Setting up print files correctly

We print your file exactly as you upload it. We do not scale, we do not change any colours and we do not retouch anything. This page shows all requirements at a glance. Below each topic, you will find an article that explains it in detail.

Format, size and structure

Set up the file at exactly the ordered final size; we do not scale
Duplicate your designs on the sheet as many times as you need them
The print file must not contain a background; make the background of your design transparent
Only one layer, as hidden layers are printed too
Do not mirror; our printer takes care of that
In UV printing, lengths of up to 5 metres are possible after consulting our support team

How to fill a sheet sensibly is shown in Gang sheet building for true Kings.

Colour space and colour profile

Set up your file in the CMYK colour space
Colour profile ISO Coated v2 (ECI), for sublimation ISO Coated v2 300%
White as CMYK 0/0/0/0 and black as CMYK 0/0/0/100, no 400 per cent black
For grey tones, use black (K) only, with no cyan, magenta or yellow
No spot colours such as Pantone or HKS; they lead to colour deviations
Gold, silver and neon are not possible; we print exclusively in CMYK

Why colours look different on screen is explained in RGB to CMYK. For grey tones, there is Grey tones in DTF printing, and the set-up is explained in How do I install an ICC profile?

File format and resolution

We only accept PDF and PNG files
Ideally, set up as a vector graphic and upload as a PDF
PNG tends to produce white halos around the edges and only supports RGB, which leads to colour deviations
Image files with at least 300 dpi
Embed all elements, otherwise there will be problems with fonts and images
No multi-page PDF files; we always need a single-page file

The difference between the formats is explained in PDF and PNG files compared and Pixels and vectors compared. For saving, see Exporting your files correctly.

Lines, fonts and effects

Lines and outlines at least 0.4 mm thick, otherwise the adhesive lacks surface area
At least 0.6 mm between two colour areas
Convert fonts to paths or curves
No gradients; they do not fade cleanly into transparency
No shadows that fade out beyond the design
Do not set colour areas to overprint

Cut path for CUT DTF

A single, closed line at least 1 pt thick
Every design that is to be cut needs its own cut line
At least 5 mm between the cut lines and to the printed design
As a spot colour with the exact name CutContour

How to do this step by step is shown in the article Creating a CutContour.

File name and process

File names without spaces
Do not upload preview files as well, otherwise they will be printed too
Files can only be swapped in the event of a file error
After a file error, send us the corrected file by email or via dtfking.wetransfer.com, always quoting your order number

Tip: After exporting, check your file again in a PDF viewer such as Adobe Acrobat for backgrounds and hidden elements.

Orders go straight into prepress. If we contact you about a file error, you can cancel the order in writing within our business hours from 9:00 to 16:00 (German time). Important: a member of our support team must confirm the cancellation.

Unsure about your file?

When ordering, you can add the Pro File Check directly on the product, and we will check your file before production. The most common pitfalls and how to solve them are covered in Most common mistakes and how to fix them. Everything else is answered in the FAQ.