (shadows, fades, feathered edges) can print unevenly, because the white layer under them has to be handled somehow. Ask your printer how their RIP deals with them, or avoid them in templates.
• Gang sheets. Many DTF shops print on rolls, commonly 22 inches wide, and sell sheets by length. A gang sheet is one big file with many designs packed onto it. The file must be the full sheet size, for example 22 × 24 in at 300 DPI, which is 6600 × 7200 pixels.
• Trimmed copies. For single transfers, a copy trimmed to the design’s edges is handy for placement and cutting.

DTG print files

What to send: a PNG with a transparent background, sized to the placement (for example a 12 × 16 in front print), at around 300 DPI.

Things to watch:

• Transparent background again. The printer prints what is in the file. On a dark shirt, a non-transparent background becomes a printed box.
• Placement size, not file size. The file should match the real print size on the garment. A small file stretched to a large chest print will look soft.
• Very thin lines and tiny text. They can disappear into the fabric. Keep details reasonably bold.
• Dark garments. The white underbase is usually created by the RIP. You do not normally add white yourself.

Sublimation print files

What to send: a full-size file for the product template, filled edge to edge, at around 300 DPI. Your printer will tell you whether they want PNG, JPG or PDF.

Things to watch:

• No white ink. Anything white or transparent in your design shows the product’s own color. On a white mug that is fine. On a gray shirt, “white” text will be gray.
• Bleed. For mugs and all-over prints, extend the background a little past the edges so small press shifts do not leave blank lines. Your blank supplier usually gives template sizes.
• Mirroring. Sublimation transfers are printed mirror-image so they read correctly after pressing. Most printer software does this at print time, so send the file un-mirrored unless told otherwise.
• Material. Sublimation needs polyester or a poly coating. It does not work on plain cotton.

What every print file needs, whatever the process

1. The real print size. Inches or centimeters that match the product.
2. Enough pixels. Around 300 DPI at that size for close-up items. See our print file DPI guide for the math.
3. A clear background decision. Transparent for DTF and DTG, filled for most sublimation.
4. The format your printer or RIP expects. Usually PNG, sometimes PDF.
5. Consistent naming. Order number and side in the file name save time on busy days.

How to set this up with Customezo

In Customezo, each product gets a print method that matches how it is produced. The method controls the designer and the export:

• Export format: PNG, PDF or both.
• Export DPI: anywhere from 72 to 1200.
• Color mode: RGB, grayscale, or CMYK as a PDF/X-1a file for commercial printing.
• Background: transparent, white, black or a custom color.
• Trim transparent pixels: adds a trimmed PNG next to the full-size file, useful for DTF.
• Minimum image DPI: warn the customer, or block checkout, when an upload is too low resolution.

For DTF, a typical setup is a PNG at 300 DPI, RGB, transparent background, with trimming on. Canvas products come with presets such as a 22 × 24 in DTF sheet, square transfers (11 × 11, 9 × 9, 7 × 7 and 5 × 5 in), A4, posters, a mug wrap and stickers.

Each order then includes a print file, a print PDF if you enabled it, an order summary PDF and an Order ZIP with everything. Customezo does not send files to print providers; it gives you the files to produce yourself or pass to your printer. Learn more on the print-ready files page, the DTF transfers use case, and the Print methods and Orders & print files help articles.

FAQ

Can I use the same print file for DTF and DTG?

Often, yes. Both usually want a transparent PNG at the real print size and around 300 DPI. The difference is in how the printer handles it, such as mirroring and the white layer. Check with each printer before reusing files.

Should I send CMYK files for DTF or DTG?

Usually not. Most DTF and DTG workflows take RGB files and let the RIP convert the colors. CMYK files are more common for commercial and offset printing. Ask your printer if you are unsure.

Why does white print gray on my sublimation shirt?

Sublimation has no white ink. White areas in the design are simply not printed, so you see the fabric color. Use white or very light polyester items, or choose DTF for dark garments.

What resolution do gang sheets need?

The same as single designs: about 300 DPI at full sheet size. A 22 × 24 in sheet at 300 DPI is 6600 × 7200 pixels.