Houston File-Prep Support

Transfer File Requirements

Use artwork built at final print size and 300 to 600 DPI whenever possible, with transparent PNG or vector files for clean edges.

DTF, plastisol, and UV workflows each have different file constraints, so match artwork style to method before checkout.

If timing is tight, clear DPI, transparency, and proof checks early to avoid avoidable manual-review delays.

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Transfer File Requirements (DTF, Plastisol, UV)

Your transfer is only as good as your file. Fast production is great until low-res or background-heavy artwork creates avoidable surprises.

This page is the no-surprises checklist for DTF apparel files, plastisol spot-color files, and UV peel-and-stick hard-goods files.

Houston deadline pressure is real. Clean files keep orders moving and reduce manual-review delays.

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Quick Print-Ready Checklist (60 Seconds)

  • 1Use final print size before upload (do not stretch tiny files).
  • 2Target 300 to 600 DPI at the size you want printed.
  • 3Use transparent background when needed, especially for DTF and UV.
  • 4For DTF fine detail, keep lines and tiny features at least 1 pt.
  • 5For plastisol, keep artwork to solid spot colors (typically 1 to 3).
  • 6Remove accidental blank padding around artwork before placing gang-sheet sizes.

Accepted File Types

Safest Across Main Upload Paths

SVGPDFPNGJPG/JPEG

Supported In Select Flows

WebPTIFFAI

For the most consistent behavior across checkout flows, SVG/PDF/PNG/JPG remains the lowest-friction path.

Best Format By Goal

GoalRecommended file typeWhy it wins
Crisp logos and scalable edge detailSVG (preferred)Vector artwork stays sharp at any print size.
Vector exports from design toolsPDFReliable print-ready format with strong compatibility.
Full-color artwork with transparent backgroundPNGGreat for DTF and UV when background is truly transparent.
Illustrator source handoffAI (supported in select flows)Useful for source edits, but convert to SVG/PDF for safest cross-flow upload.
High-detail raster sourceTIFF (supported in select flows)Can preserve quality, but not all upload paths treat TIFF equally.
Last-resort raster fileJPG/JPEGWorks, but no transparency and compression can reduce quality.

DPI And Final Size Requirements

Rule: target 300 to 600 DPI at the exact print size you want.

A 5-inch file at 300 DPI enlarged to 12 inches will lose clarity. Build the file at 12 inches from the start when 12 inches is the print target.

Gang builder surfaces DPI indicators and low-resolution warnings so you can catch quality risk before checkout.

Backgrounds And Transparency

  • For DTF and UV, transparent background or clean vector artwork usually gives the cleanest edge.
  • Faint near-white backgrounds in rushed exports can print as visible boxes on dark garments.
  • Gang builder workflows include background removal and upscale options when source quality is weak.

Transfer-Specific Artwork Rules

DTF

  • Best files: SVG, PDF, or high-res transparent PNG.
  • Minimum fine detail target: 1 pt for lines and tiny text.

DTF application guide

UV Peel-and-Stick

  • Use clean, high-resolution files sized to final hard-goods output.
  • Transparent PNG or vector files simplify cleaner decal edges.

UV application guide

Using Gang Sheets?

Build your sheet here: /gang.

  • Trim extra blank space so artwork bounds match sizing intent.
  • Watch DPI warnings before committing low-resolution artwork.
  • Approve and download proof (PNG/PDF) before checkout.

Upload Options And Tools

  • Upload from device or drag-and-drop in supported flows.
  • Paste-from-clipboard and quick upload actions are available in gang workflows.
  • Background-removal and upscale helpers can recover borderline files, but better source art always wins.

Do We Check Every File Before Printing?

  • Default behavior: production runs from the file submitted.
  • Low-quality files can still be submitted; warnings are guidance, not hard blockers.
  • Manual preflight requests can be added in order notes, but review can add processing time.

Common File Problems And Fast Fixes

Blurry or pixelated output

Re-export at 300 to 600 DPI at final size, or switch to vector SVG/PDF when logo art is available.

Printed smaller than expected

Remove extra transparent padding and size by visible artwork bounds, especially for gang sheets.

Box behind artwork

Source file was likely JPG or non-transparent export. Replace with transparent PNG or vector.

Tiny DTF detail dropped out

Increase detail thickness and avoid sub-1pt line work for production reliability.

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Best Format by Goal

Pick format based on output goal, not whatever export is convenient.

Sharp scalable logos

Recommended setupSVG or PDF vector artwork
Why it mattersVectors remain crisp across size changes.
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Full-color art with cutout edges

Recommended setupTransparent PNG at final size
Why it mattersAvoids background boxes and keeps clean contour.
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Photo-heavy raster designs

Recommended setupHigh-resolution PNG or TIFF
Why it mattersHolds detail better than heavily compressed exports.
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Legacy or fallback files

Recommended setupJPG/JPEG only when no better source exists
Why it mattersNo transparency support and compression risk.
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Best For

  • Shops that need first-pass production quality under deadline pressure.
  • Teams placing DTF, plastisol, and UV orders from the same content source.
  • Operators who want fewer reprints caused by scaling and transparency mistakes.

Not Ideal For

  • Design-from-scratch projects without source assets or editable files.
  • Users who have not decided transfer method and only need method selection first.

Houston Operations Notes

  • ✓Safest cross-flow formats are SVG, PDF, PNG, and JPG/JPEG, while some starter/custom paths also support WebP, TIFF, and AI.
  • ✓Gang builder upload flow is stricter and centers on PNG, JPG, SVG, and PDF for predictable handling.
  • ✓DTF fine detail should stay above 1 pt to reduce detail loss in production.
  • ✓File issues can trigger manual review and impact same-day DTF timing commitments.
  • ✓Proof and DPI checks should be completed before speed-sensitive checkout paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What file type is best overall?
SVG or PDF is usually best for sharp, scalable output; transparent PNG is the best raster fallback for cutout artwork.
What DPI should I target?
Use 300 to 600 DPI at final print size so detail holds when the transfer is produced.
Are AI and TIFF files accepted?
Some starter/custom upload paths support AI and TIFF, but SVG/PDF/PNG/JPG is the safest cross-flow standard.
What are plastisol artwork requirements?
Plastisol setup is strongest with simple spot-color artwork, typically 1 to 3 colors, with specialty flows often 1 color.
Do you print exactly what I upload?
Yes by default, with optional manual preflight-style review notes that can add processing delay.

Ready to Start?

Start your order now or contact a transfer specialist to confirm method, timing, and file readiness.

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Transfer File Requirements (DTF, Plastisol Screen Print, UV DTF) | AMS Transfers