Artwork Guidelines

To ensure the highest print quality and the fastest production times, it’s important that your artwork is prepared correctly before uploading. Whether you are ordering DTF Gang Sheets, Custom DTF Transfers, Glitter DTF, UV DTF Hard-Substrate Transfers, or Sublimation Prints, proper file preparation guarantees clean, sharp, vibrant results.

These guidelines explain each requirement in detail so you can avoid delays, color issues, pixelation, or rejected artwork.

1. Accepted File Formats

For the best printing quality, 143MTD accepts the following file types:

✔ .PNG (transparent background required)

This is the preferred format for DTF and UV DTF because it maintains clean edges and sharp detail.

✔ .AI (Adobe Illustrator)

Perfect for vector artwork, logos, and graphics requiring scalability.

✔ .EPS

Another high-quality vector format ideal for logos and clean designs.

✔ .PDF (High Resolution Only)

PDF files must be exported at full resolution with transparency enabled (if applicable).

2. Color Mode Requirements – MUST BE RGB

All artwork must be created and exported in RGB color mode.

Why RGB?

  • DTF printing uses a digital process designed for RGB-based color output.

  • Files submitted in CMYK often shift in brightness or tone.

  • Colors may look dull, dark, or inaccurate when converted during printing.

What Happens if You Submit CMYK Artwork?

  • Your colors may print differently than what you see

  • We are not responsible for color shifts caused by CMYK files

Always design, export, and double-check your file in RGB before uploading.

3. Resolution Requirements

For sharp, clean printing with no pixelation:

✔ Minimum resolution: 300 DPI

Lower-resolution artwork will result in:

  • Blurry edges

  • Soft details

  • Grainy text

  • Loss of clarity after pressing

If you enlarge a small image to fill a gang sheet, it will not print cleanly.
Always start with high-resolution or vector artwork.

4. Background Requirements

✔ DTF & UV DTF Artwork

Artwork must be submitted with a transparent background unless your design intentionally includes a background shape.

Avoid:

  • White boxes around PNG files

  • Unwanted rectangles behind logos

  • Flattened backgrounds that cannot be removed

If you upload artwork without transparency, it will print exactly as submitted — including the unwanted background.

5. DO NOT Mirror Your Designs

Customers should NOT mirror or flip artwork before uploading.

DTF printing automatically prints correctly for garment application.
If you mirror your artwork:

  • Your design will press backwards

  • The order will not qualify for reprint

Always upload your designs in the normal readable direction.

6. Proper Gang Sheet Setup

If you create your own gang sheet in Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate, or Canva:

✔ Minimum artboard size: 22" wide × 8" tall

(You may use larger dimensions for bigger sheets.)

✔ Steps to create your gang sheet:

  1. Create an artboard at least 22" wide

  2. Arrange your images at the exact sizes you want printed

  3. Leave small, clean spacing between designs

  4. Group the entire layout

  5. Export as a 300 DPI transparent PNG

  6. Upload ONE sheet at a time to avoid zip file delays

Important:

All white-only designs must be placed on their own sheet
Do not mix:

  • Color designs with white-only designs

  • Glitter designs with regular designs

  • UV DTF files with DTF files

Keeping files separated ensures the correct print method is used.

7. Sizing Your Design Correctly

Your print will be produced exactly at the size you submit.

143MTD does not resize artwork unless requested.

To avoid issues:

  • Measure your design area on the shirt or item

  • Size your artwork in your design software

  • Double-check the dimensions before uploading

  • Do not rely on screenshots or mobile previews

  • Keep important details away from edges

If exact size matters, add your size in the filename (e.g., “Logo_11in.png”).

8. Avoid Low-Quality or Prohibited Artwork

We recommend avoiding:

  • Screenshots

  • Blurry photos

  • Social media images

  • Watermarked artwork

  • Pixelated graphics

  • Auto-vectorized low-quality files

  • Copyrighted designs you do not have permission to print

143MTD prints exactly what is submitted, so the cleaner your file, the cleaner your print.

9. UV DTF Artwork Requirements (Important)

For UV DTF Transfers applied to cups, tumblers, glass, acrylic, or hard surfaces:

  • PNG file required

  • Transparent background

  • Clean edges

  • No pixelation

  • Avoid extremely thin lines

  • Avoid large transparent gradients (they may appear inconsistent)

UV DTF prints require crisp outlines and solid areas for the best adhesion.

10. Sublimation Artwork Requirements

If ordering sublimation prints:

  • Create artwork in RGB

  • Must be 300 DPI minimum

  • Must be sized exactly to your press area

  • Backgrounds are allowed

  • Colors may shift if using CMYK design files

Sublimation requires high-resolution artwork for clean results.

11. Artwork That May Cause Delays

Your order may be delayed if your file contains:

  • RGB → CMYK conversion issues

  • Incorrect transparency

  • Low resolution

  • Missing fonts

  • Layers not flattened

  • Files zipped automatically during upload (multiple-file uploads)

  • Incorrect sizing

  • Watermarked or copyrighted content

Check your file carefully before submitting.

Need Help With Your Artwork?

If you’re unsure whether your design meets our guidelines, send it to us before ordering.

We can quickly review your file for:

  • Resolution

  • Sizing

  • Transparency

  • File type

  • RGB/CMYK issues

Contact Us Anytime

📞 Call/Text: 573-375-9030
📧 Email: orders@143mtd.com
📍 Address: 414 Georgia Street, Louisiana, MO 63353
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1143MTD
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytwisteddesignz/#

We’re here to help ensure your artwork prints perfectly — every time.