Updated on 14 September 2026
Whether your design comes out razor-sharp in print or ends up with unsightly white edges is often decided by the file itself. In this article, we explain the difference between pixel and vector graphics, why it matters so much in DTF printing and how to set up both correctly for print.
Pixel or vector: the difference
A pixel graphic is made up of many small dots that together form an image. Photos, scanned originals and most images from the internet are pixel graphics. Their resolution is fixed: if you enlarge them, the dots become visible and the edges look jagged.
A vector graphic describes shapes with lines and curves. It can be enlarged as much as you like without any loss and stays sharp. Typical examples are logos, lettering and illustrations made of clear areas.
- Pixel: suits photos and fine colour gradients; the quality depends on the resolution.
- Vector: suits logos, lettering and solid areas; sharp at any size.
Why pixel graphics get white edges in DTF printing
In DTF printing, your design is printed in full colour and backed with opaque white. The white keeps the colours strong, even on dark textiles. For the printer, every pixel that is not fully transparent counts.
This is exactly where pixel graphics become a problem: their edges often contain semi-transparent pixels that blend softly into the background. You cannot see this on screen. In print, however, these pixels receive only a hint of colour but still get full white underneath. The result is fine white edges around your design, known as white halos.
A higher resolution makes these edges narrower but does not prevent them completely. You get cleaner results with crisp edges and no soft transitions, or by using a vector graphic straight away.
Vector graphics: clean edges at any size
Vector graphics have clearly defined edges without semi-transparent transitions. That is why they do not produce unwanted white edges, and you can print the design at any size without losing quality. For logos, lettering and designs made of clear areas, they are the safest choice.
To create them, you need vector software. Our graphics team works with Adobe Illustrator; good alternatives are Affinity Designer, CorelDRAW or the free Inkscape.
- Photoshop, Canva and similar tools: These programs work mainly with pixels. Fonts and shapes can end up as vectors in the PDF, but photos and painted elements remain pixels. Set these up with a resolution of at least 300 dpi.
- Logo only as an image? In Illustrator, you can convert it into vectors with Image Trace. Check the result carefully afterwards, as fine details are easily lost.
- Gradients: Gradients that fade into transparency cannot be printed cleanly, neither as pixels nor as vectors. So let a gradient end in a colour rather than fading out into nothing.
How to set up pixel graphics correctly
Not every design can be created as a vector, photos for example. With these points, a pixel graphic will print cleanly too:
- Set up image files with at least 300 dpi at the final print size.
- Do not enlarge small images afterwards, as this does not create any new detail.
- Cut out designs with crisp edges, without a feathered selection edge and without shadows that fade into transparency.
- Check the edges at high magnification. Semi-transparent pixels along the edge turn into white edges in print.
PDF or PNG?
We accept PDF and PNG files. Ideally, create your design as a vector graphic and upload it as a PDF. But be careful: a PDF is no guarantee of vectors. It is a container that can hold pixel images, vector graphics or a mix of both. If it contains a pixel image, that image remains a pixel graphic with the same properties.
| Feature | PNG | |
|---|---|---|
| Content | always pixels | pixels, vectors or a mix of both |
| Colours | RGB only | RGB or CMYK; each element can have its own colour profile |
| Edges | soft edges can lead to white halos | vectors stay sharp, embedded pixel images behave as in a PNG |
| Good for | photos and pixel designs with at least 300 dpi | logos, lettering and designs as vectors |
Because every image in a PDF can bring its own colour profile, it is worth checking your export settings. In Illustrator, when saving as Adobe PDF, go to Output, set Color Conversion to ‘Convert to Destination’ and choose ISO Coated v2 (ECI). This also converts embedded images with their own profile to this profile. You can read more about this in PDF and PNG files compared and in Exporting your files correctly.
Frequently asked questions
What resolution do I need for DTF printing?
At least 300 dpi at the size at which the design will be printed. Vector graphics have no fixed resolution and stay sharp at any size.
Is a PDF always a vector file?
No. A PDF can contain pixel images, vectors or both. You can tell whether it contains vectors at high magnification.
How can I tell whether my file contains vectors?
Zoom in a long way, for example to 800 per cent. If the edges stay smooth, they are vectors. If pixel steps become visible, it is a pixel graphic, even if the file is a PDF.
Can I convert a pixel image into a vector?
This works well for simple logos and lettering, for example with Image Trace in Illustrator. For photos and fine details, it does not give usable results.
Why does my print have white edges?
There are usually semi-transparent pixels along the edges. In print, they receive hardly any colour but full white underneath. Cut out your design with hard edges or use a vector graphic.
Help with your print files
Want to be on the safe side? You can add the Pro File Check to your order. We then check the format, the colour mode with colour profile and the main transparency of your gang sheet before production. The resolution and semi-transparent pixels within your design are not part of the check, so it is best to pay attention to them when you set up your file.
If you are unsure, our customer service will be happy to help. And if you ask nicely, we will also take a quick look at your file. This does not replace a Pro File Check, however.
Setting up print files correctlyView Pro File CheckContact customer service
Related articles
15/02/2023
PDF and PNG files compared
15/07/2024
Exporting your files correctly
Wishing you every success with your projects,
DTF-King Team
